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1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK320, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints182 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage75kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 4, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 has problems

18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling51
Visibility30
Fuel system, gasoline20
Suspension20
Power train20
Structure20
Steering10
Tires10
Seats10
6 other systems60

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front: anchorage

Recall 99V-030 · Feb 11, 1999 · 2,600 vehicles

Risk. DUE TO THIS DEFECTIVE WELD, THE ANCHORAGES MAY NOT ADEQUATELY SECURE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other CLK320 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CLK320 median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK320, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILUREPE03058 · closed Apr 22, 2004
    No recall
In owners' words

What CLK320 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IN MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLES THAT PREVENTS CARS FROM STARTING AND ALSO SHUTS THEM OFF WHILST ON THE ROAD AND IN MOTION. CAR DIED ON ME 6 TIMES. LUCKILY, I WASN'T TRAVELING VERY FAST BUT THIS IS VERY UNSAFE BUT I DID CAUSE A TRAFFIC DELAY…
Complaint 10162880 · Jul 19, 2006 · 75,000 miles
DT: VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL. DEALER SAID THEY CAN'T FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL, AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER LOOK INTO IT.*AK
Complaint 10126667 · Jun 27, 2005 · 76,000 miles
(1) VIBRATIONS OF ENGINE AT IDLE WAS FELT 1 DAY PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. (2) HEARD LOUD/KNOCKING NOISE THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING HOME. (3) HOME INSPECTIONS REVEALED DISENGAGEMENT OF THE OUTER BELT PULLEY FROM THE HARMONIC BALANCER.*AK (4) CALLED THE SAN DIEGO DEALER FOR A REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. (5) THE…
Complaint 10093459 · Oct 2, 2004 · 63,989 miles

Own a 1999 CLK320?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.