FaultScore report
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes Benz CLK320 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2020. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 7 worst.
FaultScore 55/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz CLK320.
How this is worked out20
Complaints
8
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
90,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
8%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 85,500 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 33,200 mi
Median failure at 90,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 160,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 154,000 mi
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Median failure at 90,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 160,000 mi
Median failure at 110,000 miles
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SEAT BELTS
MVC WITH FRONTAL IMPACT FIRST THROUGH AN T INTERSECTION THEN A CULVERT AND STRIKING A TREE AT A SPEED >45 MPH. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE WHILE ENGAGED. DRIVER INCURRED A 20% COMPRESSION FRACTURE ON L1 VERTABRAE.
NHTSA complaint #11317728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
MVC WITH FRONTAL IMPACT FIRST THROUGH AN T INTERSECTION THEN A CULVERT AND STRIKING A TREE AT A SPEED >45 MPH. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE WHILE ENGAGED. DRIVER INCURRED A 20% COMPRESSION FRACTURE ON L1 VERTABRAE.
NHTSA complaint #11317728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG DRIVER TYPE UNKNOWN-- DRIVER STERNUM FRACTURED I WAS DRIVING A 2001 MERCEDES CLK320 DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC 1/2 CAR LENGTH BEHIND NEXT CAR. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CHANGED LANES, TWO 3 SERIES BMWS WERE STOPPED FOR CITY BUS. I SLAMMED ON BRAKES, THEN REALIZED I WOULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT, DID NOT SWRIVE LINED MY BODY UP BOTH ARMS ON WHEEL SKIDDED AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAG HIT ME IN THE CHEST VERY HARD AT ABOUT 1300, THERE WAS A TEAR WITH WHITE PUFF AND LITTLE METAL BEAD THINGS ON AIRBAG. I CHECK TO SEE IF MY FILINGS HAD BEEN BROKEN. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE LITTLE METAL CIRCLE WAS. I COULD MOVE MY HANDS, FEET WITHOUT NUMBNESS OR TINGLING NECK DIDN'T HURT, CHEST HAD SHARP PINPOINT PAIN, THERE WAS SMOKE, ENGINE WAS DAMAGED I WAS WORRIED ABOUT FIRE. REACHED FOR SEATBELT A GUY WANTED ME TO STAY. THEN FIREFIGHTER SAID TO LEAVE TO SPRAY. EMS ON SCENE. TRANSPORTED TO NFRMC CT CHEST STERNAL FRACTURE NOT DISPLACED. POLICE REPORT IS WRONG. AIRBAG DEPLOYED, EMS TRANSPORTATION. RECORDS AVAILABLE CLK TOTALED, ENGINE DAMAGE SPEED EST 25 M/HR FLOW OF TRAFFIC LIMIT 45.
NHTSA complaint #10907483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SPLAYED OUT AND BENT THE FENDER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE THAT WAS VERY NEARBY. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS HOLLOW AND SEEMED TO BE RUSTING. HE WAS ABLE TO DETECT THAT THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN THE MAKING AND THAT THE STABILIZER BAR HAD STRESS CRACK. ALL WERE REPLACED OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHILE I WAS ON VACATION. THE TOTAL COST WAS SLIGHTLY UNDER $2900. IT WAS A BIT SCARY AND I WAS CERTAINLY GLAD THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST WHEN THIS CATACLYSMIC FAILURE OCCURRED. I THOUGHT THAT MERCEDES SHOULD HEAR ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WHEN I RETURNED FROM VACATION, CALLED MY DEALER WHO HAD DONE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL SERVICE AND REPAIRS ON THE CAR SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT. THEY WERE HAVING PHONE AND E-MAIL COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS AND DID NOT CALL BACK FOR QUITE A WHILE. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I LET MBUSA KNOW ABOUT MY CONCERN. I IMMEDIATELY E-MAILED MBUSA. THEY TOOK UNTIL RECENTLY TO REPLY. THEY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT INITIATED A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I HAVE PICTURES DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM AND SOME OF THE PARTS IF ANYONE WANTS TO INSPECT THEM. I AM FINE AND DO NOT NEED ANY REIMBURSEMENT. BUT, I WORRY THAT SOME POOR FELLOW IS GOING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT 55 MPH AND NOT LIVE TO WRITE TO YOU ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. HOPEFULLY MY PROBLEM IS EITHER A ONE TIME EVENT OR IF IT IS ENDEMIC OR A DESIGN FLAW, SOMEBODY WILL GET OUT AHEAD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE SUFFERS. THANKS FOR HELPING TO MAKE THIS A SAFER WORLD.
