AI Damage2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class: common problems
Owners of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class filed 19 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 19
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Suspension 32% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 26% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 21% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 11% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 5% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 5% of all complaints
- 7 Tires 5% of all complaints
- 8 Visibility 5% of all complaints
- Suspension: 6 complaints (32% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 5 complaints (26% of all).
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (21% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (5% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
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 19 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 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.
Upon impact impact side air bag did not deploy. Consumer notice mercedes benz body service, no response as to why?
The contact was driving 45 mph when abnormal smoke was emitted from the exhaust. The abc sensor warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discovered abc hydraulic fluid leaking near the catalytic converter.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that there was a rubber seal that was held between the mirrors on both sides of the door that was separating from the vehicle.
Windows go up and down on their own; lock in whatever position it chose; hydraulics in this vehicle go up and down at will. Vehicle will lean on one side, then drop to where it is undriveable, then raise on the opposite side. The key has decoded itself and would not start the vehicle.
2002 mercedes benz cl500 the right front of the vehicle began to sag & the instrument panel illumination cluster suddenly went completely dark without any warning whatsoever. This has been occurring intermittently, the dealership always charges us each occurrence to "fix it.".
Tl contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz clk430. While the contact was attempting to open the convertible roof, she noticed that the roll bars were stuck in place. As a result, the convertible top could not open completely. The current mileage was 42,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl class. The contact stated that his vehicle was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 07v263000 (suspension). The dealer repaired the abc valve block at the cost of $2,200 and stated that there were materials in the fluid of the abc system, which caused the blockage.
While driving 45 mph, the contact heard a thump and noticed that the vehicle drove differently. She pulled over and noticed that the passenger side rear tire was hanging from the rim. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The tire company stated that they would replace the tires.
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 8,439 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 23% most complained about).
On average one model year of the CL Class has 7 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 19, above average.
What to check before buying
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: suspension, engine and cooling, electrical system. Total complaints: 19. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (11%), warning lights, check engine (11%), airbags did not deploy (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2002 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 2002 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 2002 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.