Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
29
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 5 | 17% | new |
| Engine | 5 | 17% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 10% | new |
| Fuel System | 3 | 10% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 7% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 7% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 7% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | new |
| Child Seat | 1 | 3% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DEFECTIVE WELD WAS DISCOVERED ON THE WELD NUT FOR THE BOLT USED TO SECURE THE FRONT SHOULDER SEAT BELT GUIDES.
Consequence
DUE TO THIS DEFECTIVE WELD, THE ANCHORAGES MAY NOT ADEQUATELY SECURE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR ASSEMBLY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE STARTED BACK FIRING AND STALLING, IT SUDDENTLY LOST ALL POWER, TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, WHILE THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*ET”
“FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY, CAUSING FUEL GAUGE TO WANDER AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. 2. NO REPLACEMENT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR RECALL OF BOOSTER . CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING 3 MONTHS . *AK”
“FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY, CAUSING FUEL GAUGE TO WANDER AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. 2. NO REPLACEMENT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR RECALL OF BOOSTER . CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING 3 MONTHS . *AK”
“MERCEDES BENZ 1999 CLK320: THE OUTSIDE MIRROR ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR HAS TURNED SO DARK, IT IS VIRTUALLY BLACK AND THE DRIVER CANNOT SEE ANYTHING IN IT. THIS INABILITY TO SEE IN THIS EXTERIOR SIDE-VIEW MIRROR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT PROBABLY IS CAUSED BY CHANGES IN THE COATING THAT IS SUPPOSED TO…”
“MERCEDES BENZ 1999 CLK320: THE OUTSIDE MIRROR ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR HAS TURNED SO DARK, IT IS VIRTUALLY BLACK AND THE DRIVER CANNOT SEE ANYTHING IN IT. THIS INABILITY TO SEE IN THIS EXTERIOR SIDE-VIEW MIRROR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT PROBABLY IS CAUSED BY CHANGES IN THE COATING THAT IS SUPPOSED TO…”
The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Clk320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.