NHTSA complaint #10536339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SPLAYED OUT AND BENT THE FENDER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE THAT WAS VERY NEARBY. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS HOLLOW AND SEEMED TO BE RUSTING. HE WAS ABLE TO DETECT THAT THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN THE MAKING AND THAT THE STABILIZER BAR HAD STRESS CRACK. ALL WERE REPLACED OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHILE I WAS ON VACATION. THE TOTAL COST WAS SLIGHTLY UNDER $2900. IT WAS A BIT SCARY AND I WAS CERTAINLY GLAD THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST WHEN THIS CATACLYSMIC FAILURE OCCURRED. I THOUGHT THAT MERCEDES SHOULD HEAR ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WHEN I RETURNED FROM VACATION, CALLED MY DEALER WHO HAD DONE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL SERVICE AND REPAIRS ON THE CAR SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT. THEY WERE HAVING PHONE AND E-MAIL COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS AND DID NOT CALL BACK FOR QUITE A WHILE. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I LET MBUSA KNOW ABOUT MY CONCERN. I IMMEDIATELY E-MAILED MBUSA. THEY TOOK UNTIL RECENTLY TO REPLY. THEY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT INITIATED A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I HAVE PICTURES DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM AND SOME OF THE PARTS IF ANYONE WANTS TO INSPECT THEM. I AM FINE AND DO NOT NEED ANY REIMBURSEMENT. BUT, I WORRY THAT SOME POOR FELLOW IS GOING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT 55 MPH AND NOT LIVE TO WRITE TO YOU ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. HOPEFULLY MY PROBLEM IS EITHER A ONE TIME EVENT OR IF IT IS ENDEMIC OR A DESIGN FLAW, SOMEBODY WILL GET OUT AHEAD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE SUFFERS. THANKS FOR HELPING TO MAKE THIS A SAFER WORLD.
NHTSA complaint #10536339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PULLING CAR INTO DRIVEWAY AND IT JUST SURGED OR TOOK OFF, RUNNING INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND CRASHING. I HAD FOOT ON BRAKE LEAVING BLACK MARKS ON DRIVEWAY. HAD 2 WITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. EXACT DAY NOT LISTED AS I DO NOT HAVE THAT WITH ME. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE NOTICED IN THE NEWSPAPERS AND T.V. OF 2 OTHER INCIDENTS THAT CAUSED PROPERTY DAMAGE OR EVEN DEATH IN SAME BRAND OF VEHICLE THAT WOULD BE EXPLAINED BY SAME MALFUNCTION. 1. IN COLUMBIA S.C(DEATH). AND 1. IN FRANKFORT KY. RUNNING INTO A KROGER STORE.
NHTSA complaint #10206511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SEAT BELTS
MVC WITH FRONTAL IMPACT FIRST THROUGH AN T INTERSECTION THEN A CULVERT AND STRIKING A TREE AT A SPEED >45 MPH. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE WHILE ENGAGED. DRIVER INCURRED A 20% COMPRESSION FRACTURE ON L1 VERTABRAE.
NHTSA complaint #11317728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
MVC WITH FRONTAL IMPACT FIRST THROUGH AN T INTERSECTION THEN A CULVERT AND STRIKING A TREE AT A SPEED >45 MPH. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE WHILE ENGAGED. DRIVER INCURRED A 20% COMPRESSION FRACTURE ON L1 VERTABRAE.
