2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 has 3 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
19
Crashes / fires
4 / 1
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-954: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags6
Electrical System6
Seat Belts3
Structure3
Seats2
Tires1
Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Engine1
Visibility/Wiper1
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
  • Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 46,054 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 CLK320 complaints

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

Visibility · reported Jul 15, 2021
2003 mercedes benz clk. Consumer writes in regards to sunroof glass bonding safety recall. 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 included in recall 19v918.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Apr 29, 2020
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz clk320. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v918000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Structure · at 143,000 miles · reported Jun 26, 2017
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 stating that other mercedes benz models have had their engines catch on fire due to trying to start the vehicle more than once in consecutive attempts. (While reading that last paragraph, I do recall trying to do just that since the car decided to stall on me). I remember I was waiting at an…
Seat Belts · at 113,331 miles · reported Mar 18, 2017
On mar. 18, 2017 I was in a parking lot preparing to leave. When I started the car the mechanism that brings the seat belt forward so I can grab it began to move back and forward erratically. When it stopped the seatbelt failed to come all the way out. I turned the car off and started it again and the mechanism came out like it should but the seatbelt wouldn't come out. I played with seatbelt until I got it to come out, however, it wouldn't retract to fit snug against my body. I shut off the car again and turned it on again and the mechanism came out as it should but the seatbelt didn't do…
Air Bags · at 133,000 miles · reported Jan 20, 2016
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 was unknown. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Other Mercedes-Benz CLK320 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz CLK320 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK320?

Owners report air bags problems most often (6 reports), followed by electrical system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 46,054 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.