2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350. The part named most often is fuel system, with 6 complaints (40% of the total), followed by electrical system (4) and air bags (3). 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 54,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 37 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system6 40%
- Electrical system4 27%
- Air bags3 20%
- Exterior lighting2 13%
- Engine1 6.7%
- Other or unknown1 6.7%
- Seats1 6.7%
- Body and structure1 6.7%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Takata recall - the car is stationary in my garage and is emittng a strong order of gas fumes and I am afraid these gas fumes could cause an explosion or fire”
NHTSA complaint #10913823, filed 2016-10, 63,102 milesElectrical system: “My wife told me her headlight was burned out. When I replaced the bulb, I found the insulation on the electrical harness and headlights is deteriorating leaving exposed bare wires causing electrical shorting, equipment failures, electrical fires, leading to potentially serious life threatening accidents. Mercedes benz is not supplying a fix as reported by multiple owners. Also extended warranty insurers are denying coverage due to the wide spread defect across the mercedes benz models.”
NHTSA complaint #11045751, filed 2017-11, 74,000 milesAir bags: “Takata recall. Srs light came on. Took car to dealership. Advised that airbag in passenger seat had high resistance.the seat back was removed and airbag replaced. Approximately 3 weeks later and $981.00 my car was returned to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10939041, filed 2017-01, 99,392 milesExterior lighting: “My partner told me that his passenger headlight was burned out and that he was told it was going to be over $800 to replace. I decided to try to replace the bulb myself, but I found that the insulation on the electrical harness leading the headlight connectors had deteriorated to the point that the wires are bare, causing electrical shorting, equipment failure, leading to potential electrical fire which may cause serious life threatening accidents. …”
NHTSA complaint #11155296, filed 2018-12Mileage when problems were reported
27% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 77,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK350 RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
| CLK350 (Cabriolet) RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLK350 2006–2009, E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007 +20 more
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.
- 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLK350 2006–2009, C230 2002–2007, CLS550 2006–2011 +18 more
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.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLK350 2006–2009, E320 2003–2009, C320 2001–2005 +21 more
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…
Recall details for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 37 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029062Feb 25, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
- 11029025Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11028989Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz CLK350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 8 | 75,739 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 15 | 54,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 42 | 68,500 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 37 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Mercedes-Benz CLK350 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 6 complaints (40% of the total), followed by electrical system with 4.
Has the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 (CLK350, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 54,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 77,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.