1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 36%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,560miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430, 36% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,560 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz CLK430. The contact stated that the gear cluster pixel has faded out, preventing him from seeing what gear he is in when driving. The failure was noticed while driving 55 MPH. Mercedes benz stated that all of their vehicles are designed that way and refuse to repair his vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 73,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10197706, filed 2007-07, 73,000 miles“I was doing around 55 and the road was curving slightly when I suddenly saw a large object in the middle of the road. I could not go to the other lane because a car was right next to me so I slammed on the brakes, I felt ABS kicking in and was finally able to go around the object which turned out to be a large cardboard box. At this point is where I encounter my problem, I give the car gas to proceed down the road, the car just revs as if it was in neutral, I look down at my shifter and it is in d. I shift down to lower gears and nothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #736689, filed 2000-11“The vehicle started back firing and stalling, it suddenly lost all power. Traction lights illuminated on the dash. When the consumer pulled to the side , engine began smoking and the caught on fire. Fire was put out by the fire department dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #854400, filed 1999-12Related service bulletins
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10136041Jun 30, 2014Selector lever blocks in position "P" (brake applied)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 4 | 20% |
| 1999 | 4 | 36% |
Other parts of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology