2003 Mercedes Benz CL Class
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 19 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 5 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
1. EXITING A CURVE ON A WINDY ROAD AT APPROX. 30MPH, DRIVER APPLIED THROTTLE CAUSING AN AUTOMATIC DOWNSHIFT INTO A 516FTLB TORQUE LUNGE. WITH NO STEERING CONTROL IN 1-SECOND WE WERE IN THE OPPOSITE LANE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090311
2 of 5 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH1 of 5 total reports mentions: suspension.
FIRE1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
FIRE1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHSAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 04V285000 — check if this car was fixed
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 T
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.
Campaign 07V263000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercedes Benz CL Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V285000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz CL Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes Benz CL Class?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz CL Class have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.