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2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 10%Owner complaints121 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage130kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 has problems

12 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
Electrical system31
Tires30
Air bags20
Seats20
Seat belts20
Service brakes10

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

3 recalls

2005 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.

10%repaired · 2026 Q3

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles · 3,406 repaired

Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

34%repaired · 2025 Q4

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles · 45,331 repaired

Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

24%repaired · 2026 Q1

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 19V-918 · Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles · 177,202 repaired

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

2005 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
In owners' words

What CLK320 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MY 2005 MERCEDES CLK320 CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I PULLED OVER, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND TOTALED. IT STARTED WITH SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AC VENTS. WHEN I TURNED THE AC OFF THE SMOKE GOT WORSE AND FIRE PROCEEDED.
Complaint 11092499 · May 8, 2018 · 130,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ CLK320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE…
Complaint 10689619 · Feb 20, 2015 · 133,680 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES CLK320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED ALL OF THE SERVICE LIGHTS AND SENSORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD TURN ON AND OFF. THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WOULD ALSO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN. THE VEHICLE…
Complaint 10341826 · Jul 7, 2010 · 62,000 miles

Own a 2005 CLK320?

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