2001 Mercedes Benz CL600
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › CL600 › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercedes Benz CL600. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2001 Mercedes Benz CL600. Newest first.
On certain passenger 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 heat and humidity. over time, corrosion may deteriorate the inner steel portions of the hose.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage. under some circumstances, leaking hydraulic fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possibility of fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new, corrosion resistant abc high-pressure distribution hoses. the recall began august 31, 2004. owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Owner complaints
14 complaints4 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Suspension
R headlight turn signal will not work (rest of headlight works) randomly flash check different lights and all work. Random issues with front windows. Abc light. Car has less than 54,000 miles on it. mercedes told me all recalls have been considered fixed and I shouldn't have purchased the car if I…
R headlight turn signal will not work (rest of headlight works) randomly flash check different lights and all work. Random issues with front windows. Abc light. Car has less than 54,000 miles on it. mercedes told me all recalls have been considered fixed and I shouldn't have purchased the car if I didn't want to spend the money to fix it. now it has thrown the v-belt. I have read the forums about the many issues and there doesn't seem to be any assistance offered to remedy these issues. when you spend a lot of money on a vehicle you would think it would be dependable for a while without having to put thousands more into it. I am not talking about the regular maintenance and upkeep. this IS a great car minus the many issues.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl600. The contact stated that the instrument panel cluster failed to work and the gauges intermittently shorted out. The vehicle ran out of fuel due to the fuel gauge failure. The contact was able to refuel the vehicle. While traveling over unleveled land…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl600. The contact stated that the instrument panel cluster failed to work and the gauges intermittently shorted out. The vehicle ran out of fuel due to the fuel gauge failure. The contact was able to refuel the vehicle. While traveling over unleveled land or a bumpy road, the instrument panel flickered. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the mechanic repaired the vehicle with a hose kit; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was an intermittent leak occurring under the hood. The contact had to fill the hydraulic fluid and press a button to raise the chassis as an interim repair for the leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was not able to drive the vehicle due to the failures. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v228000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl600. the contact stated that flames appeared from the hood of the vehicle without warning. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that the power booster line, evaporation hose, and hydraulic hose needed to be replaced. the vin was not included…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl600. the contact stated that flames appeared from the hood of the vehicle without warning. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that the power booster line, evaporation hose, and hydraulic hose needed to be replaced. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v252000 (fuel system, gasoline and structure). the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 148,641.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl 600. The contact stated that the abc (active body control) sensor light was illuminated. the contact was informed by the local dealer that the vehicle was not included in the nhtsa campaign 04v228000(suspension). The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 77,306. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Small fire started underneath the vehicle when getting off the expressway after traveling about 12 miles. started to see smoke while stopped at a light. saw small flames when I stopped to look for source of smoke. recent repairs made heater core replaced. also water pump replaced. also upper radiator hose replaced. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl-600. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph the abc light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised him the hydraulic suspension line fractured and needed to be replaced. Approximately two days later with the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl-600. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph the abc light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised him the hydraulic suspension line fractured and needed to be replaced. Approximately two days later with the vehicle in idle mode, he heard a loud burst. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic who stated another hydraulic suspension line fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign ID number 04v228000 (suspension), but was repaired in 2005. The failure and current mileages was approximately 179,000. updated 3/20/13 *cn
- Air bags · Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting › Turn signal · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure · Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl600. The contact stated that at engine startup, the srs warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while traveling 25-30 mph, the abc warning light and both turning signals illuminated. In addition, the driver side window failed to work…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl600. The contact stated that at engine startup, the srs warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while traveling 25-30 mph, the abc warning light and both turning signals illuminated. In addition, the driver side window failed to work properly.the contact also stated that black smoke emitted from the exhaust followed by a loud explosion. The driver's side door failed to open with the electronic key-less remote and the passenger side door panel detached when the door was closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the driver's side air bags needed to be replaced along with the module for the driver's side door. The manufacturer was contacted and provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 65,700. updated 10/24/12 *cn updated 11/9/2012 *js
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl 600. the contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, a fire erupted from the dash board area. the fire was extinguished. A fire report was not filed. The manufacturer was contacted but denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. The contact did not confirm the cause of the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 100,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl-600. While the contact was driving approximately 50 mph, the abc warning light illuminated and remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician detected that the abc…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz cl-600. While the contact was driving approximately 50 mph, the abc warning light illuminated and remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician detected that the abc hydraulic hose and hydraulic pump were leaking a substantial amount of fluid onto the catalytic converter. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The vehicle had also been taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure occurred three years after the recall repair. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000. ..Updated 09/21/11 *bf
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes cl-600. The contact stated that recall number 04v228000, suspension was repaired on the vehicle. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was advised that the recall had been performed and a second recall repair was denied. The current mileage was 56,575. The failure mileage was 52,000.