NHTSA complaint #11317728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG DRIVER TYPE UNKNOWN-- DRIVER STERNUM FRACTURED I WAS DRIVING A 2001 MERCEDES CLK320 DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC 1/2 CAR LENGTH BEHIND NEXT CAR. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CHANGED LANES, TWO 3 SERIES BMWS WERE STOPPED FOR CITY BUS. I SLAMMED ON BRAKES, THEN REALIZED I WOULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT, DID NOT SWRIVE LINED MY BODY UP BOTH ARMS ON WHEEL SKIDDED AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAG HIT ME IN THE CHEST VERY HARD AT ABOUT 1300, THERE WAS A TEAR WITH WHITE PUFF AND LITTLE METAL BEAD THINGS ON AIRBAG. I CHECK TO SEE IF MY FILINGS HAD BEEN BROKEN. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE LITTLE METAL CIRCLE WAS. I COULD MOVE MY HANDS, FEET WITHOUT NUMBNESS OR TINGLING NECK DIDN'T HURT, CHEST HAD SHARP PINPOINT PAIN, THERE WAS SMOKE, ENGINE WAS DAMAGED I WAS WORRIED ABOUT FIRE. REACHED FOR SEATBELT A GUY WANTED ME TO STAY. THEN FIREFIGHTER SAID TO LEAVE TO SPRAY. EMS ON SCENE. TRANSPORTED TO NFRMC CT CHEST STERNAL FRACTURE NOT DISPLACED. POLICE REPORT IS WRONG. AIRBAG DEPLOYED, EMS TRANSPORTATION. RECORDS AVAILABLE CLK TOTALED, ENGINE DAMAGE SPEED EST 25 M/HR FLOW OF TRAFFIC LIMIT 45.
NHTSA complaint #10907483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
NUMEROUS BLOW OUT AND SHREDDING OF FIRESTONE LOW PROFILE TIRES. THE TIRES LOSE AIR PRESSURE VERY QUICKLY WITHIN WEEKS OF FILLING & THIS OFTEN LEADS TO THE TIRE HEATING UP AND CATASTROPHIC SIDE WALL FAILURE. MOST OF THE TIME THE SHREDDING OCCURS ON THE INSIDE OF THE RIM AND IS NOT VISIBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE DEALER TRIED TO BLAME ME FOR NOT HAVING AN ALIGNMENT DONE WHICH IN FACT (PROOF OF RECEIPTS) AN ALIGNMENT WAS CONDUCTED ONE MONTH PRIOR TO A BLOW OUT LAST YEAR 2014. THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FIRESTONE CORPORATION FAILED TO PROVIDE AS REQUIRED BY LAW THE DOT NOTIFICATIONS OF EACH OF THE BLOW OUT INFO. SEVERE FINANCIAL STRESS WAS INCURRED FOR EVERY TIME EACH OF THE INCIDENTS WERE REALIZED. ONE OF THE TIRES INVOLVED: DOT 9UPL OOA 1014 SP1963-02.
NHTSA complaint #10778138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT LED INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS THAT INDICATE WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BOTH FAILED AND ARE UNABLE TO READ. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE ONLY BECAUSE I CANNOT TELL WHICH GEAR I AM IN AND OFTEN TIMES I MUST GUESS AT WHAT GEAR IT IS IN. THIS GUESSING TAKES MY EYES AND CONCENTRATION OFF THE ROAD AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT I KNOW THAT EVERY CLK320 HAS THIS SAME ISSUE AND MERCEDES BENZ HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS FIX. IT SEEMS THEY SHOULD AS IT COULD LEAD TO MANY ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10713137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT LED INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS THAT INDICATE WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BOTH FAILED AND ARE UNABLE TO READ. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE ONLY BECAUSE I CANNOT TELL WHICH GEAR I AM IN AND OFTEN TIMES I MUST GUESS AT WHAT GEAR IT IS IN. THIS GUESSING TAKES MY EYES AND CONCENTRATION OFF THE ROAD AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT I KNOW THAT EVERY CLK320 HAS THIS SAME ISSUE AND MERCEDES BENZ HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS FIX. IT SEEMS THEY SHOULD AS IT COULD LEAD TO MANY ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10713137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
THE GPS ADAPTER DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY IN THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER SOCKET. I USE A PAPER PIECE TO MAKE IT TIGHT, HOWEVER IT GETS LOOSE AND GETS GPS DISCONNECTED WHILE DRIVING. MANY TIMES WHEN I REALIZE THIS EITHER I HAVE GONE TOO FAR OR I HAVE TO MAKE SUDDEN DECISION, WHICH MAKES IT DANGEROUS. THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH MY GPS ADOPTER, BECAUSE IT FITS WELL IN ANY OTHER CAR. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER SOCKET OF MB. THIS HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THIS PERHAPS IS MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND MUST BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10607554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
