2007 Mercedes Benz CLK350

Routine

Owners filed 42 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel and propulsion system. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

36 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2007 Mercedes Benz CLK350 problems

13 of the 42 complaints (31%) are about the fuel and propulsion system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system13
000
Air Bags · airbags7
000
Power Train · transmission4
000
Engine3
000
Electrical System3
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000
Tires1
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly24V874000
Filed Nov 19, 202433,456 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly22V954000
Filed Dec 23, 2022131,653 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly21V196000
Filed Mar 19, 202111,356 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly19V918000
Filed Dec 20, 2019747,928 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 24, 2025189,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK350. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH and making a turn, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound, and the driver's side roof air bags and driver's side door air bag inadvertently deployed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact's neighbor later informed the contact that the rear driver's side tire was flat. The contact inspected the tire and noticed a blowout of the sidewall. The vehicle was towed to Costco, where the tire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that he had not been provided the diagnostic test information. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer advised the contact to be patient. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 8, 2023SC

The glued seam on the convertible top has come unglued above the back window. The car has been garage kept and only has 66,000 miles. When riding down the road, I am afraid the top may continue to peel back and try to come loose. This isn't only a safety concern, it is a security concern, and protection from weather. It seems to be a known issue in the Mercedes forums.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Apr 21, 202349,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear taillights became inoperable and would not illuminate as designed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 29, 2021145,223 milesFL

SRS LIGHT COMES ON. HAD VEHICLE SCANNED AND APPEARS TO BE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG BUT DOESN'T SAY WHICH ONE. AFTER DELETING THE CODE, THE LIGHT STAYS OFF UNTIL SOMEONE RIDES WITH ME. ONCE THEY GET OUT THE LIGHT COMES ON. THE DIGITAL RING ON THE DASH THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL FLASHES IN SECTIONS AND INTERMITTENTLY. CANNOT FIND ANY CODE OR REASON FOR THIS PROBLEM ANYWHERE. NOT INTERNET AND NO CODE STORED.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Feb 17, 2021200,835 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THE BONDING BETWEEN THE GLASS PANEL AND THE SLIDING ROOF FRAME DETERIORATED WHICH RESULTED IN THE TWO PARTS SEPARATING. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE LOCAL DEALER MERCEDES-BENZ OF LONG BEACH (2300 E SPRING ST, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755, (562) 374-7759) WHERE IT EXPLAINED OVER THE PHONE THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT GOING TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEALER HAD TO REPAIR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,835.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 13, 2020CA

WHEN I FILL THE GAS TANK, THERE IS A VERY STEONG SMELL OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE SMELL IA THERE UTIL AT LEAST HALF THE TANK IS USED. THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN WITH "E" SERIES. MB ISSUED A RECALL. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THERE IS NO RECALL FOR 2007 CLK350 EVENTHOUGH SAME PARTS ARE USED TO DELIVER THE FUEL.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 2020SC

AIRBAG PROBLEM LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. NOT SHORE IF AIRBAG WILL WORK WHEN NEEDED

Air Bags
Filed Jun 30, 202089,000 milesSC

SHOWING DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEFECTIVE

Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2020136,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, CAM SHAFT SENSOR AND VALVES HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Tires
Filed Jun 5, 202094,435 milesSC

TIRE SEPARATED FROM OUTER WALL ON MAJOR HIGHWAY. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP .WHEN I DID TIRE ROLLED OFF OF CAR IN FRONT OF ME DOWN THE ROAD. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 28, 2020GA

WHEN I FILL MY CAR UP I CAN SMELL GAS IN MY GARAGE. ONCE I DRIVE IT FOR A WHILE AND IT GETS BELOW A HALF TANK OR SO I DON'T SMELL THE GAS ANYMORE. I AM WORRIED THAT THE GAS SMELL IN THE GARAGE MADE SOME FUMES INTO MY HOUSE AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I SEE SOME MODELS OF MERCEDES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS REASON. I WOULD LIKE MERCEDES TO RECALL AND REPAIR THIS AT NO CHARGE TO ME. APPARENTLY MERCEDES COVERS MODEL YEAR 2003 TO 2009 ON THE E CLASS IN 2006 TO 2011 ON THE CLS CLASS. I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. *BF *TR *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 8, 2020155,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT'S PARTNER OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS PARTNER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHADE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FELL ONTO THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN FRANCISCO LOCATED AT 500 8TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUN SCREEN ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 25, 202042,000 milesFL

BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AT 42K MILES 3 YEARS AND IT SMELLS FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE GARAGE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS ON EACH TANK FILL UP. IT SMELLS SO BAD I HAVE LEAVE THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN SOMETIMES SO THAT MY HOUSE DOES NOT CATCH FIRE ALONG THE VEHICLE. SEARCHED ONLINE A LOT OF OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT.

