2003 Mercedes Benz Cl Class problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (1) · Seats:front Assembly:recliner (1) · Seats (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (4)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Visibility:rearview Mirrors/Devices:exterior 2005-03-16 · 887039 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door. *tt
Suspension 2004-08-31 · 010104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the high pressure hydraulic distribution hose of the active body control (abc) may deteriorate over time due to excessive exposure to humidity and high temperatures. voluntary recall campaign of active body control (abc) (12 cylinder only). *nm
Latches/Locks/Linkages:trunk Lid:lock 2004-08-17 · 2004050015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position due to extensive exposure to very high temperatures. voluntary recall campaign. cover letter, recall campaign bulletin and letter to owners. *tt literature from warranty services group regarding labor time information. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2004-08-01 · 2004070012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
replacement of abc pressure supply valve unit hydraulic line. *tt
What owners report
2010-08-19 · Suspension · 81,200 mi · 🔥 fire“i have a 2003 mercedes benz cl55 amg. the abc or active body control system failed and with very little warning, the fluid started to leak , smoke was everywhere and i nearly caused a collision because of the thick smoke and poor visibility. i had to pull over immediately and have the cl55 towed to my mechanic my mechanic, who specializes in high…”
2010-05-27 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner · 15,000 mi · 💥 crash · 🔥 fire“tl*the contact was a passenger in a 2003 mercedes cl55. the contact stated that on june 11,2006, they were involved in a head on collision with another vehicle( limousine) at 45 mph. when the driver down shifted, the driver drove into oncoming traffic at approximately 35 mph. the front end of the mercedes was destroyed and caught fire. the air b…”
2009-11-25 · Seat Belts · 12,000 mi · 💥 crash · 🔥 fire“2003 mercedes-benz cl55 low-speed (25-35mph) high-acceleration head-on impact with a limousine (approx. 45mph) where the cl55 dash mounted airbags deployed after the vehicle came to rest, and the cl55's integrated seatbelt worn by the passenger and sole survivor resulted in the displacement of the seat-back by 45-degrees without imposing a notable …”
2009-03-11 · Seats · 9,000 mi · 💥 crash · 🔥 fire“1. exiting a curve on a windy road at approx. 30mph, driver applied throttle causing an automatic downshift into a 516ftlb torque lunge. with no steering control in 1-second we were in the opposite lane. driver fought to regain control during second no. 2. then a limo blew through a stop sign on a merge landing right in front of us. both driv…”
2004-07-06 · Equipment:electrical · 8,000 mi“vehicle came equipped with a keyless go device. when this device is used to start the vehicle it is not mobile. consumer is unable to turn the vehicle off, put it into gear or accelerate. dealership had to remove the fuse from the fuel pump to turn the motor off, and flat bed the vehicle to dealership. the problem was due to a failure in the mod…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.