2004 Mercedes Benz CL Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 3, 2012 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other CL Class years
Not enough data 3rd of 6 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Mercedes Benz CL Class. That ranks 3rd out of 6 CL Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (2 complaints, 50%), typically at around 23,500 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes. There are 4 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 2004 Mercedes Benz CL Class problems

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

Electrical System2 · ~23,500 mi
Air Bags1 · ~37,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1 · ~37,000 mi
Seat Belts1 · ~37,000 mi
Seats1 · ~37,000 mi
Steering1 · ~37,000 mi
Tires1 · ~88,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~42,809 mi
Visibility1 · ~37,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System250%23,500——
Air Bags125%37,000——
Exterior Lighting125%37,000——
Seat Belts125%37,000——
Seats125%37,000——
Steering125%37,000——
Tires125%88,000——
Vehicle Speed Control125%42,809——
Visibility125%37,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2005, with 1 complaints
2005: 1200512010: 1201012011: 1201112012: 120121

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Mercedes Benz CL Class recalls (4)

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

Electrical systemJul 7, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · 404 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

Fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:lockJun 9, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V285000 · 16,690 vehicles

Problem: On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.

Risk: If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk.

Fix: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should 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 2004 mercedes benz cl500. The contact was entering a parking space when the vehicle abnormally accelerated, causing him to crash into the bumper of another vehicle. There were damages to the front of the vehicle and the contact's insurance company was notified of the crash…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Jan 3, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10442228

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CL WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TL TIRES, LINE SIZE 225/55/R17, DOT NUMBER: [redacted]. THE CONSUMERS GRANDSON WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT, HIT A SIGN POST AND CAME BACK ONTO THE ROAD…

Tires · received Jul 22, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10414632

I bought a certified pre-owned 2004 cl 500 mb from hbl tysons on 8545 leesburg pike, vienna, va on apr 19, 2008. The salesman showed me the carfax report which showed no prior problems. So, i bought the vehicle w/ an extended warranty. However, 2 weeks after i purchased the car, i experienced many…

Electrical System · received Mar 21, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10321225

Car would not start and could not get the car in gear. The car has been in the dealers shop for repair 4 times to fix the same problem. Currently the car is running. Negociating with mbz to buy the car back.

Electrical System · received Jul 19, 2005 · NHTSA complaint 10129309

Other Mercedes Benz CL Class years

← 2003 CL Class · 2005 CL Class →

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

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes Benz CL Class?

Owners most often report electrical system, air bags, exterior lighting problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Mercedes Benz CL Class?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 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 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.