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2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, 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 complaints182 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage114kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 11, 2025. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 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
Electrical system30
Fuel/propulsion system30
Tires32
Air bags20
Exterior lighting20
Steering20
Power train10
Seat belts10
Seats10
2 other systems20

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

3 recalls

2005 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

2005 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was…
Complaint 11686621 · Sep 11, 2025 · 147,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ CLK500. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN EMPTY READING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V303000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE…
Complaint 10395466 · Apr 11, 2011 · 113,760 miles
DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE ON A SURFACE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. ENGINE SWITCHED OFF ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL. CAR DID RESTART AND I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART AFTER THAT FAILED. THE REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EZS OR EIS CONTROL…
Complaint 10382876 · Feb 16, 2011 · 34,000 miles

Own a 2005 CLK500?

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