Model year
2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 10 complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 9 recalls and 24 complaints under AMG CLK55, CLK, CLK320, CLK430, and CLK500. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1), EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT (1), EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS (1). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 16–20 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,100–$5,150, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 1 complaints
- 2001 14 complaints
- 2002 22 complaints
- 2003 10 complaints
- 2004 7 complaints
- 2005 33 complaints
- 2006 3 complaints
- 2007 53 complaints
- 2008 22 complaints
- 2009 9 complaints
Recalls
08V303000 · Jul 7, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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,…
Complaints
10 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 1, fire flag on 1, injury field 2, deaths field 0. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| AMG CLK55 | 3 | 0 |
| CLK | 0 | 2 |
| CLK320 | 3 | 19 |
| CLK430 | 0 | 2 |
| CLK500 | 3 | 1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK320 · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| CLK320 (Cabriolet) · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| CLK430 (Cabriolet) · 4.3L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| CLK500 · 5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 21 | 17 | — | — | $4,850 |
| CLK55 AMG · 5.4L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 20 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
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 CLK-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.