2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class Problems & Complaints

Average33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLK Class at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2004 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 seat belts (2 complaints, typically around 111,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

7complaints
2recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class problems

  • Seat belts~111,000 miles
    229%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~6,000 miles
    229%
  • Wheels & tires
    229%
  • Air bags
    114%
  • Equipment & accessories~18,000 miles
    114%

Share of the 7 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 →

2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class recalls (2)

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.

2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.2L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD18 / 24 / 20
5.0L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD15 / 21 / 17
5.4L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD14 / 20 / 16

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 CLK Class rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLK Class at the same age. It is one of the best CLK Class years by this measure. 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class?

The seat belts — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › retractor. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and wheels & tires (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 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.