2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500
Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 14 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 18 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel/propulsion system
6 of 14 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Strong gas smell from rear seat whenever gas filled up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-23
My car after fueling leaks a very strong fuel smell enters my car. The strong fuel vapor will remain until the tank gets below 3/4. It will be there whether it is in motion, stationary, or at idle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-27
Bought car in sept. 2012. Started to notice fuel smell after fill ups. Getting worse, and checked fuel sending unit on top of tank. Puddle of fuel on top of sending unit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-23
Seat belts
3 of 14 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes CLK500. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-12
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 14 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500. The vehicle was parked in a garage when the contact smelled fuel and noticed that the fuel pump was leaking fuel. The fuel pump was leaking underneath the rear seat which was where its located.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-04-28
Power train
1 of 14 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on a busy street when the Mercedes Benz started jerking. After stopping at a red light, I could not get the car to accelerate past 2ND gear; thus, I was driving on a street with a 45 MPH speed limit at less than 20 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-02-07
Electronic stability control (esc)
1 of 14 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
My 2004 mbz 500 cabriolet stopped running in the middle of the road without warning. It has always been serviced regularly and there were no problems. It was in rush hour traffic in irvine ca.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-08
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
2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
- Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
- Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 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 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500?
- The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 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.