2001 Mercedes Benz CLK320
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › CLK320 › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercedes Benz CLK320. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
15 complaints6 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
Mvc with frontal impact first through an t intersection then a culvert and striking a tree at a speed >45 mph. Airbag did not deploy and seatbelt did not lock on drivers side while engaged. driver incurred a 20% compression fracture on L1 vertabrae.
- Air bags
Air bag driver type unknown-- driver sternum fractured I was driving a 2001 mercedes clk320 during rush hour traffic 1/2 car length behind next car. The car in front of me changed lanes, two 3 series bmws were stopped for city bus. I slammed on brakes, then realized I would hit the car in front…
Air bag driver type unknown-- driver sternum fractured I was driving a 2001 mercedes clk320 during rush hour traffic 1/2 car length behind next car. The car in front of me changed lanes, two 3 series bmws were stopped for city bus. I slammed on brakes, then realized I would hit the car in front, did not swrive lined my body up both arms on wheel skidded and hit the car in front of me. The airbag hit me in the chest very hard at about 1300, there was a tear with white puff and little metal bead things on airbag. I check to see if my filings had been broken. I had no idea what the little metal circle was. I could move my hands, feet without numbness or tingling neck didn't hurt, chest had sharp pinpoint pain, there was smoke, engine was damaged I was worried about fire. Reached for seatbelt a guy wanted me to stay. Then firefighter said to leave to spray. Ems on scene. Transported to nfrmc ct chest sternal fracture not displaced. Police report IS wrong. Airbag deployed, ems transportation. Records available CLK totaled, engine damage speed est 25 m/hr flow of traffic limit 45.
- Wheels
Numerous blow out and shredding of firestone low profile tires. The tires lose air pressure very quickly within weeks of filling & this often leads to the tire heating up and catastrophic side wall failure. Most of the time the shredding occurs on the inside of the rim and IS not visible from the…
Numerous blow out and shredding of firestone low profile tires. The tires lose air pressure very quickly within weeks of filling & this often leads to the tire heating up and catastrophic side wall failure. Most of the time the shredding occurs on the inside of the rim and IS not visible from the outside. The dealer tried to blame me for not having an alignment done which in fact (proof of receipts) an alignment was conducted one month prior to a blow out last year 2014. The dealership and the firestone corporation failed to provide as required by law the dot notifications of each of the blow out info. Severe financial stress was incurred for every time each of the incidents were realized. One of the tires involved: dot 9UPL ooa 1014 sp1963-02.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While driving down the street both the right and left led instrument clusters that indicate what gear you are in and the outside temperature both failed and are unable to read. I consider this a safety issue only because I cannot tell which gear I am in and often times I must guess at what gear it…
While driving down the street both the right and left led instrument clusters that indicate what gear you are in and the outside temperature both failed and are unable to read. I consider this a safety issue only because I cannot tell which gear I am in and often times I must guess at what gear it IS in. This guessing takes my eyes and concentration off the road and could potentially cause an accident I know that every clk320 has this same issue and mercedes benz has not issued a recall for this fix. It seems they should as it could lead to many accidents. *tr
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · Structure
The gps adapter does not fit tightly in the cigarette lighter socket. I use a paper piece to make it tight, however it gets loose and gets gps disconnected while driving. Many times when I realize this either I have gone too far or I have to make sudden decision, which makes it dangerous. the…
The gps adapter does not fit tightly in the cigarette lighter socket. I use a paper piece to make it tight, however it gets loose and gets gps disconnected while driving. Many times when I realize this either I have gone too far or I have to make sudden decision, which makes it dangerous. the problem IS not with my gps adopter, because it fits well in any other car. The problem IS with the cigarette lighter socket of mb. This has been like this since the car was new. This perhaps IS manufacturing defect and must be corrected immediately. thank you. *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
I was backing out of a parking space when my passenger side control arm broke. the front passenger side wheel splayed out and bent the fender. I had the car towed to a garage that was very nearby. the mechanic noted that the control arm was hollow and seemed to be rusting. he was able to…
