2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 27, 2025 · 14 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other CLK500 years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 7 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500. That ranks 2nd out of 7 CLK500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (6 complaints, 43%), typically at around 82,000 miles. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

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

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Most common 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 problems

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

Fuel/propulsion System6 · ~82,000 mi
Seat Belts3 · ~102,666 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline2 · ~61,950 mi
Air Bags1 · ~102,666 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~48,380 mi
Power Train1 · ~76,000 mi
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System643%82,000——
Seat Belts321%102,666——
Fuel System, Gasoline214%61,950——
Air Bags17%102,666——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)17%48,380——
Power Train17%76,000——
Unknown or Other17%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2012, with 2 complaints
2009: 1200912010: 1201012011: 1201112012: 2201222013: 2201322014: 1201412015: 2201522016: 1201612017: 1201712018: 1201812025: 120251

n = 14 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 recalls (3)

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

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyNov 19, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V874000 · 33,456 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyDec 23, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V954000 · 131,653 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyDec 20, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V918000 · 747,928 vehicles

Problem: 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

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

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.

After evaluation by garage it is concluded that there’s subframe damage to the vehicle

Unknown or Other · received Apr 27, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11657100

Strong gas smell from rear seat whenever gas filled up.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jan 23, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11064321

My car after fueling leaks a very strong fuel smell enters my car. The strong fuel vapor will remain until the tank gets below 3/4. It will be there whether it is in motion, stationary, or at idle. My entire garage will smell of fuel during this time when the tank is full. I know mercedes recalled…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Dec 27, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11057004

After filling fuel tank strong smell of gasoline. Other complaints of this nature in your system. Recall already issued for other model mercedes benz with same issue.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jul 15, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10885068

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz clk500. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to restrain when the brake pedal was engaged and the supplemental restraint system warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…

Seat Belts · received Nov 17, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10794424

Other Mercedes Benz CLK500 years

← 2003 CLK500 · 2005 CLK500 →

See all Mercedes Benz CLK500 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 CLK500?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, seat belts, fuel system, gasoline problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 6 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other CLK500 model years, the 2004 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.