Power Train
Filed Jan 25, 202050,000 milesFL

VEHICLE WOULD BE STOCK ON 1ST OR 3RD GEAR WITHOUT ANY ERROR CODE ENGINE LIGHT OR TRANSMISSION LIGHT ON. THAT CAN HAPPEN ANYTIME. ON TAKE OFF AT RED LIGHT OR CRUISING ON 5TH 6TH OR 7TH SHIFT. THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH NO MECHANICAL ISSUES. I AM GUESSING IT IS A SOFTWARE ISSUE. VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC OR HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STALLS UNINTENTIONALLY. A RESTART OF VEHICLE FIXES THE ISSUE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 17, 201866,000 milesFL

STRONG SMELL OF FUEL FROM REAR LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE AFTER FILL UP. FUEL PUDDLE FOUND UNDER REAR PASSENGER SEAT UNDER FUEL TANK ACCESS PANEL. LEFT SIDE FUEL PUMP (FUEL FILTER/SENDER) FOUND CRACKED AND LEAKING AT THE NIPPLE TO THE OUTGOING GAS LINE. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR 10 YEAR OLD E AND C CLASS MERCEDES AND IS PART OF A MERCEDES EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM TO CORRECT THIS EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, MERCEDES TELLS ME THAT MY CLK IS NOT PART OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 22, 2018103,000 milesFL

AFTER FILLING GAS TANK STRONG GAS SMELL AROUND CAR SPECIALLY IN THE GARAGE NO VISIBLE FUEL LEAK.NO FUEL SMELL IN THE CAR ONLY OUTSIDE BY REAR WHEELS.NOT IN MOTION ,

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 12, 2018122,754 milesUT

GASOLINE FUMES ARE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICHLE AFTER FILLING THE TANK. MERCEDES AGREED TO WARRANTY THIS ISSUE FOR 15 YEARS ON THE E-CLASS AND CLS-CLASS IN EA 13-003. THESE COMPONENTS ARE THE SAME ON THIS MODEL (CLK). THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE REOPENED AND INCLUDE ALL EFFECTED MODELS.

Engine
Filed Oct 29, 2017117,000 milesCA

EVERY MERCEDES FROM THE YEAR 2005-2008 WITH THE M272 V6 ENGINE AND M278 V8 ENGINE GETS A CODE CALLED P0016-P0017 WITCH IS THE RIGHT HAND SIDE CAMSHAFT INTERNALLY TO GO BAD. MBUSA HAD A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AND IT STATES THAT NON OF THE CARS HAVE THAT ISSUE WHEN IN REALITY THEY DO MBUSA STATES THAT THE CAR IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD IN THE YEAR 2015 BUT IN THE CLASS ACTION IT CLEARLY STATES 10 YEARS OR 125,000 MILES. IVE CALLED MBUSA MANY OF TIMES BUT NO REPLY PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME

Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 2017102,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 21, 201767,000 milesMD

STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE, MAINLY AFTER REFUELING AND THEN CONTINUING WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY. MECHANIC ASSESSED THAT FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE UPPER PART OF THE GAS TANK AND THE FUEL COMPONENTS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 8, 201759,000 milesCA

VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT ESPECIALLY AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. MERCEDES AGREED TO WARRANTY THIS ISSUE FOR 15 YEARS ON THE E-CLASS AND CLS-CLASS. WHY DIDN'T MERCEDES AND NHTSA INCLUDE THIS MODEL (CLK) THAT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME COMPONENTS?

Engine
Filed May 17, 201632,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK350. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 15, 201656,000 milesAZ

FUEL IS LEAKING FROM BOTH SENDER UNITS WHEN TANK IS MORE THAN 3/4 FULL. EXTREME FUMES WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN CLOSED GARAGE WITH A FULL TANK. SMELLS LIKE A LARGE QUANTITY OF FUEL IS LEAKING. PAID FOR THE SAME REPAIR 20K MILES AGO, NOW SAME PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. MB DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY, COST FOR REPAIR IS $1800 (PLUS ORIGINAL REPAIR). THE SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL TO INVESTIGATION EA 13-003. ARE SIMILAR PARTS INVOLVED? GIVEN THE VAST NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HERE AND ONLINE FORUMS, AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE DONE. THERE IS NO WAY THIS AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKING IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS LITERALLY A "TICKING TIME BOMB".

