2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 20%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK430, 20% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Shift lever inoperative/ erratic: 2000 CLK430 being driven when transmission refused to shift from low gear, then second gear, and finally not at all! Had vehicle towed to shop, shop found shifter had gone bad. I didn't know the transmission was electronically controlled. $1500 later it now runs out fine. Mileage was 77k.”
NHTSA complaint #10368110, filed 2010-11, 77,000 miles“We just purchased a 2002 mercedes benz clk 430. For barely two weeks and can't drive it. We are having major issue with the trunk to open because our battery is totally dead. We cannot jump cable the car because the batery is in the trunk and the trunk will not even open with the manual key that it comes with. I have called mercedes benz and do exactly what I was ask to do but still didnt work. I went on you tube, google, and search the internet for answers but nothing. A lot of people are having the same issue with their clk's convertible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10573653, filed 2014-03“The contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz CLK430. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when a child was able to shift the vehicle into neutral or reverse, without the presence of the key in the ignition. The vehicle began to roll backwards down a hill as a result. The child then turned the steering wheel and the vehicle crashed into a fence. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the failure was not diagnosed, but it was repaired for body damages. A complaint was also filed with the manufacturer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10412231, filed 2011-07, 70,000 milesRelated 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK430
9 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 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