VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include 24 deaths and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

12

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

8

Injuries

24

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other CL-Class years?

CL-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted25 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 25 complaints2003: 12 complaints2004: 10 complaints2005: 0 complaints
CL-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CL-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts325%
Electrical System217%
Airbags217%
Seats217%
Steering18%
Suspension18%
Transmission18%

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V263000EngineJune 12, 2007 · 19,924 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

04V285000Latches & LocksJune 9, 2004 · 16,690 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.

Consequence

IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2003 MERCEDES CL55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON JUNE 11,2006, THEY WERE INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE( LIMOUSINE) AT 45 MPH. WHEN THE DRIVER DOWN SHIFTED, THE DRIVER DROVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE FRONT END OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 11, 2006 · crash · fire

“I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CL55 AMG. THE ABC OR ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND WITH VERY LITTLE WARNING, THE FLUID STARTED TO LEAK , SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE AND I NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION BECAUSE OF THE THICK SMOKE AND POOR VISIBILITY. I HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE THE CL55 TOWED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 2, 2010 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2003 MERCEDES CL55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON JUNE 11,2006, THEY WERE INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE( LIMOUSINE) AT 45 MPH. WHEN THE DRIVER DOWN SHIFTED, THE DRIVER DROVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE FRONT END OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · June 11, 2006 · crash · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2003 MERCEDES CL55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON JUNE 11,2006, THEY WERE INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE( LIMOUSINE) AT 45 MPH. WHEN THE DRIVER DOWN SHIFTED, THE DRIVER DROVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE FRONT END OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 11, 2006 · crash · fire

“I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CL55 AMG. THE ABC OR ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND WITH VERY LITTLE WARNING, THE FLUID STARTED TO LEAK , SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE AND I NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION BECAUSE OF THE THICK SMOKE AND POOR VISIBILITY. I HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE THE CL55 TOWED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 2, 2010 · fire

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 CL-Class problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), seats (2 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.