2005 Mercedes Benz CLK320
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 18 |
| 2000 | 17 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 16 |
| 2003 | 19 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2005 mercedes CLK320 caught fire due to an electrical short while I was driving on the freeway. I pulled over, the entire car was engulfed in flames and totaled. It started with smoke coming out of the ac vents.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-08
Tires
3 of 12 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Blow out of right rear tire (Costco item #758707 bridgestone/firestone RE750 245/40R17 ultra high performance) resulting in $2000 worth of vehicle damage. Defective tire remnants sent to bridgestone/firestone.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-13
Tires on the mercedes CLK320 are not designed to last very long and become "Bald" Quickly creating dangerous driving conditions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-06
Seats
2 of 12 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt*: the contact stated the automatic driver seat in the vehicle moved forward on its own, pushing the contact into the steering wheel. The vehicle was not recording the correct seat position of each driver.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-16
Seat belts
2 of 12 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belt extended without tension and continued to release. So the driver side seat belt was of no functional use. Brought to mercedes service, replaced entire seat-belt and retraction system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-29
Air bags
2 of 12 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
SRS light appeared and we took vehicle into dealership and were told the passenger side airbag was defective and had to be replaced. We had the repair done on 10/03/14.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-23
The SRS light came on once before like 6 months back, and the mechanic cleared the code. This light came back on sept 5, 2012. The mercedes dealer told me that there are 2 fault codes: 1. 900B - passenger side seat belt buckle 2.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-11
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-07-10Visibility19V918000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
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2023-02-03Visibility22V954000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918.
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2025-01-10Visibility24V874000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Mercedes Benz CLK320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
- Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
- Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK320 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 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK320?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK320 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.