2000 Mercedes Benz CLK430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › CLK430 › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Mercedes Benz CLK430. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
20 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The interior of the headlamp assembly was melted and burnt. Upon close examination all of the wiring inside and outside of the headlamp enclosure was deteriorated. The protective plastic covering over the wires were crumbling and had fallen apart, bare wires had been touching inside of the…
The interior of the headlamp assembly was melted and burnt. Upon close examination all of the wiring inside and outside of the headlamp enclosure was deteriorated. The protective plastic covering over the wires were crumbling and had fallen apart, bare wires had been touching inside of the housing. The wiring on the interior of the housing IS not exposed to the elements. The wiring on the exterior of the housing exposed to the elements exhibits the same failure, in that the protective insulating plastic coating IS deteriorated and exposed copper wires are touching each other. *tr
- Electrical system · Power train
We just purchased a 2002 mercedes benz CLK 430. For barely two weeks and can't drive it. we are having major issue with the trunk to open because our battery IS totally dead. we cannot jump cable the car because the batery IS in the trunk and the trunk will not even open with the manual key…
We just purchased a 2002 mercedes benz CLK 430. For barely two weeks and can't drive it. we are having major issue with the trunk to open because our battery IS totally dead. we cannot jump cable the car because the batery IS in the trunk and the trunk will not even open with the manual key that it comes with. I have called mercedes benz and do exactly what I was ask to do but still didnt work. I went on you tube, google, and search the internet for answers but nothing. A lot of people are having the same issue with their clk's convertible. it seems like this IS a manufacturer and a defective merchandise. This IS a big disappointment from the maker and that was unexpected. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
I own a 2001 mercedes-benz clk430. I have been experiencing intermittent sporadic failure of the ABS, bas, esp systems when I apply the brake. On occasions the gas pedal sticks and the car speeds up to dangerous speed. the car has to be put in neutral and once stop and restart, it would run…
I own a 2001 mercedes-benz clk430. I have been experiencing intermittent sporadic failure of the ABS, bas, esp systems when I apply the brake. On occasions the gas pedal sticks and the car speeds up to dangerous speed. the car has to be put in neutral and once stop and restart, it would run normal again, and the car shows "no malfunction". recently on july of 2013, while I was driving on the freeway and the car sped up on it own and almost went out of control. when I apply the brake abs/bas/esp reported as failed, but the car did stop when I put in neutral and apply the brake. I took to mercedes-benz and they said they don't see any problem. I told them I want them to run the "computer diagnosis" and I want them to give me the report. Below are a few of the safety system failures that are on the report: etc - electronic transmission control code 120 the front right wheel speed of the traction system IS sporadically implausible code 121 the front left wheel speed of the traction system IS sporadically implausible me2-sfi - motor electronics 2.8 code p20dd-001 B37 (accelerator pedal sensor) : signal 1 / short circuit to possitive / potentionmeter above maximum value (p0123) esp - electronic stability program code c1504-009 the system IS switched off. code c1100-001 L6/1 (left front speed sensor) code c1101-001 L6/2 (right front speed sensor) ezs - electronic ignition switch code b1156-005 the control unit has short circuit to ground or open circuit. tele aid [USA] - telematic system code n1100 no signal IS received from the right-side speed sensors. code n1101 no signal IS received from the left-side speed sensors. I searched on google and found many owners reported problems with their abs/bas/esp systems with clk430 on www.mbworld.org I believe these are manufacturing defects and mercedes should recall the clk430 and fix the issues. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz clk430. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when a child was able to shift the vehicle into neutral or reverse, without the presence of the key in the ignition. The vehicle began to roll backwards down a hill as a result. The child…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz clk430. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when a child was able to shift the vehicle into neutral or reverse, without the presence of the key in the ignition. The vehicle began to roll backwards down a hill as a result. The child then turned the steering wheel and the vehicle crashed into a fence. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the failure was not diagnosed, but it was repaired for body damages. A complaint was also filed with the manufacturer. The contact also stated that the vehicle was recently rekeyed, which may have contributed to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The instrument cluster led problem with my 2000 mercedes CLK 430 has become more of a problem within the past month. it happens quite frequently now. whenever I start the vehicle, the gear indicator does not indicate which gear I'm in and the car proceeds in low mode until I pull over and restart…
The instrument cluster led problem with my 2000 mercedes CLK 430 has become more of a problem within the past month. it happens quite frequently now. whenever I start the vehicle, the gear indicator does not indicate which gear I'm in and the car proceeds in low mode until I pull over and restart it. the safety hazard lies in the fact that I don't check my gear indicator constantly, so if it fails and I don't notice, the low/slow mode that the car automatically shifts into could get me killed on any street where the speed limit IS at least 35. this car has given me numerous problems the past year and my safety seems to be in jeopardy more and more as the these issues increase in severity. I made the financial sacrifice for this car because mercedes are suppose to be some of the safest vehicles on the road......it's unfortunate that consumers in my situation don't have a voice when we're simply innocent victims in the making. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Shift lever inoperative/ erratic: 2000 clk430 being driven when transmission refused to shift from low gear, then second gear, and finally not at all! Had vehicle towed to shop, shop found shifter had gone bad. I didn't know the transmission was electronically controlled. $1500 later it now runs out fine. Mileage was 77K. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz clk430. The contact stated the pixels in the digital dashboard were scrambled and failed. The vehicle was not taken in to be examined. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 92,099.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz clk430. the contact stated that the gear display lights no longer illuminate on the instrument panel. as a result, he has difficulty seeing what gear IS being used. the manufacturer will not cover the cost of the repairs. the current mileage was 48,000 and failure mileage was 25,000.