THE GPS ADAPTER DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY IN THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER SOCKET. I USE A PAPER PIECE TO MAKE IT TIGHT, HOWEVER IT GETS LOOSE AND GETS GPS DISCONNECTED WHILE DRIVING. MANY TIMES WHEN I REALIZE THIS EITHER I HAVE GONE TOO FAR OR I HAVE TO MAKE SUDDEN DECISION, WHICH MAKES IT DANGEROUS. THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH MY GPS ADOPTER, BECAUSE IT FITS WELL IN ANY OTHER CAR. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER SOCKET OF MB. THIS HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THIS PERHAPS IS MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND MUST BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10607554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SPLAYED OUT AND BENT THE FENDER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE THAT WAS VERY NEARBY. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS HOLLOW AND SEEMED TO BE RUSTING. HE WAS ABLE TO DETECT THAT THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN THE MAKING AND THAT THE STABILIZER BAR HAD STRESS CRACK. ALL WERE REPLACED OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHILE I WAS ON VACATION. THE TOTAL COST WAS SLIGHTLY UNDER $2900. IT WAS A BIT SCARY AND I WAS CERTAINLY GLAD THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST WHEN THIS CATACLYSMIC FAILURE OCCURRED. I THOUGHT THAT MERCEDES SHOULD HEAR ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WHEN I RETURNED FROM VACATION, CALLED MY DEALER WHO HAD DONE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL SERVICE AND REPAIRS ON THE CAR SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT. THEY WERE HAVING PHONE AND E-MAIL COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS AND DID NOT CALL BACK FOR QUITE A WHILE. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I LET MBUSA KNOW ABOUT MY CONCERN. I IMMEDIATELY E-MAILED MBUSA. THEY TOOK UNTIL RECENTLY TO REPLY. THEY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT INITIATED A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I HAVE PICTURES DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM AND SOME OF THE PARTS IF ANYONE WANTS TO INSPECT THEM. I AM FINE AND DO NOT NEED ANY REIMBURSEMENT. BUT, I WORRY THAT SOME POOR FELLOW IS GOING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT 55 MPH AND NOT LIVE TO WRITE TO YOU ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. HOPEFULLY MY PROBLEM IS EITHER A ONE TIME EVENT OR IF IT IS ENDEMIC OR A DESIGN FLAW, SOMEBODY WILL GET OUT AHEAD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE SUFFERS. THANKS FOR HELPING TO MAKE THIS A SAFER WORLD.
NHTSA complaint #10536339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SPLAYED OUT AND BENT THE FENDER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE THAT WAS VERY NEARBY. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS HOLLOW AND SEEMED TO BE RUSTING. HE WAS ABLE TO DETECT THAT THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN THE MAKING AND THAT THE STABILIZER BAR HAD STRESS CRACK. ALL WERE REPLACED OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHILE I WAS ON VACATION. THE TOTAL COST WAS SLIGHTLY UNDER $2900. IT WAS A BIT SCARY AND I WAS CERTAINLY GLAD THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST WHEN THIS CATACLYSMIC FAILURE OCCURRED. I THOUGHT THAT MERCEDES SHOULD HEAR ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WHEN I RETURNED FROM VACATION, CALLED MY DEALER WHO HAD DONE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL SERVICE AND REPAIRS ON THE CAR SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT. THEY WERE HAVING PHONE AND E-MAIL COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS AND DID NOT CALL BACK FOR QUITE A WHILE. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I LET MBUSA KNOW ABOUT MY CONCERN. I IMMEDIATELY E-MAILED MBUSA. THEY TOOK UNTIL RECENTLY TO REPLY. THEY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT INITIATED A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I HAVE PICTURES DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM AND SOME OF THE PARTS IF ANYONE WANTS TO INSPECT THEM. I AM FINE AND DO NOT NEED ANY REIMBURSEMENT. BUT, I WORRY THAT SOME POOR FELLOW IS GOING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT 55 MPH AND NOT LIVE TO WRITE TO YOU ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. HOPEFULLY MY PROBLEM IS EITHER A ONE TIME EVENT OR IF IT IS ENDEMIC OR A DESIGN FLAW, SOMEBODY WILL GET OUT AHEAD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE SUFFERS. THANKS FOR HELPING TO MAKE THIS A SAFER WORLD.