- Suspension
On may 6, 2009 my mercedez cl600 active body control failed and caused the car to drop so low that the body touched the tires and causing dangerous driving conditions. The mercedes dealership repair facility of chicago informed me that it was caused by an oil leak in the active body control high…
On may 6, 2009 my mercedez cl600 active body control failed and caused the car to drop so low that the body touched the tires and causing dangerous driving conditions. The mercedes dealership repair facility of chicago informed me that it was caused by an oil leak in the active body control high pressure line. Since the repair on june 1, 2009, for which a recall was never mentioned, the active body control system caused the body to touch the tires again on june 20, 2009 and I towed the car back to the dealership where no work was done and no recall information was disclosed. The body of he car raised temporarily enough to drive but continues to lower spontaneously. *tr
- Suspension
Mercedes refused to take repair responsibility for abc hose leak on my 2001 cl. the car was completely lower ,body touched tires, while I was driving on freeway. the nhtsa has issued a recall affecting mercedes-benz cl class and s class autos from the 2000 through 2004 model years. The issue…
Mercedes refused to take repair responsibility for abc hose leak on my 2001 cl. the car was completely lower ,body touched tires, while I was driving on freeway. the nhtsa has issued a recall affecting mercedes-benz cl class and s class autos from the 2000 through 2004 model years. The issue involves hydraulic fluid leakage that could touch off a fire. Details are listed below: manufacturer: mercedes-benz model year: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 models affected: cl class, s class nhtsa campaign number: 07v263000 potential units affected: 19924 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. 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. *Tr
- Structure · Visibility
Dt*: the contact stated the two pieces of all four side windows were separating. the dealership was aware of the problem. the manufacturer claimed the problem was related to the hot climate in florida. the consumer wanted to check the status of the problem. Updated 06/14/07 *tr
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Dt*: the contact stated the driver and passenger side windows had bubbles in the glass. the dealer determined the glass sections were separating due to the heat. no repairs have been made.
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
- 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
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- 10135635Message in instrument cluster "ESP Malfunction - Service Required"
- 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
- 10028684Mercedes: esp service required displayed in instrument cluster. Also includes 4matics, bi turbos and kompressors. Models 215 and 220. Model years unknown.
- 10028665Mercedes: warning message right low beam- check bulb; or left low beam-check bulb in instrument cluster. Due to the fact that the xenon burner may not be ignited on first attempt due to tolerances in ignition voltage. Model years unknown.
- 10028627Mercedes: display in instrument cluster "air suspension" or "abc service required" IS displayed in the instrument cluster, the engine wiring harness may have been damaged by the wiper linkage. Models 215.3 and 220. Model years unknown.
- 10028626Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration sensors. Models 215.3, 220, and 230. Model years unknown.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10016687Abc visit workshop displayed in instrument cluster and hydraulic fluid leakage. Updated 5/14/09. Models 215, 220 and 230. Model years unknown.
- 10016670Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. This may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain: hydraulic and electrical lines and their connections, rear sam or instrument cluster. Updated 2/23/09. Updated 9/18/09. Model years unknown.
Every Mercedes Benz CL600 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.