2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Problems & Complaints

Average33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLK320 at the same age

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the CLK320 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the seat belts (6 complaints, typically around 38,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

16complaints
3recalls
2crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 problems

  • Seat belts~38,000 miles
    638%
  • Electrical system~70,000 miles
    425%
  • Air bags~38,000 miles
    425%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~97,000 miles
    213%
  • Locks & latches
    16%
  • Seats~30,000 miles
    16%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~69,000 miles
    16%
  • Engine & cooling
    16%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    16%
  • Wheels & tires
    16%
  • Body & structure
    16%

Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz CLK320 complaints by model year

199920002001200220032004200518171516191612
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CLK320. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best CLK320 years: 2005, 2001, 2004. Compare all years →

2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 recalls (3)

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 19V-918 · Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020.

What 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 owners say

Seat belts

The vehicle during a severe accident, in which the other drivers air bags were deployed, our vehicles airbags did not in fact deploy at any rate. Which put all passengers in severe danger causing injuries that could have been avoided if they worked properly. Also the drivers seat belt (which was worn at the time of the accident) due to the immense collision at one point clicks unhinged and would no longer actively snap back causing multiple injuries as well. This incident will call for suit.

Feb 2023 · crash · 1 injury

The airbags deployed on their own without a collision. I was driving 30 MPH on a residential street with roads in excellent condition when all the sudden the steering wheel and passenger dash airbags went off out of n o where.

217,000 miles · Jan 2020

Electrical system

My voltage regulator went out in my Benz. It surged and destroyed other components of my vehicle. Not too mention that this is highly in safe. I researched on line, and Mercedes Benz had done a voluntary recall, but they are not acknowledging the issue now, and are denying it. They say my VIN doesn't match, and I questioned there integrity. This is such a dangerous issue, and I have a two year old son that must ride in this care. Can someone please help me. They know the problem exists, and it is dangerous, but refuse to fix it- now that is under ownership. (ap) daimlerchrysler ag said Thursday it is recalling some 1.3 million Mercedes-Benz cars worldwide to fix problems with their alternators and batteries. The german-U.S. Auto maker said it will check the voltage regulator in the alternator on six- and eight-cylinder models and replace the regulator if needed. …

70,000 miles · Jun 2004

Tl contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK320. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated on the dashboard. When she had the vehicle inspected on two different occasions, it failed inspection since the light was on. She took the vehicle to a repair shop and was told that the secondary air injection system was the cause for the failure. A mechanic informed her of recall 08V303000, electrical system but when she called the manufacturer; she was told that her vehicle was not included. At the time of the complaint, the service engine light was illuminated and the vehicle had not been repaired. The current mileage was approximately 87,000. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

80,000 miles · Sep 2009

Air bags

The vehicle during a severe accident, in which the other drivers air bags were deployed, our vehicles airbags did not in fact deploy at any rate. Which put all passengers in severe danger causing injuries that could have been avoided if they worked properly. Also the drivers seat belt (which was worn at the time of the accident) due to the immense collision at one point clicks unhinged and would no longer actively snap back causing multiple injuries as well. This incident will call for suit.

Feb 2023 · crash · 1 injury

After stopping at a red light, I went thru the street and going less than 25 MPH and in less than 100 yards drove directly into an overhead light standard in a median strip. I don't know to this day what happened. I told my auto insurance company (hartford- aarp) that I must have coughed and my eyes closed causing me to run into the light. To this day I am not sure what happened, .did I run into the light standard and the air bags deployed of did the airbags deploy and cause me to run into the light standard? My wife thinks that the front air bags deployed which caused me to run into the light standard.my wife nor I felt no impact of any type prior to the airbags deploying, eg did not notice running into a curb or anything else. …

Frontal · 25,000 miles · May 2009 · crash

2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.2L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD18 / 24 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 a good car?

Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 CLK320 rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLK320 at the same age. It is one of the best CLK320 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 CLK320?

The seat belts — 6 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (4) and air bags (4).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320, the most recent from November 19, 2024 (sun/moon roof assembly). 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 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 45% 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.