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 1, 201670,287 milesCA

THERE IS A STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. IT WAS INSPECTED AT FLETCHER JONES MERCEDES BENZ DEALER AND THE LEAK WAS FOUND AT THE FUEL TANK FILTER, LEVEL SENSOR, AND 2 SEAL RINGS. DUE TO THE COST, I DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE DEALER BUT AT A LOCAL SHOP SPECIALIZING IN MB. COST FOR THE REPAIR WAS $836.70. I AM REPORTING THIS LATE FOR PURPOSES OF SAFETY AND TRENDING.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 15, 201635,000 milesFL

WHEN THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT (SRS) CAME ON I WAS TOLD THE HARNESS UNDER THE SEAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT CONSIDERABLE COST. I HAD IT REPAIRED AN A SHORT TIME LATER IT CAME ON AGAIN. I AM TOLD AGAIN I HAVE A FAULTY HARNESS AND AGAIN I MUST DO THE SAME REPAIR AT MY EXPENSE. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND MERCEDES TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 5, 201535,442 milesTX

A VERY STONG GASOLINE SMELL IN THE GARAGE AFTER HAVING CAR FILLED. THE STRONG SMELL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SOMETIME BUT DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT. LAST WEEK A PLUMBER CAME TO MY HOUSE FOR A LEAKY PIPE SITUATION AND NOTICED THE SMELL AND SAID THAT WAS NOT NORMAL AND COU LD PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD! I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO GREENWAY MERCEDES LATE ON TUESDAY, 9-29-15. I SAID I WON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS BECAUSE IT MUST BE A DEFECT. THEY SAID INDEED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. THE DIAGNOSTIC SHOWED THAT IT WAS THE SEALS IN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, AND I PAID $1400 TO BE REPAIRED. I TOLD THEM I WAS GOING TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH YOU BECAUSE I HAD RESEARCHED AND FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WITH YOU.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2015103,240 milesCA

THE SRS (SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM) LIGHT CAME ON AND A MESSAGE SAYING THERE WAS A FAULT AND THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO THE WORKSHOP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE DRIVER SEAT NEEDS REPLACED. THIS HARNESS IS CONNECTED TO THE SIDE AIR BAG LOCATED IN THE DRIVER SEAT. THE ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE HARNESS IS $850. THE MECHANIC AT THE MB DEALER SAID THE WIRES WEAR AWAY FROM SEAT MOVEMENT OVER THE YEARS AND NOW NEED REPLACED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. THE AIR BAGS ARE INSTALLED AS A SAFETY DEVICE AND SHOULD NOT FAIL BECAUSE THE SEAT IS MOVED BACK AND FORTH WHEN SETTING THE SEAT POSITION.

Power Train
Filed Sep 14, 2015103,190 milesCA

I SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A TURN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT APPEARED TO BE STUCK IN HIGH GEAR AND DID NOT SHIFT BACK DOWN TO A LOW GEAR. THIS HAPPENED TWICE OVER A 3 WEEK PERIOD. BOTH TIMES I ALMOST CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BY BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MB DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CONDUCTOR PLATE SENSOR BOARD THAT CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION. THE FIX WAS $1300 TO REPLACE THE UNIT.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 13, 2015120,000 milesGA

I OWN A 2007 MERCEDES CLK 350, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY SON, WHEN MY CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING WHILE IN MOTION. I WAS TERRIFIED! I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH BIG RIGS AND ALL. WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, NOR COULD I CHANGE GEARS, I TURNED THE WHEEL TO HEAD TOWARDS THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE CAR SHUTDOWN BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR COMPLETELY IN THE LANE. I WAITED AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CAR RESTARTED AND I MOVED OFF THE EXIT. AS SOON AS I EXITED, THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING AGAIN, AND SHUTDOWN IN MOTION. MY CAR DIAGNOSTIC WAS THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE/SPEED SENSOR. UPON INVESTIGATING I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO MERCEDES ON NUMEROUS OF OCCASSIONS. I DISCOVERED COMPLAINTS AT NHTSA, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, ALL THE WAY TO THE BBB. EVEN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE MODELS. I WAS SO UPSET! TO FIND OUT THAT, THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT THE CONSUMERS HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. MY SON AND I WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE AND WE COULD HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY HIT AND KILLED! THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE! A CAR SHOULD NOT STOP IN MOTION AT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE! MERCEDES NEEDS TO REPLACE THIS PART THAT IS REQUIRED TO FIX THIS KNOWN DEFECT, BEFORE A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH OCCURS.

