AI DamageMercedes-Benz CLK350: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Mercedes-Benz CLK350 across 5 model years: 103 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 29% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 15% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 8% of all complaints
- 7 Engine and cooling 5% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 30 complaints (29% of all).
- Air bags: 15 complaints (15% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 13 complaints (13% of all).
- Engine: 11 complaints (11% of all).
- Powertrain: 10 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 103 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 15 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 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.
I was involved in a car accident last february, my airbag didn't deploy as compared to the other vehicle (toyota) where her airbag worked. My car and the other person's car were totaled.
My mercedes 350 abs brake system failed and caused very rapid acceleration. I avoided crossing a busy intersection and crashed into a beverly hills lamp post which caused over $25,000.00 damage to the post and my car. Mercedes not accepting any responsibility.
The contact inspected the tire and noticed a blowout of the sidewall. The vehicle was towed to Costco, where the tire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer.
The glued seam on the convertible top has come unglued above the back window. The car has been garage kept and only has 66,000 miles. When riding down the road, I am afraid the top may continue to peel back and try to come loose. This isn't only a safety concern, it is a security concern, and protection from weather.
The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear taillights became inoperable and would not illuminate as designed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 49,000.
The contact stated he turned on the air condition of his vehicle and an odor of mold came from the vents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that there was no recall for that failure.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Other models of this make
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 2026-11-05.