2002 Mercedes Benz CL500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › CL500 › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Mercedes Benz CL500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
12 complaints3 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Lane departure › Blind spot detection
The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the…
The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if there is something else happening. Looked at fuses and they all ring Okay with a meter. I have read about recalls From mercedes for this seemingly exact cause for other year Mercedes but nothing about My car based off the VIN # and year specifically. Recently I Also had the Sun roof glass shatter from Heat. That now Needs to be replaced. Nothing touched the glass it Just popped one Day when it was hot In CA, don’t know of the cold Air from the AC caused it to do that. My car has low miles. The car does run and it drives good when it does Run except For the issues mentioned Thank You Rusty A
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, the instrument panel failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system · Suspension
I have a mercedes cl500 while driving the car the lights in the speedometer everything went out I had to check it when I got home I was able to get speedometer working again gas gauge by replacing fuse the lights in the background are still not working also I have an issue with the vehicle active…
I have a mercedes cl500 while driving the car the lights in the speedometer everything went out I had to check it when I got home I was able to get speedometer working again gas gauge by replacing fuse the lights in the background are still not working also I have an issue with the vehicle active body control I have a leak suspension goes all the way down I would like to know if there IS a recall to get this fixed and how I go about this.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the instrument panel failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000. The vin was not available.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front of the vehicle was abnormally lowering to the ground. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front of the vehicle was abnormally lowering to the ground. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I was driving down the highway at night and it was raining had the wipers and the high beams on. Then all of sudden the high beans went out and the dash went black black causing limited visibility. This IS the reason I'm filing a complaint because it almost caused a accident with the light dimming and the cluster going blank.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. While driving highway speeds, the instrument panel lights dimmed until they completely failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was made…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. While driving highway speeds, the instrument panel lights dimmed until they completely failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and notified the contact that the vin was not included on the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact turned the ignition to the on position, but the vehicle failed to shift out of park. After numerous failed attempts, the vehicle shifted out of the park position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. While driving 50 mph, smoke appeared near the rear of the vehicle. The contact continued to drive and the active body control (abc) warning light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. While driving 50 mph, smoke appeared near the rear of the vehicle. The contact continued to drive and the active body control (abc) warning light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the abc high pressure distribution hose needed to be replaced. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension). The vin and failure mileage were unknown.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, smoke started to emit from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was fluid leaking from the active body control module. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, smoke started to emit from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was fluid leaking from the active body control module. The contact was a certified mechanic who replaced an o-ring. However, the failure recurred. In addition, the drive careful warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns 2002 mercedes cl500. The contact stated the instrument cluster failed and the gauges were unable to be read. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument clusters needed to be replaced. The failure had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
While driving my 2002 mercedes cl500, I noticed smoke coming from the engine bay and the smell of something burning. Upon inspection it was discovered that a hydraulic suspension hose ruptured and sprayed fluid onto a catalytic converter. This resulted in a large amount of smoke and small flames…
While driving my 2002 mercedes cl500, I noticed smoke coming from the engine bay and the smell of something burning. Upon inspection it was discovered that a hydraulic suspension hose ruptured and sprayed fluid onto a catalytic converter. This resulted in a large amount of smoke and small flames starting to appear right before the passenger side engine bay was hosed down with water. the mercedes dealership advised this was a known issue and a recall was issued/performed back in 2005/2007. Mercedes advised me no further work would be done under the recall. I am reporting this to nhtsa as this IS a dangerous safety related recurring defect reported on many websites/forums, yet mercedes refuses to take appropriate action to permanently resolve it. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10167545During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 10166982During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
- 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
- 10166091Front seat backrest locks at folded-forward position
- 10165844Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
- 10165839Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10135635Message in instrument cluster "ESP Malfunction - Service Required"
Every Mercedes Benz CL500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.