RoadVitals

2004 Mercedes-Benz Cl Class

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Jan 3, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 7, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Cl Class, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and interior & seats categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 14 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical220.0%
  • Driver assistance110.0%
  • Interior & seats110.0%
  • Exterior lighting110.0%
  • Seat belts110.0%
  • Steering110.0%
  • Tires & wheels110.0%
  • Airbags110.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08V303000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jul 7, 2008
404 units potentially affected
The defect: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2008 070001View on NHTSA.gov
07V263000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; SUSPENSION

Jun 12, 2007
19,924 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.
The risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2007060002View on NHTSA.gov
06V028000

INTERIOR LIGHTING

Feb 2, 2006
36,911 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTAINS GAUGES AND INDICATORS THAT MUST BE ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.
The risk: DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, THE DRIVER WILL BE UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS, SUCH AS THE SPEEDOMETER, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. PHASE I WAS MAILED OUT TO APPROXIMATELY 7,500 OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2006. PHASE II AND PHASE III IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2006080004View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Jan 3, 2012
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO THE BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,809.

NHTSA ID
10442228
Incident
Nov 7, 2011
Mileage
42,809 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 22, 2011
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CL WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TL TIRES, LINE SIZE 225/55/R17, DOT NUMBER: 898KEF1X4707. THE CONSUMERS GRANDSON WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT, HIT A SIGN POST AND CAME BACK ONTO THE ROAD INTO THE RIGHT LANE TO REST. THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE ESTIMATED MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS 16,000 AND THE REMAINING TREAD DEPTH WAS 5/16 INCHES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE SHOULD RETURN THE TIRE TO THEM FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 08/31/11*LJ ACCORDING TO MICHELIN. THE TIRE CAME IN CONTACT WITH AN UNKNOWN OBJECT OR OBSTRUCTION, WHICH CUT AND ABRADED THROUGH THE SIDEWALL RUBBER AND POLYESTER PILES CAUSING RAPID LOSS OF AIR. MICHELIN DENIED THE CONSUMERS CLAIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPDATE 09/09/11*JB

NHTSA ID
10414632
Incident
Jul 16, 2011
Mileage
88,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalInterior & seats+4 more
Filed Mar 21, 2010

I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2004 CL 500 MB FROM HBL TYSONS ON 8545 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VA ON APR 19, 2008. THE SALESMAN SHOWED ME THE CARFAX REPORT WHICH SHOWED NO PRIOR PROBLEMS. SO, I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE W/ AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, 2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR, I EXPERIENCED MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, TIRE PROBLEMS, & PROBLEMS WITH MY AIR CONDITIONER/ HEAT. OVER A 1 YEARS LATER, MY CAR HAS BEEN BACK & FORTH AT THE HBL TYSONS CORNER, VA & MB ANNAPOLIS, MD SVC CNTR OVER 40 TIMES FOR THE SAME REOCCURRING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE BECOMING WORSE B/C THE CAR FREEZES; THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONS & LOCKS UPON STARTING THE CAR & SOMETIMES, WHILE IN MOTION; IN ADDITION TO OTHER MALFUNCTIONS INVOLVING: SEAT BELT, SEAT HEAD REST, HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, REAR FOG LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS; HEAT/AIR CONDITIONER, SRS, & AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I'M PAYING A CAR NOTE & I BARELY HAVE MY CAR B/C THE SVC. CNTRS HAVE MY CAR FOR 2-3 WEEKS AT A TIME B/C THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I'VE EVEN BEEN TOLD BY THEM THAT MY PARTICULAR CAR IS TOO INTRICATE TO FIX. I'VE CONTACTED MB CORPORATE IN MONTVALE, NJ VIA TELEPHONICALLY & CORRESPONDENCE, TO ELEVATE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS, BUT, MY LAST 2 COMPLAINTS WERE TO NO AVAIL B/C I HEARD NOTHING FROM THEM AS OF YET. I KEEP ALL OF MY RECEIPTS FROM EACH TIME I'VE DROPPED MY CAR OFF & I'M READY TO PURSUE A LAWSUIT. IN FACT, I'VE CONTACTED BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, YOUR AGENCY, & SEVERAL LAWYERS B/C I'VE RECENTLY DISCOVERED VIA A CLASS ACTION SUIT, THAT THE YEAR, MAKE, & MODEL OF MY CAR IS INVOLVED IN A NAT'L RECALL WHERE A FAULTY VALVE W/I THE HEAT/AIR CONDITIONER, CAUSES A BUILD-UP OF DEBRIS & WATER, WHICH LEAKS INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION & SHUT DOWN. HELP ME B/C IT'S OBVIOUS THE CAR IS UNFIXABLE AND TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. ACCORDING TO THE CLASS ACTION, THESE PROBLEMS PRE-EXISTED BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND MB WAS AWARE OF THEM PRIOR TO SELLING THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10321225
Incident
May 2, 2008
Mileage
37,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 19, 2005

CAR WOULD NOT START AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR IN GEAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERS SHOP FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS RUNNING. NEGOCIATING WITH MBZ TO BUY THE CAR BACK.

NHTSA ID
10129309
Incident
Apr 10, 2005
Mileage
10,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

2006020008

POWER TRAIN

INSPECT TRANSMISSION PILOT BUSHING AT ELECTROCHYDRAULIC UNIT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. THE TRANSMISSION PILOT BUSHING MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE CONTROL UNITS WITH NON-TEMPERED SEALING RINGS WHICH MAY CAUSE A SMALL LEAK TO OCCUR. *TT UPDATED 04-11-07. *KB

276064

POWER TRAIN

LEARNING IN SELECTION RANGE SENSOR NOT POSSIBLE AFTER EHS REPLACEMENT. *TT

8285434

EQUIPMENT

COMAND HEAD UNIT HANGS AT THE STAR SYMBOL WHEN BOOTING UP. *TT UPDATED *EH

8285443

EQUIPMENT

COMAND HEAD UNIT DISC DRIVE MALFUNCTIONS AT LOW TEMPERATURES. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL 215, AND 220 2004 AND 2005. *TT

887039

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

SEAL BETWEEN EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR HOUSING AND DOOR. *TT

276053

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ROUGH DOWNSHIFTING WHEN ACCELERATING. *TT VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ 219 AND 220. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz Cl Class by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005010—
2004Viewing440—
2003520—
2002192049.3
2001440—
2000141—
1999000—
1998000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.