AI Damage2001 Mercedes-Benz CL Class: common problems
Owners of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL Class filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and suspension. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Suspension 25% of all complaints
- 3 Tires 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Tires: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 5.4 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 5.8 L · petrol · 12 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
There is suppose to be a recall on the abc active body control on the mercedes benz cl class from 2001 to 2004. My car has had this problem and just found out it was a recall by forum yesterday, but it does not say there is a recall on this on your site or any other recall site.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the tire pressure monitoring system failed to monitor the adequate tire pressure. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined the tire pressure monitoring system failed, and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also alerted. Updated 01/10/07.
The lights went out and I could smell electrical smoke. Every time I turn on the ignition, I smell burning. I noticed on an internet search that there was supposed to be a recall for this problem but the dealership says it has not been finalized, I know that there is a problem with the instrument clusters burning up…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,524 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the CL Class has 7 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 4, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, suspension, tires. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (25%), warning lights, check engine (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL Class from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2001 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.