Mercedes Benz CL Class Problems by Year
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz CL Class, across 6 model years (2000–2005). The 2002 model year has the most complaints (19). The most reported problem area overall is suspension.
Mercedes Benz CL Class years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CL Class year: 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2002 CL Class: 19 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2003 CL Class: 5 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2004 CL Class: 4 complaints, 4 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes Benz CL Class problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Tires | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes Benz CL Class model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 CL Class | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2004 CL Class | 4 | 4 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2003 CL Class | 5 | 2 | — | Seat Belts | |
| 2002 CL Class | 19 | 2 | — | Suspension | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2001 CL Class | 4 | 4 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2000 CL Class | 1 | 4 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline |
More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes Benz CL Class years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2002 (19) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CL Class year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes Benz CL Class?
Suspension, with 8 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz CL Class have?
7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.