repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 27, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Fuel/propulsion system
3Seat belts
2Fuel system, gasoline
1Air bags
1Power train
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2004 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2004 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 fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE IN YOUR SYSTEM. RECALL ALREADY ISSUED FOR OTHER MODEL MERCEDES BENZ WITH SAME ISSUE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CLK500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE WOULD REFUEL, THERE WAS A STRONG OVERWHELMING FUEL ODOR COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN DEALER WHERE TIT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
Own a 2004 CLK500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.