2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › CL Class › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster IS experiencing electrical malfunctions. the instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle IS in operation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. the recall will be conducted in phases. phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. phase II and phase III IS scheduled for december 2006. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact was driving 45 mph when abnormal smoke was emitted from the exhaust. The abc sensor warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discovered abc hydraulic fluid leaking near…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact was driving 45 mph when abnormal smoke was emitted from the exhaust. The abc sensor warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discovered abc hydraulic fluid leaking near the catalytic converter. The dealer was notified who advised that they had repaired the vehicle june 07, 2007 under nhtsa campaign ID number: 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was also contacted who stated that they would not take any liability for the recent failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that there was a rubber seal that was held between the mirrors on both sides of the door that was separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they could not replace the rubber only, but would have to…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that there was a rubber seal that was held between the mirrors on both sides of the door that was separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they could not replace the rubber only, but would have to replace the entire mirror attachment at a cost of $1,000 each. There were no recalls for the failure. the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000. The vin was not available.
- Interior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the instrument cluster module would need replacing or would need to be rebuilt. The mechanic advised the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the instrument cluster module would need replacing or would need to be rebuilt. The mechanic advised the contact of a possible recall on the vehicle (nhtsa campaign ID number: 06v028000 -interior lighting). The manufacturer advised that the contact's vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 110,600.
- Electrical system
Extensive electrical problems in 2002 cl500 mercedes benz. vehicle seats move on their own while vehicle in motion. windows go up and down on their own; lock in whatever position it chose; hydraulics in this vehicle go up and down at will. vehicle will lean on one side, then drop to where it IS…
Extensive electrical problems in 2002 cl500 mercedes benz. vehicle seats move on their own while vehicle in motion. windows go up and down on their own; lock in whatever position it chose; hydraulics in this vehicle go up and down at will. vehicle will lean on one side, then drop to where it IS undriveable, then raise on the opposite side. the key has decoded itself and would not start the vehicle. it has been replaced and the new key had to be recoded as it started the car and then would not start the car. battery has been replaced more than once and the car still starts fine one day and not at all the next and then will be fine on the third day. I can go on and on. we have only owned this vehicle for 2 years and have spent in excess of $10,000 in repairs that do not repair this vehicle. I still have a very large balance on this nightmare of a "vehicle" but don't have anything to drive. it IS presently being repaired for a window issue. It simply would not go up. when it did go up the window broke. glass has been replaced, regulator replaced, motor replaced and now I am being told it IS the control module. $1200.00 later I still have an open window and still trying to figure out the problem. Presently the dashboard middle console serve no purpose other than decoration since the lights go on and off at will also. the vehicle exterior lights (headlights, parking lights, turning signals) work when they choose to and we have replaced bulbs excessively just to find that there was never anything wrong with the bulbs. the electrical system in this car IS a nightmare. these issues have been ongoing since we purchased this car. it had only 27,000 miles at the time of purchase however because it was a 2002, it had no manufacturers warranty. we purchased separate warranty which covered practically none of the issues mentioned because they were all "electrical". this vehicle has a class action lawsuit pending on the reed valve. probably another issue. *Tr
- Interior lighting · Suspension
2002 mercedes benz cl500 the right front of the vehicle began to sag & the instrument panel illumination cluster suddenly went completely dark without any warning whatsoever. This has been occurring intermittently, the dealership always charges us each occurrence to "fix it.". Now I find both…
2002 mercedes benz cl500 the right front of the vehicle began to sag & the instrument panel illumination cluster suddenly went completely dark without any warning whatsoever. This has been occurring intermittently, the dealership always charges us each occurrence to "fix it.". Now I find both problems are in safety campaign numbers 04v228000 and 06v028000 these are recalls. What can I do to get these problems fixed correctly this time without the dealership trying to use us as a cash horse & getting ripped off as it IS happening again. The panel IS completely dark & we cannot see any gauges or indicators. Thank you for your kind assistance. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars · Wheels
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz clk430. while the contact was attempting to open the convertible roof, she noticed that the roll bars were stuck in place. as a result, the convertible top could not open completely. the current mileage was 42,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz clk430. while the contact was attempting to open the convertible roof, she noticed that the roll bars were stuck in place. as a result, the convertible top could not open completely. the current mileage was 42,000 and failure mileage was 30,000. updated 8/27/09 *cn the consumer stated while driving, there was a noise and then the rear headrest popped up. The consumer was not able to bring the headrest down and then he/she noticed convertible top would not go down. the consumer to the vehicle for a diagnosis and the mechanic stated the roll bar and mechanics were broken. Also the front wheel was loose. The dealer stated there was play from side to side. Updated 09/09/09*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. the contact stated that his vehicle was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 07v263000 (suspension). the dealer repaired the abc valve block at the cost of $2,200 and stated that there were materials in the fluid of the abc system, which caused…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. the contact stated that his vehicle was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 07v263000 (suspension). the dealer repaired the abc valve block at the cost of $2,200 and stated that there were materials in the fluid of the abc system, which caused the blockage. there IS a hose that connects to the system and the fluid only enters one way and exits the same way; therefore, the blockage IS due to the failure of the hose that IS attached. currently, a week later, the failure has recurred with the rear abc valve. the repair also cost $2,200. the dealer accused the contact of being the cause of the failure, but offered to repair the vehicle for free. the failure mileage was 85,000. updated 11/26/08 *cn updated 12/01/08.*jb
