FaultScore

Mercedes Benz CLK430 vs Oldsmobile Calais

Both cars' complete complaint records, side by side.

Read the totals carefully. NHTSA publishes no sales figures, so the car that sold more collects more complaints regardless of quality. The rows worth weighing are the proportions — the share of complaints that involved harm, and which part dominates.

Measure Mercedes Benz CLK430 Oldsmobile Calais
Complaints on file 50 124
Model years covered 1999–2003 1985–1990
Worst model year
Best model year
Crashes reported 1 9
Fires reported 4 8
Injuries reported 0 8
Deaths reported 0 0
Most complained-about part Electrical System Engine & Cooling
Share of complaints involving harm 10% 20.2%

Mercedes Benz CLK430 by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Electrical System 12 24.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain 11 22.0%
Engine & Cooling 6 12.0%
Body & Structure 4 8.0%
Brakes 3 6.0%
Airbags 2 4.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 4.0%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 4.0%

Oldsmobile Calais by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Engine & Cooling 50 40.3%
Electrical System 15 12.1%
Steering 7 5.6%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 6 4.8%
Seats 6 4.8%
Brakes 5 4.0%
Suspension 5 4.0%
Body & Structure 4 3.2%