I was backing out of a parking space when my passenger side control arm broke. the front passenger side wheel splayed out and bent the fender. I had the car towed to a garage that was very nearby. the mechanic noted that the control arm was hollow and seemed to be rusting. he was able to detect that the driver side control arm had a similar problem in the making and that the stabilizer bar had stress crack. all were replaced over the next few weeks while I was on vacation. the total cost was slightly under $2900. it was a bit scary and I was certainly glad that I was not driving fast when this cataclysmic failure occurred. I thought that mercedes should hear about the problem and when I returned from vacation, called my dealer who had done all of the mechanical service and repairs on the car since it was bought. they were having phone and e-mail communication problems and did not call back for quite a while. they suggested that I let mbusa know about my concern. I immediately e-mailed mbusa. they took until recently to reply. they tell me that there IS no current service campaign and that the government has not initiated a recall on the problem. I have pictures documenting the problem and some of the parts if anyone wants to inspect them. I am fine and do not need any reimbursement. but, I worry that some poor fellow IS going to have the same problem at 55 mph and not live to write to you about this dangerous problem. hopefully my problem IS either a one time event or if it IS endemic or a design flaw, somebody will get out ahead of this problem before someone suffers. thanks for helping to make this a safer world. *Tr
- Engine
While stopping at a traffic light at the end of exit 43 off ramp I95 in lynnfield ma. Car engine shut off and would not restart. believe it to be a fault cps crankshaft position sensor which IS a known quality issue. *tr
- Electrical system
There IS a faulty display readouts that many of mercedes benz CLK class from 98-2002 as far as I'm aware; have/are experiencing. It IS a problem since you can't see which gear you are in and that could cause a driver error that may lead to an accident. The shifter does have markings for p/n/d…
There IS a faulty display readouts that many of mercedes benz CLK class from 98-2002 as far as I'm aware; have/are experiencing. It IS a problem since you can't see which gear you are in and that could cause a driver error that may lead to an accident. The shifter does have markings for p/n/d, while in d there's only one way to know if you have shifted to 2ND, 3RD or 4TH gear and that IS on the lcd screen. In addition bad or wrong temperature reading can cause the climate control to overheat or cool the car based on the outside readings. mercedes benz has poorly designed these clusters; based on a response from vdo siemens. (Below IS my conversation with them in my attempt to obtain a set of ribbons to fix this issue). I believe that based on my conversation with vdo; mercedes benz has designed these clusters knowing how poorly these ribbons are secured and expecting failure in the future and for customers to pay a ridiculous amount of money (over $ 1200) to replace and for labor to fix the units. Here's a forum to see what the issue IS http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w208-clk-class/1440865-instrument-cluster-pixel-fix.html [xxx], vdo makes many panels specific to manufacturer's criteria and are therefore proprietary to that manufacturer. The manufacturer owns the rights to those panels and vdo cannot sell or service that part after market. you will have to resolve your issue with mercedes benz as it IS their panel built to their specifications. best regards, technical support team business unit cvam continental division interior 6755 snowdrift road allentown, pa 18106 USA 1-800-265-1818 http://www.continental-corporation.com proprietary and confidential. Distribution only by express authority of continental ag or its subsidiaries. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
I own a 2001 mercedes benz CLK 320. My concern IS over its faulty display readouts that I hear many other owners are experiencing. the safety concern IS that the left half of the display IS very weak/dim and getting harder and harder to read. It's hazardous as I have to squint to read the display…
I own a 2001 mercedes benz CLK 320. My concern IS over its faulty display readouts that I hear many other owners are experiencing. the safety concern IS that the left half of the display IS very weak/dim and getting harder and harder to read. It's hazardous as I have to squint to read the display which takes my eyes off the road longer than they should be. As part of this cluster, the temperature pixels are not functional which has been unreadable for some time now. The main display issue started a few months ago but I fear will worsen. IS there a recall on this or IS one being considered? thank you for your attention." *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Pulling car into driveway and it just surged or took off, running into the garage door and crashing. I had foot on brake leaving black marks on driveway. had 2 witnesses to the incident. Exact day not listed as I do not have that with me. since that time I have noticed in the newspapers and t.v.…
Pulling car into driveway and it just surged or took off, running into the garage door and crashing. I had foot on brake leaving black marks on driveway. had 2 witnesses to the incident. Exact day not listed as I do not have that with me. since that time I have noticed in the newspapers and t.v. Of 2 other incidents that caused property damage or even death in same brand of vehicle that would be explained by same malfunction. 1. In columbia s.c(death). And 1. In frankfort ky. Running into a kroger store. *jb
