Model year
2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 5 complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 2 recalls and 9 complaints under CL, CL215, CL500, CL55, and CL600. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are SEAT BELTS (3), AIR BAGS (2), ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $5,150–$5,850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 1 complaints
- 2001 4 complaints
- 2002 19 complaints
- 2003 5 complaints
- 2004 4 complaints
- 2005 0 complaints
- 2006 9 complaints
- 2007 9 complaints
- 2008 10 complaints
- 2009 2 complaints
- 2010 2 complaints
- 2011 6 complaints
- 2012 1 complaints
- 2013 1 complaints
- 2014 0 complaints
Recalls
07V263000 · Jun 12, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; SUSPENSION
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.
04V285000 · Jun 9, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.
Complaints
5 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 3, fire flag on 4, injury field 3, deaths field 9. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| CL | 0 | 1 |
| CL215 | 1 | 0 |
| CL500 | 0 | 1 |
| CL55 | 0 | 5 |
| CL600 | 1 | 2 |
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL500 · 5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 20 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
| CL55 AMG · 5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 20 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| CL600 · 5.5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 12 | 17 | 14 | — | — | $5,850 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.