Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK320 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2021.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 7 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 58
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz CLK320. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
46.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 54
32% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Mercedes Benz CLK320
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK320
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
623.1%
5 crashes, 0 fires · median 43,132 mi
Electrical System
623.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 69,500 mi
Seat Belts
311.5%
Median failure at 9,507 miles
Body & Structure
311.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 45,000 mi
Seats
27.7%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
27.7%
Tires
13.8%
Median failure at 9,507 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.8%
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.8%
Engine & Cooling
13.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 143,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
421.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
631.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
631.6%
When owners complained
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.
Mar 2003peak 3Jul 2021
Recalls on the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK320
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V874000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
22V954000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
19V918000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 143,000 milesLong Beach, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE STATING THAT OTHER MERCEDES BENZ MODELS HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE MORE THAN ONCE IN CONSECUTIVE ATTEMPTS. (WHILE READING THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, I DO RECALL TRYING TO DO JUST THAT SINCE THE CAR DECIDED TO STALL ON ME). I REMEMBER I WAS WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A TURN INTO A U.S. POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AREA. HOWEVER, BEFORE I COULD EVEN MAKE THE TURN, IT STALLED ON ME IN THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START IT AS PEOPLE BEGAN HONKING THEIR HORNS AT ME WITHOUT ANY LUCK. ON THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TRY I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE AND PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. I DID NOT GIVE A THOUGHT OF WHY THE MERCEDES GAVE ME STARTING PROBLEMS JUST A MINUTE AGO AS I GRABBED MY PURSE AND HEADED TO THE POST OFFICE. WHILE I GOT IN LINE,I STARTED TO HEAR PEOPLE YELL ABOUT A FIRE-A CAR FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE THIS AND AS I GOT A GOOD LOOK AT IT, I REALIZED THAT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 WHILE I WAS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11001570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesLong Beach, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE STATING THAT OTHER MERCEDES BENZ MODELS HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE MORE THAN ONCE IN CONSECUTIVE ATTEMPTS. (WHILE READING THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, I DO RECALL TRYING TO DO JUST THAT SINCE THE CAR DECIDED TO STALL ON ME). I REMEMBER I WAS WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A TURN INTO A U.S. POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AREA. HOWEVER, BEFORE I COULD EVEN MAKE THE TURN, IT STALLED ON ME IN THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START IT AS PEOPLE BEGAN HONKING THEIR HORNS AT ME WITHOUT ANY LUCK. ON THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TRY I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE AND PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. I DID NOT GIVE A THOUGHT OF WHY THE MERCEDES GAVE ME STARTING PROBLEMS JUST A MINUTE AGO AS I GRABBED MY PURSE AND HEADED TO THE POST OFFICE. WHILE I GOT IN LINE,I STARTED TO HEAR PEOPLE YELL ABOUT A FIRE-A CAR FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE THIS AND AS I GOT A GOOD LOOK AT IT, I REALIZED THAT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 WHILE I WAS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11001570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesLong Beach, CAFire
ENGINE
MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE STATING THAT OTHER MERCEDES BENZ MODELS HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE MORE THAN ONCE IN CONSECUTIVE ATTEMPTS. (WHILE READING THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, I DO RECALL TRYING TO DO JUST THAT SINCE THE CAR DECIDED TO STALL ON ME). I REMEMBER I WAS WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A TURN INTO A U.S. POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AREA. HOWEVER, BEFORE I COULD EVEN MAKE THE TURN, IT STALLED ON ME IN THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START IT AS PEOPLE BEGAN HONKING THEIR HORNS AT ME WITHOUT ANY LUCK. ON THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TRY I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE AND PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. I DID NOT GIVE A THOUGHT OF WHY THE MERCEDES GAVE ME STARTING PROBLEMS JUST A MINUTE AGO AS I GRABBED MY PURSE AND HEADED TO THE POST OFFICE. WHILE I GOT IN LINE,I STARTED TO HEAR PEOPLE YELL ABOUT A FIRE-A CAR FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE THIS AND AS I GOT A GOOD LOOK AT IT, I REALIZED THAT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 WHILE I WAS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11001570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesPerris, CACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #10821305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,132 milesSAN Rafael, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2003 MERCEDES (CONVERTIBLE) 350 CLK TRAVELING APPROX 35 MPH ON 2-LANE ROAD VEERED RIGHT AND STRUCK A PARKED CAR, CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $20,000 DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE MERCEDES (TOTAL LOSS). NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ALTHOUGH THE REAR SEAT ROLL BARS DID DEPLOY. DRIVER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL, SUFFERING CONCUSSION. APPARENTLY THE AIR BAGS WERE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10328049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,132 milesSAN Rafael, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
2003 MERCEDES (CONVERTIBLE) 350 CLK TRAVELING APPROX 35 MPH ON 2-LANE ROAD VEERED RIGHT AND STRUCK A PARKED CAR, CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $20,000 DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE MERCEDES (TOTAL LOSS). NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ALTHOUGH THE REAR SEAT ROLL BARS DID DEPLOY. DRIVER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL, SUFFERING CONCUSSION. APPARENTLY THE AIR BAGS WERE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10328049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
North Weymouth, MA
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR:CRITICAL FASTENERS
2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUNROOF GLASS BONDING SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUNROOF WAS RUSTED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE RUST WAS LEADING TO STRUCTURAL INSTABILITY OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S WAS SERIAL NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 19V918.
