2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Problems & Complaints

Better than average70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLK350 at the same age

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 70% fewer than a typical CLK350 model year at the same age, making the 2008 one of the better CLK350 years. The most reported problem area is the fuel & propulsion system (6 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

15complaints
3recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 problems

  • Fuel & propulsion system~54,000 miles
    640%
  • Electrical system~74,000 miles
    427%
  • Air bags~99,000 miles
    320%
  • Lights~74,000 miles
    213%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~40,000 miles
    213%
  • Body & structure~50,000 miles
    17%
  • Other / not specified~50,000 miles
    17%
  • Seats
    17%
  • Stability & traction control~130,000 miles
    17%
  • Engine & cooling~130,000 miles
    17%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~130,000 miles
    17%

Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz CLK350 complaints by model year

20062007200820093742158
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CLK350. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best CLK350 years: 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 owners say

Fuel & propulsion system

Routine maintenance identified gasoline leaking from fuel tank's "fuel sender". Small crack in plastic fuel sender at point where fuel hose attached to sender allowed gasoline to accumulate over time in area surrounding sender and then travel to underside of car in an area immediately adjacent to exhaust system. At time leak was discovered approx 1/4 cup of fuel had accumulated. Had problem not been discovered a car fire was inevitable

45,000 miles · Feb 2018

Purchased from private individual with mileage 43,000. Filled up the gas tank on two occasions. After each occasion, placed car in garage afterward and closed garage door. The smell of raw gas was overwhelming as soon as garage door was shut. Due to the overwhelming smell and safety concern, car was parked in driveway. No leaks on garage floor were found. Car parked in garage the next day without the smell of raw gas.

43,000 miles · Jan 2019

Electrical system

On 12/31/2017 my car was parked on drive way of 800 villa florence dr. Naples florida and without any prior sign of trouble car cut in fire from left side of trunk. There was nothing in trunk of this car except to light weight beach chairs.

50,000 miles · Dec 2017 · fire

My wife told me her headlight was burned out. When I replaced the bulb, I found the insulation on the electrical harness and headlights is deteriorating leaving exposed bare wires causing electrical shorting, equipment failures, electrical fires, leading to potentially serious life threatening accidents. Mercedes Benz is not supplying a fix as reported by multiple owners. Also extended warranty insurers are denying coverage due to the wide spread defect across the Mercedes Benz models.

74,000 miles · Nov 2017

Air bags

Takata recall. SRS light came on. Took car to dealership. Advised that airbag in passenger seat had high resistance.the seat back was removed and airbag replaced. Approximately 3 weeks later and $981.00 my car was returned to me.

99,000 miles · Dec 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350. While the vehicle was stationary, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning and "check SRS air bag" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the wiring for both the driver and passenger seats were replaced. The failure recurred. A dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Jun 2018

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automaticRWD17 / 25 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 a good car?

Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 CLK350 rates better than average: 70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLK350 at the same age. It is one of the best CLK350 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350?

The fuel & propulsion system — 6 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (4) and air bags (3).

How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350, 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 CLK350?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Mercedes-Benz CLK350 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 54,000 miles; 27% 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.