VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500 — 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.

15

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Clk500 years?

Clk500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted21 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 15 complaints2005: 21 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints
Clk500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Clk500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System853%
Seat Belts320%
Airbags17%
Electrical System17%
Other17%
Transmission17%

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 22, 2010

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 1, 2015

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 7, 2009

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2010

2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500 reliable?

The record is thin — 15 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 2004 Clk500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (8 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), transmission (1 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Clk500. 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.