2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the CLK Class at the same age

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the CLK Class at the same age. The most reported problem area is the wheels & tires (2 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

10complaints
1recalls
1crashes
1fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class problems

  • Wheels & tires~72,000 miles
    220%
  • Equipment & accessories~1,000 miles
    110%
  • Lights
    110%
  • Speed control & acceleration~21,000 miles
    110%
  • Body & structure~29,000 miles
    110%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~24,000 miles
    110%
  • Steering~58,000 miles
    110%
  • Electrical system~33,000 miles
    110%
  • Seat belts~103,000 miles
    110%

Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz CLK Class 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).

Best CLK Class years: 2004. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class recalls (1)

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.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.2L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD17 / 24 / 20
4.3L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 22 / 18
5.0L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD15 / 21 / 17
5.4L 8-cyl supercharged5-speed automaticRWD14 / 20 / 16

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class a good car?

Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 CLK Class rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the CLK Class at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class?

The wheels & tires — 2 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sidewall. Next are the equipment & accessories (1) and lights (1).

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class have?

There is 1 recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, the most recent from July 7, 2008 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz CLK Class?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz CLK Class years comparison.

At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 29,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.