RoadVitals

2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
20
Latest Apr 23, 2015
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK430, 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

  • Powertrain (other)29.1%
  • Engine29.1%
  • Transmission29.1%
  • Body & structure29.1%
  • Visibility14.5%
  • Brakes14.5%
  • Driver assistance14.5%
  • Fuel system14.5%
  • Tires & wheels14.5%

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE INTERIOR OF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WAS MELTED AND BURNT. UPON CLOSE EXAMINATION ALL OF THE WIRING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE HEADLAMP ENCLOSURE WAS DETERIORATED. THE PROTECTIVE PLASTIC COVERING OVER THE WIRES WERE CRUMBLING AND HAD FALLEN APART, BARE WIRES HAD BEEN TOUCHING INSIDE OF THE HOUSING. THE WIRING ON THE INTERIOR OF THE HOUSING IS NOT EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. THE WIRING ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSING EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS EXHIBITS THE SAME FAILURE, IN THAT THE PROTECTIVE INSULATING PLASTIC COATING IS DETERIORATED AND EXPOSED COPPER WIRES ARE TOUCHING EACH OTHER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10712547 · filed Apr 23, 2015

WE JUST PURCHASED A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. FOR BARELY TWO WEEKS AND CAN'T DRIVE IT. WE ARE HAVING MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE TRUNK TO OPEN BECAUSE OUR BATTERY IS TOTALLY DEAD. WE CANNOT JUMP CABLE THE CAR BECAUSE THE BATERY IS IN THE TRUNK AND THE TRUNK WILL NOT EVEN OPEN WITH THE MANUAL KEY THAT IT COMES WITH. I HAVE CALLED MERCEDES BENZ AND DO EXACTLY WHAT I WAS ASK TO DO BUT STILL DIDNT WORK. I WENT ON YOU TUBE, GOOGLE, AND SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR ANSWERS BUT NOTHING. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR CLK'S CONVERTIBLE. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER AND A DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE. THIS IS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT FROM THE MAKER AND THAT WAS UNEXPECTED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10573653 · filed Mar 20, 2014
All 9 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE JUST PURCHASED A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. FOR BARELY TWO WEEKS AND CAN'T DRIVE IT. WE ARE HAVING MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE TRUNK TO OPEN BECAUSE OUR BATTERY IS TOTALLY DEAD. WE CANNOT JUMP CABLE THE CAR BECAUSE THE BATERY IS IN THE TRUNK AND THE TRUNK WILL NOT EVEN OPEN WITH THE MANUAL KEY THAT IT COMES WITH. I HAVE CALLED MERCEDES BENZ AND DO EXACTLY WHAT I WAS ASK TO DO BUT STILL DIDNT WORK. I WENT ON YOU TUBE, GOOGLE, AND SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR ANSWERS BUT NOTHING. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR CLK'S CONVERTIBLE. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER AND A DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE. THIS IS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT FROM THE MAKER AND THAT WAS UNEXPECTED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10573653 · filed Mar 20, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF WHEN A CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL OR REVERSE, WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN A HILL AS A RESULT. THE CHILD THEN TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT IT WAS REPAIRED FOR BODY DAMAGES. A COMPLAINT WAS ALSO FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REKEYED, WHICH MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID 10412231 · filed Jul 14, 2011

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF AT TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH TRAFFIC BUILD UP BEHIND ME. AFTER AN HOUR OF WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK, IT SUDDENLY STARTED AGAIN. TOOK IT TO GARAGE WHICH CHANGED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FOR $308.55. APPARENTLY, FAULTY CRANKSHAFT SENSOR IS A KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES CLK CARS!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10217128 · filed Feb 6, 2008

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) FAILED ON MY 2000 CLK 430. WAS REPLACED BY DEALER FOR $296. FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES, INCLUDING ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ENGINE SHUTS OFF OR REFUSES TO TURN OVER WHEN HOT (ALTHOUGH BATTERY KEEPS CRANKING), THEN AFTER 20-30 MINUTES IT TURNS ON FINE WHEN COOLED DOWN. *NM