NHTSA complaint #10536339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THE END OF EXIT 43 OFF RAMP I95 IN LYNNFIELD MA. CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. BELIEVE IT TO BE A FAULT CPS CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS A KNOWN QUALITY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10473299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10433587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
I OWN A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320. MY CONCERN IS OVER ITS FAULTY DISPLAY READOUTS THAT I HEAR MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THE LEFT HALF OF THE DISPLAY IS VERY WEAK/DIM AND GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO READ. IT'S HAZARDOUS AS I HAVE TO SQUINT TO READ THE DISPLAY WHICH TAKES MY EYES OFF THE ROAD LONGER THAN THEY SHOULD BE. AS PART OF THIS CLUSTER, THE TEMPERATURE PIXELS ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL WHICH HAS BEEN UNREADABLE FOR SOME TIME NOW. THE MAIN DISPLAY ISSUE STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO BUT I FEAR WILL WORSEN. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS OR IS ONE BEING CONSIDERED? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION."
NHTSA complaint #10268270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PULLING CAR INTO DRIVEWAY AND IT JUST SURGED OR TOOK OFF, RUNNING INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND CRASHING. I HAD FOOT ON BRAKE LEAVING BLACK MARKS ON DRIVEWAY. HAD 2 WITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. EXACT DAY NOT LISTED AS I DO NOT HAVE THAT WITH ME. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE NOTICED IN THE NEWSPAPERS AND T.V. OF 2 OTHER INCIDENTS THAT CAUSED PROPERTY DAMAGE OR EVEN DEATH IN SAME BRAND OF VEHICLE THAT WOULD BE EXPLAINED BY SAME MALFUNCTION. 1. IN COLUMBIA S.C(DEATH). AND 1. IN FRANKFORT KY. RUNNING INTO A KROGER STORE.
NHTSA complaint #10206511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
I WAS HIT IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MERCEDES SENT OUT A TECHNICAL TEAM WHO FOUND THAT THE AIRBAG OPERATED PROPERLY. THEY SAID I GOT HIT TOO LOW BUT I WAS HIT BY A FORD WORK VAN WHOSE BUMPER IS 27" UP. THERE IS NOT AN INCH OF THAT DOOR THAT IS NOT CAVED IN. I WAS HIT SO HARD I WAS PUSHED ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AND UP ON A CURB. MY SEAT AND CONSOLE WERE MOVED OVER. I DON'T THINK I CAN SAFELY REPAIR AND USE OR RESELL THE CAR DUE TO THE AIRBAG DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10183188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
I WAS HIT BY A FORD E350 FORD WORK VAN IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY TO MY SHOULDER FROM THE DOOR BUCKLING INTO ME AND MOVING MY SEAT AND CONSOLE OVER. ALL PROFESSIONALS THAT SEE THIS CAR ARE VERY SURPRISED I AM NOT CRITICALLY INJURED OR DEAD. MERCEDES-BENZ SENT A TECHNICAL TEAM TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE AIRBAG OPERATED PROPERLY. THEY SAID THE VEHICLE WAS HIT BENEATH THE AIRBAG AND THE VAN STARTS AT 27" OFF THE GROUND. THERE IS NOT AN INCH OF THAT DOOR THAT IS NOT CAVED IN. CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE WE ARE CONVINCED IT HAS A MAJOR DEFECT AND IS UNSAFE TO BE LEGALLY PUT BACK ON THE ROAD AND I AM CONCERNED THE REST OF THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK. OLD DOOR IS STILL ON CAR AND STILL UNABLE TO OPEN AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10182498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH , STEPPED ON ACCELERATOR TO PASS SOMEONE AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. AFTER THAT PULLED OVER TO SIDE BY COASTING AND FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE CABLE HAD BROKEN AT THE ATTACHMENT UNDER THE HOOD. TOWED TO MERCEDES DEALER WHERE IT IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED WITH A NEW THROTTLE CABLE ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY. 320 CLK 2001 WITH 36400 MILES .ALL MAINTANANCE DONE ON TIME. COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION . I USED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND WAIT FOR EMERGENCY TOW.
NHTSA complaint #10148391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CANADIAN CAR SOLD AS AMERICAN AND LACKS COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICAN STANDARDS. DT
NHTSA complaint #769230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN ACCELERATING VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS REPAIRED FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #885832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
WHEN ACCELERATING VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS REPAIRED FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #885832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.