- Electrical system · Suspension
Left rear of car sinks after sitting for more than 8 hours. mercedes benz has repaired many times but the problem still comes back. repaired measures include replacing valves associated with the abc suspension, the abc pump has also been replaced and have also flushed the abc fluid and replaced…
Left rear of car sinks after sitting for more than 8 hours. mercedes benz has repaired many times but the problem still comes back. repaired measures include replacing valves associated with the abc suspension, the abc pump has also been replaced and have also flushed the abc fluid and replaced the filter on many occasions. however, the problem has not gone away. sometimes when the car IS sitting for more than a day the active body control alarm comes on in the instrument cluster. I have not observed any abc fluid loss. *tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. the vehicle has goodyear dunlop D401, size 90/90-19 52H tires, which were purchased four days prior to the failure. while driving 45 mph, the contact heard a thump and noticed that the vehicle drove differently. she pulled over and noticed that…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. the vehicle has goodyear dunlop D401, size 90/90-19 52H tires, which were purchased four days prior to the failure. while driving 45 mph, the contact heard a thump and noticed that the vehicle drove differently. she pulled over and noticed that the passenger side rear tire was hanging from the rim. the vehicle was towed to her residence. the tire company stated that they would replace the tires. the powertrain and dot number were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 69,875.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes clk430. the contact stated that the lcd that displayed the speed, gears, temperature, and clock IS not operating normally and the he IS unable to read the gauges. the dealer replaced the instrument cluster. The failure mileage was 18,000 and the failure mileage was 31,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *jb
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. the contact stated that the abc light was illuminated and he noticed that the vehicle was leaking hydraulic fluid. the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to a recall and the failure was repaired. the dealer stated that they repaired the abc…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. the contact stated that the abc light was illuminated and he noticed that the vehicle was leaking hydraulic fluid. the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to a recall and the failure was repaired. the dealer stated that they repaired the abc pressure hose and the hydraulic pump leak. the contact was charged $2,824 for the repair work and was informed that a defective recall part caused the failure. the nhtsa recall number was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 70,162.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl 500. he stated that the abc light illuminated. the dealer replaced the high pressure distribution hose and catalytic converter. he was charged $171.90 for the diagnostic and $2,568.03 for the replacement. he received a safety recall notice…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl 500. he stated that the abc light illuminated. the dealer replaced the high pressure distribution hose and catalytic converter. he was charged $171.90 for the diagnostic and $2,568.03 for the replacement. he received a safety recall notice (recall#07v263000) for engine and engine cooling after he paid for the repairs however, the manufacturer denied reimbursement. the current mileage was 74,000 and the failure mileage was 70,997.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. the contact received recall notice number 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling). when he took the vehicle in for repair, a warning light illuminated. the dealer attempted to charge him for the recall repair. the contact stated that the vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. the contact received recall notice number 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling). when he took the vehicle in for repair, a warning light illuminated. the dealer attempted to charge him for the recall repair. the contact stated that the vehicle was fine before he took it to the dealer for the recall repair. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 101,740 and failure mileage was 101,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. the contact stated that the instrument panel failed to illuminate, preventing him from reading the gauges and indicators. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 55,300.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. while driving 45 mph, a hydraulic line failed and the vehicle began smoking. the abc light illuminated and the vehicle was towed. the engine size was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 55,126. the consumer stated that through the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. while driving 45 mph, a hydraulic line failed and the vehicle began smoking. the abc light illuminated and the vehicle was towed. the engine size was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 55,126. the consumer stated that through the internet there was a recall for this vehicle but when mercedes benz dealer was contacted they stated that the vehicle's vin was not included in the recall. The consumer stated while daughter was driving hydraulic fluid leaked onto the exhaust and smoke was coming from underneath the vehicle. Updated 07/03/07 *tr
- Suspension
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle intermittently rose up and down without warning. the vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the abc system was inoperable. there was a nhtsa recall #04v228000 concerning the suspension. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Air bags › Side/window
While at a stop light a vehicle crossed the median at a high speed and struck consumer's vehicle on driver's door. Upon impact impact side air bag did not deploy.*ak consumer notice mercedes benz body service, no response as to why? *bf
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
The brakes chattered and the front end shimmied when the brake pedal was applied. This was caused by defective rotors, per dealership. *ak *cb *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Suspension · Suspension › Front › Control arm
While driving vehicle home from the dealership, a light on instrument panel came on, stating "unsafe to drive vehicle." dealership examined vehicle and determined that "automatic body control system" for suspension had malfunctioned, this caused the left rear portion of frame to drop down.*ak the…
While driving vehicle home from the dealership, a light on instrument panel came on, stating "unsafe to drive vehicle." dealership examined vehicle and determined that "automatic body control system" for suspension had malfunctioned, this caused the left rear portion of frame to drop down.*ak the dealer replaced two valves and when the vehicle was returned to consumer the vehicle had an oil leak of over two quarts, consumer returned vehicle to dealership and a replacement vehicle was ordered which IS expected to be delivered in late november.*jb
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.
- 10014583Seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door.
- 10009985The high pressure hydraulic distribution hose of the active body control (abc) may deteriorate over time due to excessive exposure to humidity and high temperatures. Voluntary recall campaign of active body control (abc) (12 cylinder only).
- 10009820Replacement of abc pressure supply valve unit hydraulic line.
Every Mercedes Benz CL Class model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.