Mercedes Benz CLK Class Problems by Year
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz CLK Class, across 5 model years (2000–2006). The 2001 model year has the most complaints (14). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
.jpg){kind=link}
Mercedes Benz CLK Class years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CLK Class year: 2001, 2003. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2001 CLK Class: 14 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2003 CLK Class: 10 complaints, 1 recall
- 2004 CLK Class: 7 complaints, 2 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 CLK Class problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 1 |
All Mercedes Benz CLK Class model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 CLK Class | 3 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2004 CLK Class | 7 | 2 | — | Power Train | |
| 2003 CLK Class | 10 | 1 | — | Tires | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2001 CLK Class | 14 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2000 CLK Class | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes Benz CLK Class years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2001 (14), 2003 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CLK 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 CLK Class?
Electrical System, with 8 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz CLK Class have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.