2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 recalls and problems

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 has 3 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 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.

2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering3
Tires3
Electrical System3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Air Bags2
Exterior Lighting2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Seats1
Power Train1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Seat Belts1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 1
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,000 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 complaints

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

Electrical System · at 147,000 miles · reported Sep 11, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 147,000.
Seat Belts · reported Jan 28, 2024
The driver side seat belt. The seat belt won't retract. Yes, the seat belt is available for inspection upon request. The driver side seat belt is useless, because there is no tension in restrain your body from moving. No, the dealer will not fix the issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. No warning lamps, messages, etc... prior to the driver side seat belt failed.
Tires · reported Sep 29, 2023
Tire size: 245/40/17 Had a blowout without any warning, causing me to hit the center console and mirror receiving cuts and bruises. Immediately was pulled to the side of the road. When I got out to see what had happened, the rubber separated from the tire, which knocked off the back end of my car, scraped the entire passenger side of the car, knocking off the door handle and unclear as to what it damaged underneath my car. I have filed a complaint with the company, dealt with a Jesse Han and contacted the CEO Darren Thomas in regards to repairing the damage done. This has gone on since June…
Tires · reported Jul 3, 2023
While driving at 60mph on the a highway, without warning the passenger rear tire had a blowout. I immediately pulled off the road and when looking to see what happened, clearly seen was the rubber from the tire completely separated from the tire, causing major damage to my car. The rubber that came unattached ripped the passenger door handle off, scratched up the entire passenger side of my car, ripped off the passenger rear bumper and underneath damage as well. When taking the tire to try and get replaced, the manager of Walmart told me this was definitely a tire manufacturer defect and I…
Exterior Lighting · at 123,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2020
Low beam is out, discovered that on both sides all the headlight wires have lost all the insulation. Pictures can be texted.

Other Mercedes-Benz CLK500 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz CLK500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500: 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500?

Owners report steering problems most often (3 reports), followed by tires (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,000 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.