Most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz CLK500 complaints by model year
Best CLK500 years: 2003, 2006. Compare all years →
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 recalls (3)
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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
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
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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
I've started noticing a very strong smell of gasoline coming from the driver's side rear wheel well after filling up the car. The gas fill door is on passenger side. In doing some research on the web, it's come to my attention that there are many other people with my make and model with the same problem. Also, a class action suit was filed for the s class and e class models of Mercedes that were having this same gas fumes issue after filling up the tank. Mercedes offered an extended warranty of up to 15 additional years for the affected cars. They acknowledged that it was a crack in the top of the fuel tank, or in some cases a seal on a vent hose that was the problem. I've learned that my model of Mercedes shares the same fuel tank as the other cars mentioned above. …
When the gas tank is full there is a very strong gas smell all around the automobile. The vehicle is parked with the ignition off. This should not be the case. The CEL will come on with code p0456. A smoke test of the fuel filler neck showed there was a leak. Part no: w0133-2075480. This part is the same design as what is on the cls. This same fuel smell issue is on the e class and cls class and a warranty extension has been issued for an additional 15 years but nothing for the clk. This is a dangerous issue with heat and fuel and it should be addressed by Mercedes na . After discussing with Mercedes their stance is this is a normal ware item. I do not buy it.
Wheels & tires
While driving at 60mph on the a highway, without warning the passenger rear tire had a blowout. I immediately pulled off the road and when looking to see what happened, clearly seen was the rubber from the tire completely separated from the tire, causing major damage to my car. The rubber that came unattached ripped the passenger door handle off, scratched up the entire passenger side of my car, ripped off the passenger rear bumper and underneath damage as well. When taking the tire to try and get replaced, the manager of Walmart told me this was definitely a tire manufacturer defect and I should seek for the manufacturer to cover all damage due to this defect. I have filed a complaint with Sumitomo and I have gotten no response or help with this matter. In the meantime my car is not drivable due to this damage. …
Tire size: 245/40/17 Had a blowout without any warning, causing me to hit the center console and mirror receiving cuts and bruises. Immediately was pulled to the side of the road. When I got out to see what had happened, the rubber separated from the tire, which knocked off the back end of my car, scraped the entire passenger side of the car, knocking off the door handle and unclear as to what it damaged underneath my car. I have filed a complaint with the company, dealt with a Jesse Han and contacted the CEO Darren Thomas in regards to repairing the damage done. This has gone on since June and they keep giving me the run around. There are multiple problems with Sumitomo tires and the company owes for damages
Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 147,000.
Driving home from the grocery store on a surface street at approximately 35 MPH. Engine switched off along with everything electrical. Car did restart and I was able to get home. Attempts to restart after that failed. The remedy was to replace the electronic ignition switch (ezs or eis control module). The explanation I received was that it has certain computer circuits that affect not only starting but other car systems. In fact, incorrect programming of the replacement module caused me to be unable to lower the soft-top as if one wasn't installed. Reprogramming the unit to "tell" the new module that this vehicle isa convertible solved that problem.
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 CLK500 rates average: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the CLK500 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500?
The fuel & propulsion system — 4 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, 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 CLK500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003 and 2006. See the full Mercedes-Benz CLK500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 54% 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.