Mercedes-Benz CLK Class Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz CLK Class model year from 2001–2004 using 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2001, which drew far more complaints than other CLK Class years at the same age. The best years are 2004.

3model years
31complaints
2recalls
2001worst years
2004best years

Complaints by model year

20012003200414107
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20047−33%2Seat BeltAverage
200310typical1Wheel & TireAverage
2001141.6×—ElectricalCaution

* Complaints compared with the median CLK Class year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz CLK Class problems

  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2001
    723%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2001
    619%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2001
    413%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2003
    413%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2004
    310%
  • Body & structureworst: 2001
    26%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2003
    26%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2001
    13%
  • Lightsworst: 2003
    13%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2003
    13%
  • Steeringworst: 2003
    13%
  • Air bagsworst: 2004
    13%

Latest Mercedes-Benz CLK Class recalls

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 08V-303 · Jul 7, 2008 · 404 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Seat belts

NHTSA recall 03V-534 · Dec 19, 2003 · 4,348 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles, some seat belt buckles May have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belts. Owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz CLK Class should you avoid?

2001 — this year has the most complaints relative to other CLK Class years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2001.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz CLK Class?

2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other CLK Class years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CLK Class problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (7), electrical system (6) and engine & cooling (4). Transmission complaints peak in the 2001 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz CLK Class had?

2 recalls across 2001–2004. The model year with the most is 2004.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.