NHTSA complaint #11424913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solana Beach, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK320. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11322761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesLong Beach, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE STATING THAT OTHER MERCEDES BENZ MODELS HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE MORE THAN ONCE IN CONSECUTIVE ATTEMPTS. (WHILE READING THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, I DO RECALL TRYING TO DO JUST THAT SINCE THE CAR DECIDED TO STALL ON ME). I REMEMBER I WAS WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A TURN INTO A U.S. POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AREA. HOWEVER, BEFORE I COULD EVEN MAKE THE TURN, IT STALLED ON ME IN THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START IT AS PEOPLE BEGAN HONKING THEIR HORNS AT ME WITHOUT ANY LUCK. ON THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TRY I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE AND PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. I DID NOT GIVE A THOUGHT OF WHY THE MERCEDES GAVE ME STARTING PROBLEMS JUST A MINUTE AGO AS I GRABBED MY PURSE AND HEADED TO THE POST OFFICE. WHILE I GOT IN LINE,I STARTED TO HEAR PEOPLE YELL ABOUT A FIRE-A CAR FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE THIS AND AS I GOT A GOOD LOOK AT IT, I REALIZED THAT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 WHILE I WAS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11001570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesLong Beach, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE STATING THAT OTHER MERCEDES BENZ MODELS HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE MORE THAN ONCE IN CONSECUTIVE ATTEMPTS. (WHILE READING THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, I DO RECALL TRYING TO DO JUST THAT SINCE THE CAR DECIDED TO STALL ON ME). I REMEMBER I WAS WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A TURN INTO A U.S. POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AREA. HOWEVER, BEFORE I COULD EVEN MAKE THE TURN, IT STALLED ON ME IN THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START IT AS PEOPLE BEGAN HONKING THEIR HORNS AT ME WITHOUT ANY LUCK. ON THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TRY I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE AND PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. I DID NOT GIVE A THOUGHT OF WHY THE MERCEDES GAVE ME STARTING PROBLEMS JUST A MINUTE AGO AS I GRABBED MY PURSE AND HEADED TO THE POST OFFICE. WHILE I GOT IN LINE,I STARTED TO HEAR PEOPLE YELL ABOUT A FIRE-A CAR FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE THIS AND AS I GOT A GOOD LOOK AT IT, I REALIZED THAT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 WHILE I WAS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11001570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesLong Beach, CAFire
ENGINE
MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE STATING THAT OTHER MERCEDES BENZ MODELS HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE MORE THAN ONCE IN CONSECUTIVE ATTEMPTS. (WHILE READING THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, I DO RECALL TRYING TO DO JUST THAT SINCE THE CAR DECIDED TO STALL ON ME). I REMEMBER I WAS WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A TURN INTO A U.S. POST OFFICE PARKING LOT AREA. HOWEVER, BEFORE I COULD EVEN MAKE THE TURN, IT STALLED ON ME IN THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START IT AS PEOPLE BEGAN HONKING THEIR HORNS AT ME WITHOUT ANY LUCK. ON THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TRY I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE AND PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. I DID NOT GIVE A THOUGHT OF WHY THE MERCEDES GAVE ME STARTING PROBLEMS JUST A MINUTE AGO AS I GRABBED MY PURSE AND HEADED TO THE POST OFFICE. WHILE I GOT IN LINE,I STARTED TO HEAR PEOPLE YELL ABOUT A FIRE-A CAR FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE THIS AND AS I GOT A GOOD LOOK AT IT, I REALIZED THAT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 WHILE I WAS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11001570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,331 milesFremont, CA
SEAT BELTS
ON MAR. 18, 2017 I WAS IN A PARKING LOT PREPARING TO LEAVE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE MECHANISM THAT BRINGS THE SEAT BELT FORWARD SO I CAN GRAB IT BEGAN TO MOVE BACK AND FORWARD ERRATICALLY. WHEN IT STOPPED THE SEATBELT FAILED TO COME ALL THE WAY OUT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND THE MECHANISM CAME OUT LIKE IT SHOULD BUT THE SEATBELT WOULDN'T COME OUT. I PLAYED WITH SEATBELT UNTIL I GOT IT TO COME OUT, HOWEVER, IT WOULDN'T RETRACT TO FIT SNUG AGAINST MY BODY. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AGAIN AND TURNED IT ON AGAIN AND THE MECHANISM CAME OUT AS IT SHOULD BUT THE SEATBELT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. I TRIED TO MANUALLY RETRACT THE SEATBELT BUT IT DIDN'T WORK SO I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITHOUT A SEATBELT.