- Air bags › Side/window
I was hit in the driver side door and my air bag did not deploy. mercedes sent out a technical team who found that the airbag operated properly. they said I got hit too low but I was hit by a ford work van whose bumper IS 27" up. there IS not an inch of that door that IS not caved in. I was hit…
I was hit in the driver side door and my air bag did not deploy. mercedes sent out a technical team who found that the airbag operated properly. they said I got hit too low but I was hit by a ford work van whose bumper IS 27" up. there IS not an inch of that door that IS not caved in. I was hit so hard I was pushed across the intersection and up on a curb. my seat and console were moved over. I don't think I can safely repair and use or resell the car due to the airbag defect. *nm
- Air bags › Side/window
I was hit by a ford E350 ford work van in the drivers side door. my airbag did not deploy causing injury to my shoulder from the door buckling into me and moving my seat and console over. all professionals that see this car are very surprised I am not critically injured or dead. mercedes-benz…
I was hit by a ford E350 ford work van in the drivers side door. my airbag did not deploy causing injury to my shoulder from the door buckling into me and moving my seat and console over. all professionals that see this car are very surprised I am not critically injured or dead. mercedes-benz sent a technical team to inspect the vehicle and found the airbag operated properly. they said the vehicle was hit beneath the airbag and the van starts at 27" off the ground. there IS not an inch of that door that IS not caved in. Car has not been repaired because we are convinced it has a major defect and IS unsafe to be legally put back on the road and I am concerned the rest of the airbags will not work. old door IS still on car and still unable to open at all. *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Driving on highway at 60 mph , stepped on accelerator to pass someone and there was no response. After that pulled over to side by coasting and found that the throttle linkage cable had broken at the attachment under the hood. Towed to mercedes dealer where it IS currently being repaired with a new…
Driving on highway at 60 mph , stepped on accelerator to pass someone and there was no response. After that pulled over to side by coasting and found that the throttle linkage cable had broken at the attachment under the hood. Towed to mercedes dealer where it IS currently being repaired with a new throttle cable assembly under warranty. 320 CLK 2001 with 36400 miles .all maintanance done on time. Could have been a dangerous situation . I used the cruise control to maneuver to the shoulder and wait for emergency tow.*ak
- Unknown or other
Canadian car sold as american and lacks compliance with american standards. dt
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Vehicle speed control
When accelerating vehicle will stall out and die without warning. dealer has repaired fuel pump. *ak
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
- 10167553Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load - Bosch) is stored in the engine control unit.
- 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.
- 10166081Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest frame - backrest cover or - guide rail of head restraint. If the backrest frame is exposed as a result, the actions must always be performed in order to avoid follow-up repairs.
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10136041Selector lever blocks in position "P" (brake applied)
- 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- 10135917Malfunctions of various control units and/or on-board power supply problems caused by water in the control unit tray under the driver/front passenger seat (dislocated, pinched or leaking condensation hose)
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10044222Mercedes benz: front or rear seat belt does not roll up correctly. Dirt deposits on the seat belt guide due to soiled seat belt. Also included models 169, f cell, 246, and 231. No model years given.
- 10044181Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 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.
- 10028586Mercedes vehicle: the srs indicator lamp IS illuminated and code b1058 and b2dbo are stored, replace the srs control unit. Models 203 and model 209. Model years unknown.
- 10028585Mercedes vehicles: the xenon or bi-xenon headlamp not functioning. A function description can be found in wis document gf8s.10-p-20010 (203), gf82.10-p-0003q (209); gf82.10-p-3002r (230). Model years uknown.
- 10025642Model 203 (c) series from production 8/1/01 to 2/1/03 and model 209 (CLK) series up to production 2/1/03; esp visit workshop with fault code c1185.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10015377Revised repair procedure and additional applicable models. Model 170, 202, 208 and 210 models. Front fog lamp(s) inoperative. Mercedes-benz. Model years: 1994-2004. Updated 09/09/08.
- 614940This bulletin states that an error in the assignment of the us federal mandated 17 digit vehicle identification number (vin) to subject vehicles was discovered.
Every Mercedes Benz CLK320 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.