2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 27, 2011 · 19 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other CL Class years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 6 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class. That is the most of any CL Class model year in the database (6 years). The most reported problem area is suspension (6 complaints, 32%), typically at around 56,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 2 fires. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Mercedes Benz CL Class
Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, facelift 2010, EU spec. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: A motorov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Suspension6 · ~56,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling5 · ~77,499 mi
Electrical System4 · ~43,500 mi
Interior Lighting2 · ~75,500 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2 · ~49,500 mi
Air Bags1 · ~20,000 mi
Structure1 · ~30,000 mi
Tires1 · ~69,875 mi
Visibility1 · ~80,000 mi
Wheels1 · ~30,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Suspension632%56,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling526%77,499——
Electrical System421%43,500——
Interior Lighting211%75,500——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic211%49,500——
Air Bags15%20,000——
Structure15%30,000——
Tires15%69,875——
Visibility15%80,000——
Wheels15%30,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2007, with 7 complaints
2001: 1200112003: 1200312005: 1200512006: 1200612007: 7200772008: 2200822009: 2200922010: 2201022011: 220112

n = 19 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Suspension; engine and engine coolingJun 12, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V263000 · 19,924 vehicles

Problem: On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose.

Risk: This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.

Fix: Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on july 2, 2007. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Interior lightingFeb 2, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V028000 · 36,911 vehicles

Problem: On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.

Risk: Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase i was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact was driving 45 mph when abnormal smoke was emitted from the exhaust. The abc sensor warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discovered abc hydraulic fluid leaking near…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Oct 27, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10433054

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that there was a rubber seal that was held between the mirrors on both sides of the door that was separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they could not replace the rubber only, but would have to…

Visibility · received Jun 14, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10406862

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the instrument cluster module would need replacing or would need to be rebuilt. The mechanic advised the…

Interior Lighting · received Aug 25, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10351826

Extensive electrical problems in 2002 cl500 mercedes benz. Vehicle seats move on their own while vehicle in motion. Windows go up and down on their own; lock in whatever position it chose; hydraulics in this vehicle go up and down at will. Vehicle will lean on one side, then drop to where it is…

Electrical System · received Aug 13, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10349271

2002 mercedes benz cl500 the right front of the vehicle began to sag & the instrument panel illumination cluster suddenly went completely dark without any warning whatsoever. This has been occurring intermittently, the dealership always charges us each occurrence to "fix it.". Now i find both…

Interior Lighting · received Aug 9, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10279825

Other Mercedes Benz CL Class years

← 2001 CL Class · 2003 CL Class →

See all Mercedes Benz CL Class problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.

Similar Mercedes Benz models

Embed this 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class?

Owners most often report suspension, engine and engine cooling, electrical system problems. The top one, suspension, accounts for 6 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other CL Class model years, the 2002 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.