2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class has 1 safety recall and 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
10
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

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

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class recalls

Recall 08V-303: Electrical System

Reported Jul 7, 2008 · 404 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (Scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

Fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Tires2
Equipment1
Exterior Lighting1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Structure1
Power Train1
Steering1
Electrical System1
Seat Belts1

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Structure › Body › Bumpers — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 29,000 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 CLK Class complaints

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

Seat Belts · at 103,000 miles · reported Jan 6, 2014
I have had seat belt trouble. When I first bought the car it was weak to retract. Than 9 months later it gave out on me. I looked into it online and it turns out almost all these vehicles have this problem before 100,000 miles. There are dozens of forums in complaints plenty of people saying they have the problem to in each. Its a hazard that people are driving these cars and decide they don't have $500 to buy a seat belt retractor plus $200 in labor. Also it often leaves no warning that it won't retract. There will be an accident one day and someone will die and its because they didn't have…
Electrical System · at 32,879 miles · reported May 11, 2011
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz clk430. The contact stated that the speedometer and radio were defective. He mentioned that the pixels on both were missing. The dealer was contacted who stated that the instrument cluster would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 32,879.
Steering · at 57,528 miles · reported Aug 29, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz clk 500. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact noticed flames underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed and two other vehicles were moderately damaged by the flames. He noticed excessive power steering fluid on the ground where the vehicle was located. A police officer stated that the power steering pump or the lines/fittings/hoses were the causes of the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer for "b" service, but no failure could be determined. The manufacturer did not assist. The…
Power Train · at 24,000 miles · reported Jun 30, 2008
Transmission failure. Rusted and corroded trans at 24,000 miles caused by faulty mercedes valeo radiator. Mercedes own star bulletin tells dealers about this issue but my dealer decided not to check it out and now mercedes and dealer are refusing to help when this is a known problem on many of their models and should be a recall.
Structure · at 29,000 miles · reported May 14, 2007
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz clk 430. The contact noticed that the brackets that hold the front bumper were failing. The failure caused the turn signal lights to detach from the bumper. The dealer did not state the cause of the failure. The current mileage is 34,000 and failure mileage was 29,000.

Other Mercedes-Benz CLK Class years

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class: 08V-303 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report tires problems most often (2 reports), followed by equipment (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 29,000 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.