NHTSA complaint #10966695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesPerris, CACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #10821305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesSpring Valley, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED TO NORMAL. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WERE FUMES THAT OMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TEN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10615371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DROVE OVER THREE ROAD BUMPS AND THE ROLLOVER BAR IN THE REAR HEAD RESTRAINT DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY EACH TIME. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE ROLLOVER BAR BACK INTO PLACE THE FIRST TWO TIMES. THE THIRD TIME, HE HAD AN ISSUE PUTTING THE ROLLOVER BAR BACK DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS ONLY A 20 PERCENT CHANCE THAT THE ACTUAL ROLLOVER BAR COULD BE REPAIRED. OTHERWISE, HE WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE ENTIRE ROLLOVER BAR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #10355575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesLivingston, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,050. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ UPDATED 11/12/10 *CN UPDATED 11/26/10
NHTSA complaint #10340457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,132 milesSAN Rafael, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2003 MERCEDES (CONVERTIBLE) 350 CLK TRAVELING APPROX 35 MPH ON 2-LANE ROAD VEERED RIGHT AND STRUCK A PARKED CAR, CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $20,000 DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE MERCEDES (TOTAL LOSS). NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ALTHOUGH THE REAR SEAT ROLL BARS DID DEPLOY. DRIVER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL, SUFFERING CONCUSSION. APPARENTLY THE AIR BAGS WERE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10328049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,132 milesSAN Rafael, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
2003 MERCEDES (CONVERTIBLE) 350 CLK TRAVELING APPROX 35 MPH ON 2-LANE ROAD VEERED RIGHT AND STRUCK A PARKED CAR, CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $20,000 DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE MERCEDES (TOTAL LOSS). NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ALTHOUGH THE REAR SEAT ROLL BARS DID DEPLOY. DRIVER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL, SUFFERING CONCUSSION. APPARENTLY THE AIR BAGS WERE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10328049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,500 milesMontgomery Village, MDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ONCOMING CAR SLID SIDEWAYS INTO THE FRONT OF MY CAR ON A COUNTY HIGHWAY. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH DAMAGE WAS EXTENSIVE (CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS), AND INJURIES TO THE DRIVER WERE SUSTAINED. SEATBELT WAS ON BUT INJURIES RESULTED FROM CRASH. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH MERCEDES BENZ, EVEN SENT A PICTURE OF THE DAMAGE, BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10254882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I AM FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE RECALL ID# 08V303000-ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS AFFECTING MY CAR AND MERCEDES REFUSES TO FIX IT. IT IS A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION THAT MADE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MB THEY SAID THAT THE RECALL DID NOT EXIST. THEN THEY SAID THAT IT EXISTED AND APPLIED TO THE 2003 CLK (WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE) BUT NOT TO MY VIN. THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME TO GET THIS SOFTWARE CALIBRATED WHEN IT'S UNDER A RECALL FOR OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR AND CLASS.