- Structure
Front bumper cover / air dam broke on ordinary wheel stop in public parking lot. car has inadequate clearance and front bumper cover / air dam IS constructed so that it hooks on wheel stops and breaks. it happens every time you park if you bring the front tires to within a foot of the wheel…
Front bumper cover / air dam broke on ordinary wheel stop in public parking lot. car has inadequate clearance and front bumper cover / air dam IS constructed so that it hooks on wheel stops and breaks. it happens every time you park if you bring the front tires to within a foot of the wheel stops. according to mbusa, the front bumper cover IS an air foil / safety device providing stability to the car. once it IS broken, the entire front bumper cover has to be replaced, but of course it will only happen again and again. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Car engine shut off at traffic light with traffic build up behind me. After an hour of waiting for tow truck, it suddenly started again. Took it to garage which changed the crankshaft sensor for $308.55. Apparently, faulty crankshaft sensor IS a known common problem with mercedes CLK cars!! *tr
- Structure › Body › Bumpers
The front plastic bumper has been designed to be too low to the ground and parking lot wheel bumpers are higher. when parking the 2000 CLK model 430, this mismatch causes the plastic bumper to drag along the concrete bumper stop, and because of very weak design of the bumper, it will crack the…
The front plastic bumper has been designed to be too low to the ground and parking lot wheel bumpers are higher. when parking the 2000 CLK model 430, this mismatch causes the plastic bumper to drag along the concrete bumper stop, and because of very weak design of the bumper, it will crack the bumper at its weakest points, causing the bumper to hang loose and become a potential safety hazard. the bumper should be recalled to be replaced with one that IS higher from the ground. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz clk430. While driving 35 mph, the instrumental panel led cluster display lights are not visible. The dealer stated that there IS no recall and the cost to repair the vehicle was $1200.00. She stated ten to fifteen people experienced the same failure and the dealer repaired the vehicle at no charge. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Led on instrument panel does not function. Cannot see gear I am in or time, outside temperature etc.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz clk430. the contact stated that the pixels on the cluster are defective. he stated that he can only see half of the pixels on the screen. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage IS 150,000 and failure mileage was 75,000.
- Electrical system
Cluster defect. Screen IS scrambled. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Crankshaft position sensor (cps) failed on my 2000 CLK 430. was replaced by dealer for $296. failed numerous times, including once on the highway at highway speeds. engine shuts off or refuses to turn over when hot (although battery keeps cranking), then after 20-30 minutes it turns on fine when cooled down. *nm
- Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
I had a michelin low profile tire lose pressure and it failed at 30 mph. The entire sidewall separated in one piece from the rest of the tire. I had just exited I-10 and if the tire had failed at 60 mph it would have been serious and life threatening. I have the tire (7600 miles) and pictures.…
I had a michelin low profile tire lose pressure and it failed at 30 mph. The entire sidewall separated in one piece from the rest of the tire. I had just exited I-10 and if the tire had failed at 60 mph it would have been serious and life threatening. I have the tire (7600 miles) and pictures. These tires are dangerous. It IS impossible to look at one and detect a loss of air pressure. There IS no way to tell from the cars instrumentation if a tire IS losing pressure until it fails and comes apart. *Nm
- Power train › Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly
2000 mercedes CLK 430 water spilled on the center console resulting in the shifter becoming inoperative. *mr *sc
- Fuel system, gasoline
While driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealership blamed the failure on the quality of gas in the state. A factory rep refused to come out because of what the dealership indicated what the problem was. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
While windshield wipers are in use and it's raining there IS a glare on windshield which may cause visual difficulties, and may result a crash. dealer replaced windshield and windshield wipers, but problem still occurs. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.
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
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 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)
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10034306Mercedes: airbag durability and reliability. Air bag srs control module (N2/2) does not have a set shelf life and will normally be reliable for the life of a vehicle. With 164, 216 221, 251 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset five times. With modes 202, 210 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset three times. Earlier models would have to have their airbag control unit and triggered restrain components changed only after an accident. No models or model years listed.
- 10032370Mercedes benz: all model 202, 208, 210 equipped with code 472A (electronic stability program) esp indicator lamp illuminated/fault code c1401 or c1405. No model years listed.
- 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.
Every Mercedes Benz CLK430 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.