Power Train
Filed Jun 10, 2015120,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE ACCELERATION UNTIL IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 13, 201599,942 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,942.

Power Train
Filed Nov 4, 201450,375 milesMI

TRANSMISSION (MERCEDES TYPE 722.9) WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. TRANSMISSION S/N 722906 00 999408. SUSPECT COMPONENT: VALVE BODY (ELECTROHYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT). MULTIPLE VARIATIONS OF IMPROPER SHIFTING, EXAMPLES: 1. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT AFTER VEHICLE IS STOPPED WITH ENGINE RUNNING RESULTING IN NO MOVEMENT OF VEHICLE; 2. TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT TO INITIAL GEAR THEN REMAIN IN THAT GEAR RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF VEHICLE WITH HIGH ENGINE RPM'S. ISSUE MAY CORRECT ITSELF BY OPERATOR SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL/PARK, OR TURNING ENGINE OFF. ISSUE IS INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. LACK OF PROPER SHIFTING RESULTS IN VEHICLE BECOMING POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 9, 2014TX

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY SUN ROOF GLASS BLEW OFF OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS NOT OPEN AT THE TIME. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO SEE IF ANYONE WAS HIT. I DID NOT SEE ANYONE. MERCEDES BENZ DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATALITY IF ANYONE WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT, OR SWERVED TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ELEVATED TO ASSURE THAT THIS TYPE OF SITUATION DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS IS A PRODUCT LIABILITY SITUATION AND THIS SHOULD BE NOTED SOMEWHERE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 26, 201466,400 milesPA

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT A SLOW SPEED AND THE CAR JUST QUITS. SOMETIMES IT WILL START ITSELF BACK UP AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO TURN IGNITION OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. THE CAR WILL JUST QUIT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND AFTER SOME QUICK THINKING AND REALIZING WHAT JUST HAPPENED THE ONLY THING TO DO IS DRIFT TO THE BERM OF THE ROAD WITH NO PWR STEERING OR BRAKES. THERE ARE ALSO TIMES WHEN I START THE CAR IT WILL QUIT AND TAKES TWO TO THREE MORE TRIES. ALSO HAD A SEVERE RAW GAS COMING FROM THE CAR AFTER A FILL UP. THE GAS FUMES WERE SO SEVERE THAT WE HAD TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE FOR FEAR OF AN EXPLOSION IN OUR GARAGE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MB DEALER IN PITTSBURGH AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPAIR THE GAS PROBLEM AS THE GASKETS AROUND THE GAS TANK WERE DRY-ROTTED AND I PAID APPROX $600.00 FOR THIS REPAIR WHICH I FEEL THAT MB SHOULD HAVE COVERED SINCE AT 66000 MILES THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. AS USUAL THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE STALLING ISSUE. MB KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE IT DOESN'T SHOW UP ON THERE COMPUTER HOOK-UPS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED. I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAPPENS TOO. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 201435,000 milesTX

AS I WAS WATCHING THE GMC ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH RECALL ON THE NEWS THIS MORNING, IT STRUCK A CHORD, AS THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE ABOVE MENTIONED CAR LAST SUMMER. FORTUNATELY WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A SIDE STREET SO THE SPEED WAS LOW. THE CAR LITERALLY TURNED OFF... NO POWER STEERING, NO POWER BRAKES... NO POWER WINDOWS... NOTHING. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY SEE THIS IN THIS MODEL, BUT HAVE NOT SEEN A RECURRENCE WHEN THEY REPLACE THE SWITCH. THIS WAS NOT A RECALL, BUT I THOUGHT AT THE TIME, IT SHOULD BE. THIS COULD HAVE EXTREMELY TRAGIC. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 201370,000 milesCA

THE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE DISPLAY OF OUR 6-YEAR OLD MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE SANTA BARBARA AUTO GROUP MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE PERSON EXPLAINED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT HAD NEVER BEEN USED/DEPLOYED, NOR HAD THE CAR EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY INCIDENT. THE ESTIMATED CHARGE TO ME WAS ABOUT $1200. I CONTACTED MBUSA DIRECTLY, AND SUGGESTED THAT THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR A SAFETY SYSTEM THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL IN THE FIRST PLACE. AFTER 5 DAYS OF LEAVING VOICEMAILS, I RECEIVED A CALLBACK WITH THE OFFER OF COVERING 25% OF THE COST. I FOUND THIS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 3, 201362,000 milesGA

