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2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, most often about the visibility. 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 complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Visibility

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

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 has problems

1 complaint 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
Visibility10

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

3 recalls

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 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

2003 vs. every other CLK500 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 CLK500 median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What CLK500 owners report

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SUN ROOF RATTLED AND AIR WAS HEARD ESCAPING THROUGH THE CLOSED SUN ROOF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE…
Complaint 11337668 · Jul 6, 2020

Own a 2003 CLK500?

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