I have had seat belt trouble. When I first bought the car it was weak to retract. Than 9 months later it gave out on me. I looked into it online and it turns out almost all these vehicles have this problem before 100,000 miles. There are dozens of forums in complaints plenty of people saying they have the problem to in each. Its a hazard that people are driving these cars and decide they don't have $500 to buy a seat belt retractor plus $200 in labor. Also it often leaves no warning that it won't retract. There will be an accident one day and someone will die and its because they didn't have the money to fix a seatbelt that should be working. Mine gave out of no where so when I was away from home if I would of gotten into an accident that's a problem worth fixing. My girlfriend is an emt and she says that a seat belt placed to high or too low can cause u to be crunched under the steering wheel or fly up over into the windshield. So one that goes loose on you while driving will cause serious injury because just the fact that there is moving space will cause you to wiggle loose from your seat.
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Tires2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Tires2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 08V303000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Selector lever blocks in position "P" (brake applied)
- SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- Malfunctions of various control units and/or on-board power supply problems caused by water in the control...
- Model 203 (c) series from production 8/1/01 to 2/1/03 and model 209 (CLK) series up to production 2/1/03;...
- Installation of wiring harness adapter for engine cooling fan malfunction
- Engine ticking (piston slap) noise complaints when accelerating between 1200 and 3000 RPM
What 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz clk430. The contact stated that the speedometer and radio were defective. He mentioned that the pixels on both were missing. The dealer was contacted who stated that the instrument cluster would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 32,879.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz clk 500. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact noticed flames underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed and two other vehicles were moderately damaged by the flames. He noticed excessive power steering fluid on the ground where the vehicle was located. A police officer stated that the power steering pump or the lines/fittings/hoses were the causes of the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer for "b" service, but no failure could be determined. The manufacturer did not assist. The contact has pictures of the failure and a copy of the report from the fire department. The failure and current mileages were 57,528.
Transmission failure. Rusted and corroded trans at 24,000 miles caused by faulty mercedes valeo radiator. Mercedes own star bulletin tells dealers about this issue but my dealer decided not to check it out and now mercedes and dealer are refusing to help when this is a known problem on many of their models and should be a recall.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz clk 430. The contact noticed that the brackets that hold the front bumper were failing. The failure caused the turn signal lights to detach from the bumper. The dealer did not state the cause of the failure. The current mileage is 34,000 and failure mileage was 29,000.
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2003 mercedes clk 500, had a blowout on the rear passenger tire. This happened on a cold clear day while driving at 65 MPH. He tire dealership informed her that there was nail in the tire, but not in the section of the blowout. The tire was a bridgestone potenza. The tire was purchased 21/2 months ago. This blowout split on the opposite side of the nail. The contact will submit the tire size with the hard copy and she still had the old tire that blew out. The contact stated that there was no warranty for the tire. The vehicle currently had 72000 miles.
While driving 60 MPH front driver side tire blew out. No impact reported. Then, six months later the same tire blew out again.
While making a left turn to pull into the garage, the vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high speed. The consumer's foot was on the brake pedal when this occurred. The consumer applied excessive force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle from accelerating, but it failed to do so. The vehicle stopped accelerating when it smashed into the garage wall. The factory representative came out to inspect the vehicle, but indicated that nothing was wrong although there was a 3 feet long brake mark on the garage floor. *ak *sc
New hid car lights are to bright. These new lights have the same effect as having high beams on all the time. Hid lights blind oncoming drivers.
When the consumer jacked up the vehicle, the jack failed to remain sturdy and the vehicle had fell to the ground. Nlm scc
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class
Other model years
Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class reliable?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class, close to a typical CLK Class model year.
What is the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class year score?
The 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class scores 69 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz CLK Class: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class?
Tires, with 2 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz CLK Class have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
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