VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Clk320 years?

Clk320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted29 complaints1999: 29 complaints2000: 19 complaints2001: 20 complaints2002: 27 complaints2003: 26 complaints2004: 23 complaints2005: 14 complaints2006: 1 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints
Clk320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Clk320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System623%
Airbags623%
Body & Structure312%
Seat Belts312%
Visibility & Wipers28%
Seats28%
Speed Control14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Transmission14%
Engine14%

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 have recalls?

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

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 9, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 31, 2015 · crash

“2003 MERCEDES BENZ SUFFERED THREE TIRE SIDEWALL FLATS. [REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR WHEN THE DEALER WENT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED TIRE, THEY FOUND THAT THE REMAINING TIRES ONLY HAD 2MM OF TREAD LEFT. THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT BUTTON WAS REPLACED. WATER LEAKED FROM THE TOP CORNER OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 1, 2005

“MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 320 THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 9, 2017. THE ENGINE IS MELTED AND DESTROYED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED DESPITE IT HAPPENED AROUND A BUSY AREA. I AM COMPLETELY IN SHOCK STILL, NOT KNOWING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED UNTIL I CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 9, 2017 · fire

“2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUNROOF GLASS BONDING SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUNROOF WAS RUSTED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE RUST WAS LEADING TO STRUCTURAL INSTABILITY OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S WAS SERIAL NUMBER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 15, 2021

2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 Clk320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (6 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Clk320. 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.