2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK: Reliability

Updated: 11/23/08

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
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2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 

  • Price Range:  $14,100 - $69,400
CG Rating

55

out of 100

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Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz CLK includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz CLK .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: Rumbling or squealing noises may come from the A/C compressor due to a bad pulley or bearings for which there are improved components. (2003-06)

Alternator belt: The alternator may not provide adequate charging due to a faulty internal voltage regulator. (2003-05)

Blower motor: The blower motor may quit working after a minute or so, then work momentarily and quit again due to internal circuit breaker in blower regulator which must be replaced. (2005-06)

Brake noise: A whistling or squealing noise may be heard coming from the brake booster when the brakes are released. (2005-07)

Cruise control: The cruise control may quit working if all four tires are not the same size due to differing tires or lack of rotation. (2004-06)

Horn: The horn may honk all by itself due to inadequate clearance between the horn contacts and airbag assembly in the steering wheel. (2005)

Power seats: The power seat may quit working due to failure of failure of the seat control module. (2005-06)

Starter: Moisture gets into the crankshaft position sensor on the 3.2L V6 engine causing hesitation, rough idle and hard starting requiring that both the sensor and wiring harness be replaced. (2003)

Steering problems: The steering wheel controls may not work to control the auxiliary iPOD interface. (2005)

Tail/brake lights: The tail light bulbs keep burning out prematurely and the fix is to install a jumper harness having resistance the drops the voltage by one volt. (2003)

Transmission leak: Transmission fluid leaks from the electrical connector and may also travel through the wires to the electronic control unit requiring the connector and necessary O-rings be replaced. 2003)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $980
Alternator $970
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,695
Brakes $650
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $915
Constant Velocity Joints $4,490
Exhaust System $650
Radiator $1,310
Shocks and/or Struts $2,520
Timing Chain or Belt $1,805
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