2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Problems
- Complaints
- 14filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500. The part named most often is fuel system, with 8 complaints (57% of the total), followed by seat belts (3) and air bags (1). 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 8% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 41 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin 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 system8 57%
- Seat belts3 21%
- Air bags1 7.1%
- Other or unknown1 7.1%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “My car after fueling leaks a very strong fuel smell enters my car. The strong fuel vapor will remain until the tank gets below 3/4. It will be there whether it is in motion, stationary, or at idle. My entire garage will smell of fuel during this time when the tank is full. I know mercedes recalled the e class fuel tank because of this same issue. My CLK500 is the same as the e class but the convertible version. These are dangerous faulty tanks that need to be recalled in every vehicle they installed them in.”
NHTSA complaint #11057004, filed 2017-12, 84,000 milesSeat belts: “Vehicle show an srs light issue on the dashboard, I took the vehicle many times to tyson's corner, va mercedez benz dealership to figure what was the problem, and the dealership was unable to find the issue. After a lot of investigation I found out it may be the seatbelt buckles, or the child recognition emulator which are giving and issue. If he srs light is on the airbags will not deploy in case of an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10734393, filed 2015-07, 102,666 milesElectronic stability control: “My 2004 mbz 500 cabriolet stopped running in the middle of the road without warning. It has always been serviced regularly and there were no problems. It was in rush hour traffic in irvine ca. Towed to authorized repair shop- crankshaft electronic sensor shut vehicle down. Could have caused a major accident. Less than 48k miles on car.”
NHTSA complaint #10268261, filed 2009-05, 48,380 milesMileage when problems were reported
8% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK500 RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,850 |
| CLK500 (Cabriolet) RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,850 |
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 CLK500 2003–2007, 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 CLK500 2003–2006, 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 CLK500 2003–2006, 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 → · 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. 41 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 CLK500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 5 | 66,000 | 4 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 18 | 48,000 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 14 | 77,000 | 3 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz CLK500 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 have?
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 8 complaints (57% of the total), followed by seat belts with 3.
Has the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 (CLK500, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 83,000 miles; 8% 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.