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2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 70,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical CLK500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
41
Worst area
Fuel system

The worst 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Fuel system
    8
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500

Fuel smell 6

Recalls 3

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported November 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Risk
A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of previous the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Recall number 24V874000 · Recall details

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported December 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Risk
A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall expands the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Recall number 22V954000 · Recall details

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported December 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit:
Risk
A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Recall number 19V918000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 41

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 41 bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500

What 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 27, 2025 · MA

After evaluation by garage it is concluded that there’s subframe damage to the vehicle

Filed Jan 23, 2018 · Fuel system · MD

Strong gas smell from rear seat whenever gas filled up.

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Fuel system · 84,000 miles · NE

My car after fueling leaks a very strong fuel smell enters my car. The strong fuel vapor will remain until the tank gets below 3/4. It will be there whether it is in motion, stationary, or at idle. My entire garage will smell of fuel during this time when the tank is full. I know mercedes recalled the e class fuel tank because of this same issue. My clk500 is the same as the e class but the convertible version. These are dangerous faulty tanks that need to be recalled in every vehicle they installed them in.

Filed Jul 15, 2016 · Fuel system · 83,000 miles · FL

After filling fuel tank strong smell of gasoline. Other complaints of this nature in your system. Recall already issued for other model mercedes benz with same issue.

Filed Nov 17, 2015 · Seat belts · 121,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz clk500. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to restrain when the brake pedal was engaged and the supplemental restraint system warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2015 · Airbags, Seat belts · 102,666 miles · VA

Vehicle show an SRS light issue on the dashboard, I took the vehicle many times to tyson's corner, va mercedez benz dealership to figure what was the problem, and the dealership was unable to find the issue. After a lot of investigation I found out it may be the seatbelt buckles, or the child recognition emulator which are giving and issue. If he SRS light is on the airbags will not deploy in case of an accident.

Filed Jan 24, 2014 · Fuel system · 82,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz clk500. The contact stated that whenever he would refuel, there was a strong overwhelming fuel odor coming from inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an dealer where tit was diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2013 · Fuel system · 68,000 miles · SC

Bought car in sept. 2012. Started to notice fuel smell after fill ups. Getting worse, and checked fuel sending unit on top of tank. Puddle of fuel on top of sending unit.

Filed Mar 19, 2013 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · NV

I smelled gasoline when my two cars were parked in the garage. This occurred only after filling the gas tanks (no topping off.) I thought it was my 2010 mbz but the dealer checked and found no problem. I had my 2004 mbz checked. The dealer told me I needed a new gas tank, because it was leaking. My car has 80k miles and looks new; garaged, serviced and never in an accident and has no leaks. A new gas cap did not solve the problem. Over three quarters of a tank does not emit any odor, so I don't fill the tank completely. I feel the fumes could be a safety hazard inside a garage containing a hot water heater.

Filed Sep 12, 2012 · Seat belts · 78,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes clk500. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 78,000.

Compare the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500

Other model years

2003200420052006

Questions about the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500

Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500, close to a typical CLK500 model year.

What is the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 year score?

The 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz CLK500: 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 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 8 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is seat belts (3).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500 have?

3 recalls, covering visibility.

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