2008 Mercedes Benz CLK350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › CLK350 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Mercedes Benz CLK350. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2008 Mercedes Benz CLK350. Newest first.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Owner complaints
15 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz clk350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz clk350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Mercedes-benz of rockville centre (650 sunrise hwy, rockville centre, ny 11570) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin was not available.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Power train
Many owners of late-model mercedes-benz cars equipped with 3.0L and 3.5L V6 engines (M272 or M273) have experienced performance problems that include poor idle, loss of power and a check engine light with a p2006 code (or sometimes other codes). The shafts will fail inside the manifold and bind, causing the lever to break and the caps shown to look like they are popping off the manifold.
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz clk350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise coming from the sunroof. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz clk350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise coming from the sunroof. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Mercedes-benz of rockville centre 650 sunrise hwy, rockville centre, ny 11570 was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that the vehicle should no longer be driven until the recall repair was performed. The failure mileage was 40,000. The vin was not available.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Purchased from private individual with mileage 43,000. Filled up the gas tank on two occasions. After each occasion, placed car in garage afterward and closed garage door. the smell of raw gas was overwhelming as soon as garage door was shut. due to the overwhelming smell and safety concern, car…
Purchased from private individual with mileage 43,000. Filled up the gas tank on two occasions. After each occasion, placed car in garage afterward and closed garage door. the smell of raw gas was overwhelming as soon as garage door was shut. due to the overwhelming smell and safety concern, car was parked in driveway. no leaks on garage floor were found. Car parked in garage the next day without the smell of raw gas.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My partner told me that his passenger headlight was burned out and that he was told it was going to be over $800 to replace. I decided to try to replace the bulb myself, but I found that the insulation on the electrical harness leading the headlight connectors had deteriorated to the point that…
My partner told me that his passenger headlight was burned out and that he was told it was going to be over $800 to replace. I decided to try to replace the bulb myself, but I found that the insulation on the electrical harness leading the headlight connectors had deteriorated to the point that the wires are bare, causing electrical shorting, equipment failure, leading to potential electrical fire which may cause serious life threatening accidents. I have found at least one other complaint of this nature, reported on november 13 2017, for a 2008 clk350 vehicle with the same leading vin number of wdbtk56f.... that complaint indicates that "mercedes benz IS not supplying a fix as reported by multiple owners. Also extended warranty insurers are denying coverage due to the wide spread defect across the mercedes benz models." I cannot find any more information on this problem. this IS not normal for any vehicle, much less one that IS only 10 years old.
- Air bags · Electrical system › Wiring · Seats
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz clk350. While the vehicle was stationary, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning and "check srs air bag" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the wiring for both the driver and passenger seats…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz clk350. While the vehicle was stationary, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning and "check srs air bag" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the wiring for both the driver and passenger seats were replaced. The failure recurred. A dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Routine maintenance identified gasoline leaking from fuel tank's "fuel sender". Small crack in plastic fuel sender at point where fuel hose attached to sender allowed gasoline to accumulate over time in area surrounding sender and then travel to underside of car in an area immediately adjacent to…
Routine maintenance identified gasoline leaking from fuel tank's "fuel sender". Small crack in plastic fuel sender at point where fuel hose attached to sender allowed gasoline to accumulate over time in area surrounding sender and then travel to underside of car in an area immediately adjacent to exhaust system. At time leak was discovered approx 1/4 cup of fuel had accumulated. Had problem not been discovered a car fire was inevitable
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
On 12/31/2017 my car was parked on drive way of 800 villa florence dr. Naples florida and without any prior sign of trouble car cut in fire from left side of trunk. There was nothing in trunk of this car except to light weight beach chairs.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My wife told me her headlight was burned out. When I replaced the bulb, I found the insulation on the electrical harness and headlights IS deteriorating leaving exposed bare wires causing electrical shorting, equipment failures, electrical fires, leading to potentially serious life threatening…
My wife told me her headlight was burned out. When I replaced the bulb, I found the insulation on the electrical harness and headlights IS deteriorating leaving exposed bare wires causing electrical shorting, equipment failures, electrical fires, leading to potentially serious life threatening accidents. Mercedes benz IS not supplying a fix as reported by multiple owners. Also extended warranty insurers are denying coverage due to the wide spread defect across the mercedes benz models.
- Air bags
Air bag not replaced
- Air bags
Takata recall. Srs light came on. Took car to dealership. Advised that airbag in passenger seat had high resistance.the seat back was removed and airbag replaced. Approximately 3 weeks later and $981.00 my car was returned to me.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Takata recall - the car IS stationary in my garage and IS emittng a strong order of gas fumes and I am afraid these gas fumes could cause an explosion or fire
- Fuel/propulsion system
After fueling up there IS a strong fuel odor until the tank IS about 3/4 full. The car has only 54K miles.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz clk350. After refueling and parking the vehicle, a strong fuel odor emitted inside the garage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger and driver side level sensor covers were leaking fuel. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz clk350. After refueling and parking the vehicle, a strong fuel odor emitted inside the garage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the driver side fuel sending unit was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
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).
- 10252770As previously reported, to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a Settlement regarding claims relating to allegations that the 590 Mars Red paint available as an original, exterior color option for certain models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles may experience peeling, flaking, or bubbling of the exterior paint or clear coat. This Mars Red paint is sometimes referred to as Fire Opal. The purpose of this update is to alert you that: 1. The Settlement has received final approval. The Settlement will go into effect on March 11, 2024. As of that date, customers are eligible to receive extended warranty coverage under the Settlement. 2. Under the Settlement, an eligible customer might receive extended warranty coverage as of the date the vehicle is presented to your dealership OR certain customers might have validated Qualified Future Repair claims, making them eligible for a different level of coverage. To determine if a customer: (a) is eligible for extended warranty coverage; and (b) what level of warranty coverage is available to them, please refer to the Service Packages section in VMI/Netstar. 3. Damage code 21800 (damage type 00) must be used for warranty claims covered pursuant to the Settlement. Please note that you should only claim for the percentage of warranty repair cost reflected in VMI/Netstar (see below, e.g., for Period Two, claim only 50% of warranty repair cost). 4. Before the dealership agrees to perform any work: The customer should be given a Repair Order containing: (1) an estimate for the repair, (2) the portion covered under the extended warranty; and (3) the customers contribution amount for the repair, if applicable. The customer must agree to pay their contribution amount for the repair and sign the Repair Order before the repair is performed.
- 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
- 10176670To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale warranty coverage for certain vehicles diagnosed as having mold or mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system?although that coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially approved and other events occur; likely not until December 7, 2020 at the earliest (see below). If the settlement becomes effective, coverage will include cleaning of the evaporator and replacement of the HVAC filters
- 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.
- 10167489Noise: A rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx. 2-5 seconds after engine start. And/or: Fault code entries in engine control unit: SIM271DE20: P001177 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The commanded position cannot be reached. P001762 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft. The signal comparison is faulty. P001192 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The function or the instruction is faulty. P001195 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The mechanical setup is not OK. P001477 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The commanded position cannot be reached. P001492 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The function or the instruction is faulty. P001495 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The mechanical setup is not OK. P001600 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft. P001662 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft. The signal comparison is faulty. P001700 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft.
- 10166994Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
- 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.
- 10166087The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of OK components being removed. Possible Hall sensor faults or normalization faults can exist which can be eliminated without replacing the control unit.
- 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.
- 10158329Oil in engine wiring harness
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
Every Mercedes Benz CLK350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.