NHTSA complaint #10250530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,054 milesUpatoi, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I A 2003 CLK 320 MERCEDES-BENZ WITH ONLY HAS 46,054 MILES ON IT. THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE STOPPED WORKING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON 5/4/2008. I GET A DIGITAL READ-OUT, BUT NOTHING FROM THE NEEDLE THAT MONITOR THE SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #10228225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesColumbus, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
I HAVE A 203 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 WITH ONLY 32,300 MILES ON IT. THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE DOESN'T WORK ON MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I GET A DIGITAL READOUT , BUT NOTHING FROM THE NEEDLE. ALL OTHER GAUGES WORK FINE. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH OTHER MB VEHICLES, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO FIND MY PARTICULAR MODEL LISTED AS QUALIFYING FOR THE RECALL. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED $1,000 TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND FEEL THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE IT IS A KNOWN AND SOMEWHAT WIDESPREAD ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10222246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES CLK 320. SHE HAS HAD FAILURES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE MAY 2004. THE TRANSMISSION MADE A GRINDING NOISE, OFTEN HESITATED, AND FELT AS THOUGH IT HAD SLIPPED GEARS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS REGISTERING THE VEHCICLE'S SPEED INCORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL STALLING INCIDENTS. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,800 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10184527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland Beach, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES CLK 320. SHE HAS HAD FAILURES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE MAY 2004. THE TRANSMISSION MADE A GRINDING NOISE, OFTEN HESITATED, AND FELT AS THOUGH IT HAD SLIPPED GEARS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS REGISTERING THE VEHCICLE'S SPEED INCORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL STALLING INCIDENTS. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,800 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10184527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
SEATS
I OWN A 2003 CLK320 COUPE. YESTERDAY, I TOOK MY CAR INTO FRESNO MERCEDES AND WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH MY TREATMENT. THE UPPER DRIVER'S SEAT IS COMING APART AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS A DEFECT. THINGS CHANGED WHEN THEY REALIZED THE WARRANTY HAD RECENTLY EXPIRED AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE DEFECT. IT SUDDENLY BECAME A "GOTCHA" SITUATION AND UNPLEASANT. I UNDERSTAND WARRANTY EXPIRATION, BUT DO NOT UNDERSTAND RUDE ATTITUDE. I WAS NOT EVEN GIVE THE NUMBER OF WHO MERCEDES USES TO REPAIR "DEFECTS" THERE ARE TWO MERCEDES IN THIS HOUSEHOLD AND BMW IS LOOKING BETTER ALL OF THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10181882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
I OWN A 2003 CLK320 COUPE. YESTERDAY, I TOOK MY CAR INTO FRESNO MERCEDES AND WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH MY TREATMENT. THE UPPER DRIVER'S SEAT IS COMING APART AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS A DEFECT. THINGS CHANGED WHEN THEY REALIZED THE WARRANTY HAD RECENTLY EXPIRED AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE DEFECT. IT SUDDENLY BECAME A "GOTCHA" SITUATION AND UNPLEASANT. I UNDERSTAND WARRANTY EXPIRATION, BUT DO NOT UNDERSTAND RUDE ATTITUDE. I WAS NOT EVEN GIVE THE NUMBER OF WHO MERCEDES USES TO REPAIR "DEFECTS" THERE ARE TWO MERCEDES IN THIS HOUSEHOLD AND BMW IS LOOKING BETTER ALL OF THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10181882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City Beach, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DISENGAGE AS DESCRIBED IN OWNER'S MANUAL. DEALER SAYS IT IS RELATIVE TO A MERCEDES BENZ BABY SMART COMPATIBLE CHILD SEAT. HOWEVER, THE MANUAL SAYS IT SHOULD DISENGAGE EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS EMPTY. IT DOES NOT EVER DISENGAGE ACCORDING TO THE LIGHT SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #10156324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,507 milesSomerville, NJ
SEAT BELTS
2003 MERCEDES BENZ SUFFERED THREE TIRE SIDEWALL FLATS. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE DEALER WENT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED TIRE, THEY FOUND THAT THE REMAINING TIRES ONLY HAD 2MM OF TREAD LEFT. THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT BUTTON WAS REPLACED. WATER LEAKED FROM THE TOP CORNER OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10117539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,507 milesSomerville, NJ
TIRES
2003 MERCEDES BENZ SUFFERED THREE TIRE SIDEWALL FLATS. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE DEALER WENT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED TIRE, THEY FOUND THAT THE REMAINING TIRES ONLY HAD 2MM OF TREAD LEFT. THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT BUTTON WAS REPLACED. WATER LEAKED FROM THE TOP CORNER OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10117539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,507 milesSomerville, NJ
STRUCTURE
2003 MERCEDES BENZ SUFFERED THREE TIRE SIDEWALL FLATS. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE DEALER WENT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED TIRE, THEY FOUND THAT THE REMAINING TIRES ONLY HAD 2MM OF TREAD LEFT. THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT BUTTON WAS REPLACED. WATER LEAKED FROM THE TOP CORNER OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10117539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesWaxhaw, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK *PH *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10046710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.