MY CLK 350 CABRIOLET STATED DRIVING DIFFERENT. AT FIRST, WHENEVER I WOULD SLOW DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. EVERYTHING WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH AND I WOULD HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT WHEN I WOULD DRIVE, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUR OF GEARS PROPERLY, AND IT WOULD VERY PAINFULLY AND SLOWLY ACCELERATE ITS SPEED. IT WOULD JERK, LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. COME TO FIND OUT, AT 62,000 MILES, MY CAR NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION, WITH NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION GIVEN FROM ANY BENZ DEALER. SPEED SENSORS, CAMSHAFT, CONVERTER ALL MALFUNCTIONED. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 21, 201229,500 milesPA

THERE IS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL. IT IS OVERWHELMING, LASTS FOR DAYS, AND WE NEED TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE, AS THE SMELL IS SO INTENSE IT MAKES YOU FEEL SICK. IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT A WEEK OR TWO AGO, AND SEEMS TO BE MOST OBVIOUS AFTER GETTING FUEL. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF MB OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. ALSO, THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECENT CLASS ACTION SUIT INITIATED BY THE NHTSA INVOLVING THIS PROBLEM. I'M CONCERNED THIS COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING SAFETY PROBLEM IF AN EXPLOSION OCCURS AND THE INTENSE FUMES SEEM LIKELY TO CAUSE OTHER HEALTH RELATED PROBLEMS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 20, 201243,900 milesCA

THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP IN LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WON'T CHANGE GEARS. *KB

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 23, 2011FL

SEAT BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT UNLESS THERE ARE ASSISTED MANUALLY, IF NOT NOTICED THEY HANG OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. IF A DRIVER HAD DELIVERED A PASSENGER TO A DESTINATION AND THAT PASSENGER FAILED TO ASSIST THE SEAT BELT INTO THE ENCLOSURE AND EXITED LEAVING A PORTION OF THE BELT DRAGGING ON THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY GETTING CAUGHT ON A OBSTRUCTION OF SOME TYPE, OR CAUSING SOME UNINTENDED ACTION. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 8, 201031,324 milesFL

2007 AND OTHER MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLES CRUISE CONTROL LEVER [STALK] IS INSTALLED JUST ABOVE TURN SIGNAL LEVER. THERE IS NO "ON/OFF" CONTROL FOR THE M-B CRUISE CONTROL. THE 'STALK' TYPE LEVER IS 'ALWAYS ACTIVE' AND READY TO ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. IT IS ALL TOO EASY TO CONFUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER WITH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER DUE TO THEIR PROXIMITY. INTENDING TO SIGNAL RIGHT TURN, IF A DRIVER MISTAKENLY ENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER IN THE "UP" POSITION, THE DRIVER HAS MISTAKENLY ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL "ACCELERATION" MODE WHICH OBVIOUS RESULT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT,WITH INJURIES AND DEATHS. SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE [2007 M-B CLK 350] ON 2/8/10, I HAVE ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER MANY TIMES INTENDING TO SIGNAL 'RIGHT TURN'. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND I WAS COMPELLED TO HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID A COLLISION. I REALIZED WHAT I HAS DONE AND I DO BLAME M-BENZ FOR PLACING THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER JUST ABOVE THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER CAUSING EASY CONFUSION WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD AND NOT LOOKING FOR WHICH 'LEVER' TO ENGAGE. *TR

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Oct 23, 20075,500 milesFL

MERCEDES CLK 350 IS A COUPE MODEL. WHEN THE SEAT IS MOVED FORWARD TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE REAR SEAT, THE FRONT SEAT HEADREST AUTOMATICALLY RETRACTS INTO THE SEAT. THE HEADREST GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN SO THAT THERE IS NO SPACE BETWEEN THE HEADREST AND THE TOP OF THE SEAT BACK. IF ONES HAND IS THERE AS SUPPORT WHILE GETTING IN, THE HAND IS CAUGHT AND HELD UNTIL THE SEAT BACK IS BROUGHT BACK INTO THE PROPER POSITION. THE FORCE IS SO STRONG AND THE MATERIAL ON THE HEADREST AND SEAT BACK SO FIRM THAT THEY CAN BREAK A FINGER OR A CHILDS HAND. *JB

All 42 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20101000Routine
20098300Routine
200815310Routine
2007 — this page42400Routine
200637400Routine

Compare every CLK350 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 19, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.