Most common 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz CLK320 complaints by model year
Best CLK320 years: 2005, 2001, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320:
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures…
What 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 owners say
Electrical system
This car had no mechanical issues. The car was started and the convertible top was put down. Within a couple of minutes the car was shut off. Twenty minutes later smoke was seen coming from the hood vent near the windshield. The hood was opened and a fire extinguisher used on the site of the smoke. Car was started to check for possible problem area. All indicators were good. Car was immediately turned off. Few minutes later, fire was seen in the passenger footwell and then spread to the engine area fire department was called. Within five minutes the engine and car interior were burned and the air bags exploded.
Emergency trunk release failed this system should be mechanical and should not fail remains failed whether electrical power is on, accessory is powered or switch in ca in, also remain failed with key
Air bags
I was injured in an automobile crash, due to my airbags not deploying. The impact was certainly great enough for them to deploy, however the manufacturer denies that they operated incorrectly. I would expect an impact at 35-40 MPH would be enough to deploy an airbag and prevent certain injuries.
Vehicle was involved in a t-bone accident at approximately 45 MPH into driver's side door, and air bags did not deploy. Dealer/manufacturer were notified at this time.
Speed control & acceleration
The sfloor shifter and linkage just went out randomly and caused the vehicle to be complacent and non-repairable without any fault or damage by me or previous owner the entire vehicle is been unserviceable and has been unable to locate the original discontinued part and I believe all 2000 clk 320 Benz cabriolet models have the same defect within the linkage and shifter which is it becomes stuck and gears lock causing inability to go into gear and safely manuver the vehicle as it was made to be manuvered. Vehicle was taken to the Benz service center and still was unable to be fixed basically the solenoid goes out with the shifter then the vehicle becomes inoperable or startable while the rest of the vehicle is in perfect condition a component is causing major losses and safety hazards. Gear slipping and misfires as well to the ECM unit. …
At about 2 pm on the date of the incident, driver left store parking lot and had stopped car, waiting for an appropriate time to turn right into the right lane of a three lane major highway. Car accellerated out of driver's control across the three lanes of the highway, in front of and amid approaching traffic, and then onto a grassy median strip with a ravine in the center. Car entered median strip almost directly across from the point where the car had been stopped and waiting to enter the highway. As the car was crossing the highway, driver could not control the vehicle despite all possible physical force put on the brake pedal and with both hands on the steering wheel. As the car accellerated across the highway, the police report details a collision with another car. After car entered the median strip, driver tried to keep car in the median strip and was mostly able to do so. …
2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 CLK320 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the CLK320 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the air bags (3) and speed control & acceleration (3).
How many recalls does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz CLK320?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2001 and 2004. See the full Mercedes-Benz CLK320 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 50% 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.