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

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, the most recent reported on July 7, 2008 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is tires (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).

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

1 of 10 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class recalls and problems

1 recall and 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK Class recalls

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · reported July 7, 2008 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 404 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
The risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
The fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Most reported problems

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

Tires2
Electrical system1
Equipment1
Exterior lighting1
Power train1
Seat belts1
Steering1
Structure1
Vehicle speed control1

What owners report

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

Jan 6, 2014 · Seat belts · 103,000 miles
I HAVE HAD SEAT BELT TROUBLE. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS WEAK TO RETRACT. THAN 9 MONTHS LATER IT GAVE OUT ON ME. I LOOKED INTO IT ONLINE AND IT TURNS OUT ALMOST ALL THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE 100,000 MILES. THERE ARE DOZENS OF FORUMS IN COMPLAINTS PLENTY OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM TO…

May 11, 2011 · Electrical system · 32,879 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND RADIO WERE DEFECTIVE. HE MENTIONED THAT THE PIXELS ON BOTH WERE MISSING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE…

Aug 29, 2008 · Steering · 57,528 miles · fire reported
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TWO OTHER VEHICLES WERE MODERATELY DAMAGED BY THE FLAMES. HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE GROUND WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS LOCATED…

Jun 30, 2008 · Power train · 24,000 miles
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. RUSTED AND CORRODED TRANS AT 24,000 MILES CAUSED BY FAULTY MERCEDES VALEO RADIATOR. MERCEDES OWN STAR BULLETIN TELLS DEALERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT MY DEALER DECIDED NOT TO CHECK IT OUT AND NOW MERCEDES AND DEALER ARE REFUSING TO HELP WHEN THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON MANY OF THEIR MODELS AND SHOULD…

May 14, 2007 · Structure · 29,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE FRONT BUMPER WERE FAILING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS TO DETACH FROM THE BUMPER. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

CLK Class model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	0	1	0	0
2001	0	14	0	0
2003	1	10	1	1
2004	2	7	1	0
2006	1	3	0	0

All Mercedes-Benz CLK Class years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, the most recent reported on July 7, 2008 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class?: Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is tires (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).
How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 10 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 6, 2014.