RoadVitals

2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk 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.
10
Latest Jan 6, 2014
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.
1
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
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk Class, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, driver assistance and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 6 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

  • Tires & wheels220.0%
  • Driver assistance110.0%
  • Electrical110.0%
  • Exterior lighting110.0%
  • Other / unspecified110.0%
  • Seat belts110.0%
  • Steering110.0%
  • Body & structure110.0%

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

1 campaign cover this model year

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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 10
Seat belts
Filed Jan 6, 2014

I HAVE HAD SEAT BELT TROUBLE. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS WEAK TO RETRACT. THAN 9 MONTHS LATER IT GAVE OUT ON ME. I LOOKED INTO IT ONLINE AND IT TURNS OUT ALMOST ALL THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE 100,000 MILES. THERE ARE DOZENS OF FORUMS IN COMPLAINTS PLENTY OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM TO IN EACH. ITS A HAZARD THAT PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THESE CARS AND DECIDE THEY DON'T HAVE $500 TO BUY A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PLUS $200 IN LABOR. ALSO IT OFTEN LEAVES NO WARNING THAT IT WON'T RETRACT. THERE WILL BE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY AND SOMEONE WILL DIE AND ITS BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX A SEATBELT THAT SHOULD BE WORKING. MINE GAVE OUT OF NO WHERE SO WHEN I WAS AWAY FROM HOME IF I WOULD OF GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT THAT'S A PROBLEM WORTH FIXING. MY GIRLFRIEND IS AN EMT AND SHE SAYS THAT A SEAT BELT PLACED TO HIGH OR TOO LOW CAN CAUSE U TO BE CRUNCHED UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL OR FLY UP OVER INTO THE WINDSHIELD. SO ONE THAT GOES LOOSE ON YOU WHILE DRIVING WILL CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE JUST THE FACT THAT THERE IS MOVING SPACE WILL CAUSE YOU TO WIGGLE LOOSE FROM YOUR SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10558710
Incident
Dec 19, 2013
Mileage
103,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 11, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND RADIO WERE DEFECTIVE. HE MENTIONED THAT THE PIXELS ON BOTH WERE MISSING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,879.

NHTSA ID
10400021
Incident
Jan 1, 2011
Mileage
32,879 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 29, 2008
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TWO OTHER VEHICLES WERE MODERATELY DAMAGED BY THE FLAMES. HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE GROUND WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS LOCATED. A POLICE OFFICER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP OR THE LINES/FITTINGS/HOSES WERE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR "B" SERVICE, BUT NO FAILURE COULD BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILURE AND A COPY OF THE REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 57,528.

NHTSA ID
10240228
Incident
Aug 27, 2008
Mileage
57,528 mi
Transmission
Filed Jun 30, 2008

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. RUSTED AND CORRODED TRANS AT 24,000 MILES CAUSED BY FAULTY MERCEDES VALEO RADIATOR. MERCEDES OWN STAR BULLETIN TELLS DEALERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT MY DEALER DECIDED NOT TO CHECK IT OUT AND NOW MERCEDES AND DEALER ARE REFUSING TO HELP WHEN THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON MANY OF THEIR MODELS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10232784
Incident
Jun 29, 2008
Mileage
24,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 14, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE FRONT BUMPER WERE FAILING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS TO DETACH FROM THE BUMPER. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

NHTSA ID
10190664
Incident
Feb 1, 2007
Mileage
29,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 2, 2007

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2003 MERCEDES CLK 500, HAD A BLOWOUT ON THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THIS HAPPENED ON A COLD CLEAR DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH. HE TIRE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS NAIL IN THE TIRE, BUT NOT IN THE SECTION OF THE BLOWOUT. THE TIRE WAS A BRIDGESTONE POTENZA. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED 21/2 MONTHS AGO. THIS BLOWOUT SPLIT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE NAIL. THE CONTACT WILL SUBMIT THE TIRE SIZE WITH THE HARD COPY AND SHE STILL HAD THE OLD TIRE THAT BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY FOR THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 72000 MILES. *AK

NHTSA ID
10184003
Incident
Feb 19, 2007
Mileage
72,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 24, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. NO IMPACT REPORTED. THEN, SIX MONTHS LATER THE SAME TIRE BLEW OUT AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ID
10089624
Incident
Aug 22, 2004
Mileage
8,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 29, 2004
Crash reported

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN TO PULL INTO THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER APPLIED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING, BUT IT FAILED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING WHEN IT SMASHED INTO THE GARAGE WALL. THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE CAME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, BUT INDICATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A 3 FEET LONG BRAKE MARK ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10073868
Incident
Apr 21, 2004
Mileage
21,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

LI27.60-P-059296

POWER TRAIN

Selector lever blocks in position "P" (brake applied)

LI68.05-P-059193

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink

LI83.00-P-052510

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Malfunctions of various control units and/or on-board power supply problems caused by water in the control unit tray under the driver/front passenger seat (dislocated, pinched or leaking condensation hose)

PB 42-45-98

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

MODEL 203 (C) SERIES FROM PRODUCTION 8/1/01 TO 2/1/03 AND MODEL 209 (CLK) SERIES UP TO PRODUCTION 2/1/03; ESP VISIT WORKSHOP WITH FAULT CODE C1185. *PE

2003110006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

INSTALLATION OF WIRING HARNESS ADAPTER FOR ENGINE COOLING FAN MALFUNCTION. *TT

070021D

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE TICKING (PISTON SLAP) NOISE COMPLAINTS WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 1200 AND 3000 RPM. MODELS E500, SL500, CLK500 MY2003. *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 Clk Class by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006310—
2005000—
2004720—
2003Viewing101049.3
2001140233.6
2000103—

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.