2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Seat belts626.1%
- Airbags417.4%
- Electrical417.4%
- Interior & seats28.7%
- Powertrain (other)28.7%
- Engine14.3%
- Visibility14.3%
- Body & structure14.3%
- Tires & wheels14.3%
- Fuel system14.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle during a severe accident, in which the other drivers air bags were deployed, our vehicles airbags did not in fact deploy at any rate. Which put all passengers in severe danger causing injuries that could have been avoided if they worked properly. Also the drivers seat belt (which was worn at the time of the accident) due to the immense collision at one point clicks unhinged and would no longer actively snap back causing multiple injuries as well. This incident will call for suit.
THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT A COLLISION. I WAS DRIVING 30 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WITH ROADS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND PASSENGER DASH AIRBAGS WENT OFF OUT OF N O WHERE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle during a severe accident, in which the other drivers air bags were deployed, our vehicles airbags did not in fact deploy at any rate. Which put all passengers in severe danger causing injuries that could have been avoided if they worked properly. Also the drivers seat belt (which was worn at the time of the accident) due to the immense collision at one point clicks unhinged and would no longer actively snap back causing multiple injuries as well. This incident will call for suit.
THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT A COLLISION. I WAS DRIVING 30 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WITH ROADS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND PASSENGER DASH AIRBAGS WENT OFF OUT OF N O WHERE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, MULTIPLE ERROR LIGHTS, ON MULTIPLE DATES.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CLK320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN SHE HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, IT FAILED INSPECTION SINCE THE LIGHT WAS ON. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. A MECHANIC INFORMED HER OF RECALL 08V303000, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BUT WHEN SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER; SHE WAS TOLD THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CLK320. WHEN THE CONTACT SAT DOWN AND STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ARM EXTENDERS CAME FORWARD AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT MOVE AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NEW ARM EXTENDERS WERE NEEDED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, THE ARM EXTENDERS STAY IN ONE PLACE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE MAY BE ELECTRICAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,155. UPDATED 01/08/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED AT A REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIRMAN HAD TO PULL THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS APART TO GET IT TO OPERATE. UPDATED 01/09/09. *JB
PASSENGER LATCH BROKE AND DOOR WOULD NOT HOLD CLOSED . MB FIXED THIS. NOW THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE. WHILE DRIVING THE DOOR CAME OPEN AND WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT. COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE INJURY. I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR TO MB WHILE HOLDING DOOR CLOSED. THEY WOULD NOT COVER THIS ISSUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS DEVELOPED A CONDITION THAT CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT VERY ROUGHLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS SHIFTING CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND STUTTER WHEN DOWN SHIFTING OR SHIFTING FROM 1ST OR 2ND GEAR. I HAVE HAD A TRANSMISSION SERVICE, REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION, REPLACEMENT RADIATOR ALL INSTALLED TO NO AVAIL. THE CONDITION IS AT BEST A NUISANCE, AND AT ITS WORST A SAFETY CONCERN. THIS ROUGH SHIFTING OCCURS IN THE LOWER GEARS, AND AT LOWER SPEEDS.
