MotorDeets

Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every CL500 from 1999 to 2006: 44 owner complaints and 1 recalls across 8 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (12), 2004 (9), 2006 (7). Best fuel economy: 17 mpg combined (2006).

Mercedes-Benz CL500
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical18
Suspension15
Exterior lights5
Engine4
Transmission & drivetrain3
Brakes3
Seat belts2
Airbags2

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19990216
20001617
20010517
200201217
20030116
20040917
20050217
20060717

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mercedes-Benz CL500.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz CL500?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (12), 2004 (9), 2006 (7).

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz CL500 had?

Across 1999–2006, NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).