AI Damage2003 Mercedes-Benz CL55: common problems
Owners of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL55 filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 40% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 20% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 20% of all complaints
- 4 Seats 20% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 20% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Seats: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 5 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 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 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.
The seat occupancy sensor on the passenger seat of this car is malfunctioning. This is a RECOGNIZED PROBLEM for Mercedes cars. There are numerous websites and YouTube videos describing this problem, offering replacement sensors, offering bypass kits and describing how to make this repair.
The Instrument cluster has no light so I cannot see the speed. The dealer refuses the recall. RECALL - #06V028000
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 (na) mercedes benz cl55. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the instrument cluster lights suddenly shut off and the driver was unable to read the instrument gauges. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
The contact stated that the active body control warning light remained illuminated. The dealer replaced the hydraulic fluid and reset the light however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to have a diagnostic performed.
The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, he noticed that the active body control (abc) warning light was illuminated. Immediately after the warning light illuminated, the rear of the vehicle dropped to the ground.
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 14,283 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the CL55 has 2 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 5, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Seats. Occupant sensor, power adjustment, seat mounts.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL55?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, air bags, engine. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (40%), rust, corrosion (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL55?
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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL55 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 2003 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.