2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › CLK500 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500. 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
14 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
After evaluation by garage it is concluded that there’s subframe damage to the vehicle
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong gas smell from rear seat whenever gas filled up.
- Fuel/propulsion system
My car after fueling leaks a very strong fuel smell enters my car. The strong fuel vapor will remain until the tank gets below 3/4. It will be there whether it IS in motion, stationary, or at idle. My entire garage will smell of fuel during this time when the tank IS full. I know mercedes recalled…
My car after fueling leaks a very strong fuel smell enters my car. The strong fuel vapor will remain until the tank gets below 3/4. It will be there whether it IS in motion, stationary, or at idle. My entire garage will smell of fuel during this time when the tank IS full. I know mercedes recalled the e class fuel tank because of this same issue. My clk500 IS the same as the e class but the convertible version. These are dangerous faulty tanks that need to be recalled in every vehicle they installed them in.
- Fuel/propulsion system
After filling fuel tank strong smell of gasoline. Other complaints of this nature in your system. Recall already issued for other model mercedes benz with same issue.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz clk500. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to restrain when the brake pedal was engaged and the supplemental restraint system warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
- Air bags · Seat belts
Vehicle show an srs light issue on the dashboard, I took the vehicle many times to tyson's corner, va mercedez benz dealership to figure what was the problem, and the dealership was unable to find the issue. After a lot of investigation I found out it may be the seatbelt buckles, or the child recognition emulator which are giving and issue. If he srs light IS on the airbags will not deploy in case of an accident.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz clk500. The contact stated that whenever he would refuel, there was a strong overwhelming fuel odor coming from inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an dealer where tit was diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Bought car in sept. 2012. Started to notice fuel smell after fill ups. Getting worse, and checked fuel sending unit on top of tank. Puddle of fuel on top of sending unit. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
I smelled gasoline when my two cars were parked in the garage. this occurred only after filling the gas tanks (no topping off.) I thought it was my 2010 mbz but the dealer checked and found no problem. I had my 2004 mbz checked. the dealer told me I needed a new gas tank, because it was…
I smelled gasoline when my two cars were parked in the garage. this occurred only after filling the gas tanks (no topping off.) I thought it was my 2010 mbz but the dealer checked and found no problem. I had my 2004 mbz checked. the dealer told me I needed a new gas tank, because it was leaking. my car has 80K miles and looks new; garaged, serviced and never in an accident and has no leaks. a new gas cap did not solve the problem. over three quarters of a tank does not emit any odor, so I don't fill the tank completely. I feel the fumes could be a safety hazard inside a garage containing a hot water heater. *tr
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes clk500. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 78,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Strong smell of gas fumes at rear wheel well area when fuel tank IS filled. Dealer found fuel leaking from the top of the fuel sending unit and was filling the recessed area on top of fuel tank with gas. The dealer said that the plastic sending unit has a small crack or pin hole and would have to…
Strong smell of gas fumes at rear wheel well area when fuel tank IS filled. Dealer found fuel leaking from the top of the fuel sending unit and was filling the recessed area on top of fuel tank with gas. The dealer said that the plastic sending unit has a small crack or pin hole and would have to be replaced. I found on the mercedes benz user blog that other CLK owners had similar issues. I contacted mercedes benz USA and filed a complaint stating this IS a fire hazard. They said that they could not assist me with this problem since the vehicle out of warranty. I feel this IS a safety issue and should be taken care of by mercedes benz. *tr
- Power train
I was driving on a busy street when the mercedes benz started jerking. after stopping at a red light, I could not get the car to accelerate past 2ND gear; thus, I was driving on a street with a 45 mph speed limit at less than 20 mph. then, as I was crossing an intersection, the car finally…
I was driving on a busy street when the mercedes benz started jerking. after stopping at a red light, I could not get the car to accelerate past 2ND gear; thus, I was driving on a street with a 45 mph speed limit at less than 20 mph. then, as I was crossing an intersection, the car finally stalled. luckily, because it was an intersection, the oncoming cars maneuvered around me. after turning the ignition, it started up again, and I was able to drive it into a parking lot (once again, not past 2ND gear). I towed the vehicle to the dealership, and they have informed me that the radiator leaked fluid into the transmission; as a result, the transmission, the transmission control unit, and the torque converter are all damaged and needs replacement. I believe that the fault lies on mercedes to replace the damaged parts due to their knowledge that there was a potentially faulty radiator installed in their vehicles. it IS dangerous to drive on a busy street or highway only to have the car suddenly stop operating. I had no idea that there was potentially something wrong with the car until this incident. I have researched this issue since the incident and have discovered that this has happened to numerous people. please help us. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz clk500. The vehicle was parked in a garage when the contact smelled fuel and noticed that the fuel pump was leaking fuel. The fuel pump was leaking underneath the rear seat which was where its located. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump on both the left and right side. The current and failure mileages were approximately 70,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
My 2004 mbz 500 cabriolet stopped running in the middle of the road without warning. It has always been serviced regularly and there were no problems. It was in rush hour traffic in irvine ca. Towed to authorized repair shop- crankshaft electronic sensor shut vehicle down. Could have caused a major accident. Less than 48K miles on car. *Tr
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!
- 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 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
- 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.
- 10024362Mercedes-benz - check catalytic converters and replace if necessary - models 203, 209, 211, 215, 230 - model years 2004-2005. Update 8/7/2008.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10016670Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. This may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain: hydraulic and electrical lines and their connections, rear sam or instrument cluster. Updated 2/23/09. Updated 9/18/09. Model years unknown.
Every Mercedes Benz CLK500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.