NHTSA ID 10161748 · filed Jul 7, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SHIFT LEVER INOPERATIVE/ ERRATIC: 2000 CLK430 BEING DRIVEN WHEN TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO SHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, THEN SECOND GEAR, AND FINALLY NOT AT ALL! HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP, SHOP FOUND SHIFTER HAD GONE BAD. I DIDN'T KNOW THE TRANSMISSION WAS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. $1500 LATER IT NOW RUNS OUT FINE. MILEAGE WAS 77K. *TR

NHTSA ID 10368110 · filed Nov 29, 2010

2000 MERCEDES CLK 430 WATER SPILLED ON THE CENTER CONSOLE RESULTING IN THE SHIFTER BECOMING INOPERATIVE. *MR *SC

NHTSA ID 10134481 · filed Aug 19, 2005

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT BUMPER COVER / AIR DAM BROKE ON ORDINARY WHEEL STOP IN PUBLIC PARKING LOT. CAR HAS INADEQUATE CLEARANCE AND FRONT BUMPER COVER / AIR DAM IS CONSTRUCTED SO THAT IT HOOKS ON WHEEL STOPS AND BREAKS. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME YOU PARK IF YOU BRING THE FRONT TIRES TO WITHIN A FOOT OF THE WHEEL STOPS. ACCORDING TO MBUSA, THE FRONT BUMPER COVER IS AN AIR FOIL / SAFETY DEVICE PROVIDING STABILITY TO THE CAR. ONCE IT IS BROKEN, THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER COVER HAS TO BE REPLACED, BUT OF COURSE IT WILL ONLY HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10247537 · filed Nov 3, 2008

THE FRONT PLASTIC BUMPER HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO BE TOO LOW TO THE GROUND AND PARKING LOT WHEEL BUMPERS ARE HIGHER. WHEN PARKING THE 2000 CLK MODEL 430, THIS MISMATCH CAUSES THE PLASTIC BUMPER TO DRAG ALONG THE CONCRETE BUMPER STOP, AND BECAUSE OF VERY WEAK DESIGN OF THE BUMPER, IT WILL CRACK THE BUMPER AT ITS WEAKEST POINTS, CAUSING THE BUMPER TO HANG LOOSE AND BECOME A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE BUMPER SHOULD BE RECALLED TO BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT IS HIGHER FROM THE GROUND. *TR

NHTSA ID 10214700 · filed Jan 14, 2008

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE IN USE AND IT'S RAINING THERE IS A GLARE ON WINDSHIELD WHICH MAY CAUSE VISUAL DIFFICULTIES, AND MAY RESULT A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED WINDSHIELD AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK

NHTSA ID 875314 · filed Nov 21, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT SPORADIC FAILURE OF THE ABS, BAS, ESP SYSTEMS WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE. ON OCCASIONS THE GAS PEDAL STICKS AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP TO DANGEROUS SPEED. THE CAR HAS TO BE PUT IN NEUTRAL AND ONCE STOP AND RESTART, IT WOULD RUN NORMAL AGAIN, AND THE CAR SHOWS "NO MALFUNCTION". RECENTLY ON JULY OF 2013, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR SPED UP ON IT OWN AND ALMOST WENT OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE ABS/BAS/ESP REPORTED AS FAILED, BUT THE CAR DID STOP WHEN I PUT IN NEUTRAL AND APPLY THE BRAKE. I TOOK TO MERCEDES-BENZ AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T SEE ANY PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM I WANT THEM TO RUN THE "COMPUTER DIAGNOSIS" AND I WANT THEM TO GIVE ME THE REPORT. BELOW ARE A FEW OF THE SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURES THAT ARE ON THE REPORT: ETC - ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CODE 120 THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SPEED OF THE TRACTION SYSTEM IS SPORADICALLY IMPLAUSIBLE CODE 121 THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL SPEED OF THE TRACTION SYSTEM IS SPORADICALLY IMPLAUSIBLE ME2-SFI - MOTOR ELECTRONICS 2.8 CODE P20DD-001 B37 (ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR) : SIGNAL 1 / SHORT CIRCUIT TO POSSITIVE / POTENTIONMETER ABOVE MAXIMUM VALUE (P0123) ESP - ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM CODE C1504-009 THE SYSTEM IS SWITCHED OFF. CODE C1100-001 L6/1 (LEFT FRONT SPEED SENSOR) CODE C1101-001 L6/2 (RIGHT FRONT SPEED SENSOR) EZS - ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH CODE B1156-005 THE CONTROL UNIT HAS SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND OR OPEN CIRCUIT. TELE AID [USA] - TELEMATIC SYSTEM CODE N1100 NO SIGNAL IS RECEIVED FROM THE RIGHT-SIDE SPEED SENSORS. CODE N1101 NO SIGNAL IS RECEIVED FROM THE LEFT-SIDE SPEED SENSORS. I SEARCHED ON GOOGLE AND FOUND MANY OWNERS REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THEIR ABS/BAS/ESP SYSTEMS WITH CLK430 ON WWW.MBWORLD.ORG I BELIEVE THESE ARE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS AND MERCEDES SHOULD RECALL THE CLK430 AND FIX THE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10534614 · filed Aug 10, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT SPORADIC FAILURE OF THE ABS, BAS, ESP SYSTEMS WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE. ON OCCASIONS THE GAS PEDAL STICKS AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP TO DANGEROUS SPEED. THE CAR HAS TO BE PUT IN NEUTRAL AND ONCE STOP AND RESTART, IT WOULD RUN NORMAL AGAIN, AND THE CAR SHOWS "NO MALFUNCTION". RECENTLY ON JULY OF 2013, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR SPED UP ON IT OWN AND ALMOST WENT OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE ABS/BAS/ESP REPORTED AS FAILED, BUT THE CAR DID STOP WHEN I PUT IN NEUTRAL AND APPLY THE BRAKE. I TOOK TO MERCEDES-BENZ AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T SEE ANY PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM I WANT THEM TO RUN THE "COMPUTER DIAGNOSIS" AND I WANT THEM TO GIVE ME THE REPORT. BELOW ARE A FEW OF THE SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURES THAT ARE ON THE REPORT: ETC - ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CODE 120 THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SPEED OF THE TRACTION SYSTEM IS SPORADICALLY IMPLAUSIBLE CODE 121 THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL SPEED OF THE TRACTION SYSTEM IS SPORADICALLY IMPLAUSIBLE ME2-SFI - MOTOR ELECTRONICS 2.8 CODE P20DD-001 B37 (ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR) : SIGNAL 1 / SHORT CIRCUIT TO POSSITIVE / POTENTIONMETER ABOVE MAXIMUM VALUE (P0123) ESP - ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM CODE C1504-009 THE SYSTEM IS SWITCHED OFF. CODE C1100-001 L6/1 (LEFT FRONT SPEED SENSOR) CODE C1101-001 L6/2 (RIGHT FRONT SPEED SENSOR) EZS - ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH CODE B1156-005 THE CONTROL UNIT HAS SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND OR OPEN CIRCUIT. TELE AID [USA] - TELEMATIC SYSTEM CODE N1100 NO SIGNAL IS RECEIVED FROM THE RIGHT-SIDE SPEED SENSORS. CODE N1101 NO SIGNAL IS RECEIVED FROM THE LEFT-SIDE SPEED SENSORS. I SEARCHED ON GOOGLE AND FOUND MANY OWNERS REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THEIR ABS/BAS/ESP SYSTEMS WITH CLK430 ON WWW.MBWORLD.ORG I BELIEVE THESE ARE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS AND MERCEDES SHOULD RECALL THE CLK430 AND FIX THE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10534614 · filed Aug 10, 2013

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED THE FAILURE ON THE QUALITY OF GAS IN THE STATE. A FACTORY REP REFUSED TO COME OUT BECAUSE OF WHAT THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. *JB

NHTSA ID 10083399 · filed Jul 21, 2004

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD A MICHELIN LOW PROFILE TIRE LOSE PRESSURE AND IT FAILED AT 30 MPH. THE ENTIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATED IN ONE PIECE FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. I HAD JUST EXITED I-10 AND IF THE TIRE HAD FAILED AT 60 MPH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING. I HAVE THE TIRE (7600 MILES) AND PICTURES. THESE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LOOK AT ONE AND DETECT A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL FROM THE CARS INSTRUMENTATION IF A TIRE IS LOSING PRESSURE UNTIL IT FAILS AND COMES APART. *NM

NHTSA ID 10161067 · filed Jun 29, 2006

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

Data on this page last refreshed .