Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class, the most recent reported on June 12, 2007 (Suspension, Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is seat belts (3 complaints), followed by air bags (2).

How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 5 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class recalls and problems

2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class recalls

Suspension · Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 07V263000 · reported June 12, 2007 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 19,924 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 the hose.
The risk: This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
The fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, lock

NHTSA campaign 04V285000 · reported June 9, 2004 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 16,690 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
The risk: If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk.
The fix: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Seat belts3
Air bags2
Seats2
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Equipment1
Power train1
Steering1
Suspension1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 19, 2010 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 81,200 miles · fire reported
I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CL55 AMG. THE ABC OR ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND WITH VERY LITTLE WARNING, THE FLUID STARTED TO LEAK , SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE AND I NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION BECAUSE OF THE THICK SMOKE AND POOR VISIBILITY. I HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE THE CL55 TOWED TO MY MECHANIC MY…

May 27, 2010 · Seats · 15,000 miles · crash reported · fire reported
TL CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2003 MERCEDES CL55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON JUNE 11,2006, THEY WERE INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE( LIMOUSINE) AT 45 MPH. WHEN THE DRIVER DOWN SHIFTED, THE DRIVER DROVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE FRONT END OF THE MERCEDES WAS DESTROYED…

Nov 25, 2009 · Air bags · 12,000 miles · crash reported · fire reported
2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CL55 LOW-SPEED (25-35MPH) HIGH-ACCELERATION HEAD-ON IMPACT WITH A LIMOUSINE (APPROX. 45MPH) WHERE THE CL55 DASH MOUNTED AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST, AND THE CL55'S INTEGRATED SEATBELT WORN BY THE PASSENGER AND SOLE SURVIVOR RESULTED IN THE DISPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT-BACK BY…

Mar 11, 2009 · Seat belts · 9,000 miles · crash reported · fire reported
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. DRIVER FOUGHT TO REGAIN CONTROL DURING SECOND NO. 2. THEN A LIMO BLEW THROUGH A STOP SIGN ON A MERGE LANDING RIGHT…

Jul 6, 2004 · Equipment · 8,000 miles
VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH A KEYLESS GO DEVICE. WHEN THIS DEVICE IS USED TO START THE VEHICLE IT IS NOT MOBILE. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, PUT IT INTO GEAR OR ACCELERATE. DEALERSHIP HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO TURN THE MOTOR OFF, AND FLAT BED THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. THE PROBLEM WAS…

CL Class model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	4	1	0	1
2001	4	4	0	0
2002	2	19	1	2
2003	2	5	3	4
2004	4	4	2	0
2005	1	0	0	0

All Mercedes-Benz CL Class years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class, the most recent reported on June 12, 2007 (Suspension, Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?: Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is seat belts (3 complaints), followed by air bags (2).
How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 5 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 19, 2010.