2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class has 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
3 / 4
Injuries / deaths
3 / 9

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class recalls

Recall 07V-263: Suspension, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 12, 2007 · 19,924 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-285: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 9, 2004 · 16,690 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Seat Belts3
Seats2
Air Bags2
Equipment1
Power Train1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Steering1
Suspension1

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Electrical — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 12,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 81,200 miles · reported Aug 19, 2010
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 my mechanic my mechanic, who specializes in high end mercedes benz told me that this is a very common issue with the mercedes cl 55,65,600 models from 2003-2006. Mercedes knew about this particular problem and redesigned the later models. The original sticker price of the cl model is about $120,000.…
Seats · at 15,000 miles · reported May 27, 2010
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 mercedes was destroyed and caught fire. The air bags did not deploy until the vehicle came to rest after the crash. The front of the limousine was "sheered" off. There were three fatalities and one injury. The contact was severely injured and taken to the hospital by ambulance and admitted to the icu.…
Air Bags · at 12,000 miles · reported Nov 25, 2009
2003 mercedes-benz cl55 low-speed (25-35mph) high-acceleration head-on impact with a limousine (Approx. 45mph) where the cl55 dash mounted airbags deployed after the vehicle came to rest, and the cl55's integrated seatbelt worn by the passenger and sole survivor resulted in the displacement of the seat-back by 45-degrees without imposing a notable injury to the passenger's right shoulder. Due to the instantaneous nature of this incident the driver instinctively braced himself....on the accelerator before impact. The 516ftlbs of torque of the cl55 speared through the front end of the limousine…
Seat Belts · at 9,000 miles · reported Mar 11, 2009
1. Exiting a curve on a windy road at approx. 30mph, driver applied throttle causing an automatic downshift into a 516ftlb torque lunge. With no steering control in 1-second we were in the opposite lane. Driver fought to regain control during second no. 2. Then a limo blew through a stop sign on a merge landing right in front of us. Both driver's braced on their gas pedals. 2. The mercedes cl & sl classes have the same front seats with an integrated seat belt system. Since it was only connected to the seat, the seat failed without even a bruise to my right shoulder (By over 30-40 degrees). I…
Equipment · at 8,000 miles · reported Jul 6, 2004
Vehicle came equipped with a keyless go device. When this device is used to start the vehicle it is not mobile. Consumer is unable to turn the vehicle off, put it into gear or accelerate. Dealership had to remove the fuse from the fuel pump to turn the motor off, and flat bed the vehicle to dealership. The problem was due to a failure in the module that operates this device. There's TSB on this issue.

Other Mercedes-Benz CL Class years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz CL Class years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class: 07V-263 (suspension, engine and engine cooling), 04V-285 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?

Owners report seat belts problems most often (3 reports), followed by seats (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 12,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.