Reliability & cost of ownership
Mercedes Benz CLK Reliability & Common Problems
How reliable is the Mercedes Benz CLK? Compare every model year side by side — NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and crash-test stars where on file — then open the year you're shopping for its AI reliability outlook where NHTSA has enough data.
Mercedes Benz CLK problems by model year
2 recall entries across 2 model years and 6 owner complaints across 5 model years on file, sourced from the federal NHTSA database. We couldn't confirm the NHTSA recall list for the remaining 3 model years — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | NCAP stars | Full report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 CLK | 1 | None on file at try.vin | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2007 CLK | 1 | None on file at try.vin | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2001 CLK | Not confirmed | 2 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2000 CLK | Not confirmed | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 1998 CLK | Not confirmed | 3 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
Most-complained-about components
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA against the Mercedes Benz CLK, grouped by the component each complaint names — the fastest read on where this model gives trouble.
- engine and engine cooling2 complaints
- electrical system1 complaint
- suspension1 complaint
- power train1 complaint
- service brakes, air1 complaint
- service brakes, electric1 complaint
- electronic stability control (esc)1 complaint