WE WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT. WE OWN A 2004 CLK320 WHICH HAS PRESENTED WITH CONTINUING PROBLEMS. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AXLE ALIGNMENT WAS DEFECTIVE IN WHICH REQUIRED REALIGNMENT AND REAR TIRE REPLACEMENT. AT 21,937 MILES THE CAR PRESENTED WITH TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS. THE CAR WOULD JERK/STALL WHILE BEING DRIVEN. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE FELT WE WERE GOING TO GET REAR-ENDED AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WHICH REQUIRED THE TRANSMISSION TO BE FLUSHED. THEN AGAIN AT 28,714 MILES THE VEHICLE PRESENTED WITH RECURRING TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS, JERKING & STALLING.. WE SCHEDULED A MERCEDES-BENZ DEPARTMENT SERVICE AND THE DIAGNOSES WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REPLACE AT OVER $9,000. WE REQUESTED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF AMERICA REPLACE OR ASSIST US WITH THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AT NO COST TO US THE CUSTOMER SINCE THE VEHICLE IS A "LEMON". THE MERCEDES BENZ REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT HE WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER AND GET BACK TO US WITHIN 24 HOURS. WE NEVER HEARD BACK FROM HIM EVEN AFTER LEAVING NUMEROUS VOICE MAIL MESSAGES. WE HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR TRANSMISSION COMPLAINTS. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MERCEDES-BENZ SHOULD RECALL THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, MULTIPLE ERROR LIGHTS, ON MULTIPLE DATES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, MULTIPLE ERROR LIGHTS, ON MULTIPLE DATES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
About 3 years ago, the passenger side of my door started randomly swinging open while I was driving. It was extremely dangerous and almost caused a serious accident the first time it happened. I spent over $1000 to get it fixed. Now, I am 7 months pregnant and it is happening again to the drivers side door. I cannot even drive the car now, because it doesn’t latch at all when I shut the door. I have to figure out a way to keep it shut so I can take it to get fixed again. It was completely unwarranted both times, almost causing serious accidents. I have seen blog posts online of this same incident happening with the same car. This needs to be recalled immediately, and drivers shouldn’t have to pay top dollar (or their life) to fix an issue Mercedes bad door locking mechanism created.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased 4 new tires, my car calls for a staggered fitment (225/45R17 DOT# 1RB7RR9872922 and 1RB7RR9811521 up front and 245/40R17 DOT# 1RB8NR981112 and 1RB8NR9811022 in the rear). Upon returning home, I noticed the tires were installed backwards with the wider ones up front. This will cause the tires to rub the shock absorbers and will lead to tire blowouts and likely much more damage to my vehicle or injury to myself and or others. I called Firestone when realizing this and they said to bring it back and they would fix it. Had I trusted the professionals to do their job correctly and not double checked their work I would have blown out the two front tires within a few thousand miles; fortunately for me, I do not trust anyone to work on my vehicles but myself. Coincidentally, Firestone has an advertisement in their lobby that says "Fixed right or its free guarantee. Ask for details." When I asked the store manager about the sign, I was literally laughed at and told I am not getting free tires. They need to be held accountable for their advertisements and either refund me the purchase amount or they need to remove / edit their signs likely at all 22,000+ locations nationwide.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON O AROUND SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 I FUELED THIS AUTO I RECENTLY PURCHASED AS A SECOND CAR. MY GARAGE BEGAN TO WREAK HEAVILY OF GASOLINE. MY HOME IS TOTALLY ELECTRIC AND I HAVE NO GAS POWERED ITEMS IN THERE. MY OTHER VEHICLE NEVER SMELLS AND I HAVE HAD IT 2 YEARS. I REMOVED THE MB AND THE SMELL NO LONGER EXISTED, ELIMINATING ANY OTHER SOURCE. I RESEARCHED THIS COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET AND WAS SHOCKED AT THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IGNORED AND THE OBVIOUS IMPENDING DANGERS. THIS CAR HAD ONLY 68000 MILES AND SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN SERVICED FREQUENTLY PER CAR FAX. PER INTERNET COMPLAINTS THIS TRAVESTY WAS NEVER RECOGNIZED B MBUSA AND OWNERS WERE LEFT HOLDING THE LEMON AND DEALERS GOT AWAY AS WELL. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE IS CONNECTED TO THIS FUEL DILEMMA! I KNOW THE DANGERS AND I DO NOT WANT IT TO ERUPT IN FIRE AND DESTROY ME, MY HOUSE NOR MY NEW PORSCHE! THIS SEEMS COSTLY AND AN ACCIDENT AWAITING TO HAPPEN. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY OTHERS WITH DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET HAVE NOT REGISTERED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU. I AM APPALLED AND CHAGRINED AT MBUSA FOR ALLOWING THIS PROBLEM TO EXIST. I WILL BE CONTACTING EVERY ONE I AM ABLE TO REGARDING THE SERIOUS AND EMINENT DANGER OF THIS FUEL LINE MALADY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .