The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 2000–2012. On average a defect was admitted 2.6 years after the car was built, the slowest took 7 years. The most recalled system is Suspension (3 campaigns).
What was recalled on the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Suspension 3 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes benz is recalling 4,564 my 2001-2006 cl-class (model 215), my 2002-2006 s-class (model 220), my 2003-2007 sl-class (model 230), my 2007-2008 cl-class (model 216), and my 2007 s-class (model 221)passenger vehicles equipped with active body control (abc) acceleration sensors on the front struts. These sensors measure acceleration around the z-axis of the vehicle and assure an automatic adaptation of the front struts to maintain a relatively level body position. Variations in the soldering process resulted in soldering points on the board of the abc sensors which may not be within design tolerances. Signals from the affected sensors measuring the acceleration may not be accurately…
Risk. A variation in the transmitted values between affected and unaffected sensors can result in one front strut adjusting to a value indicating body movement while another strut does not adjust presenting the driver with an uneven front suspension. This condition may lead to unexpected body movements at the front axle…
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front abc sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall began on september 22, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. Mercedes benz is recalling 4,564 my 2001-2006 cl-class (model 215), my 2002-2006 s-class (model 220), my 2003-2007 sl-class (model 230), my 2007-2008 cl-class (model 216), and my 2007 s-class (model 221)passenger vehicles equipped with active body control (abc) acceleration sensors on the front struts. These sensors measure acceleration around the z-axis of the vehicle and assure an automatic adaptation of the front struts to maintain a relatively level body position. Variations in the soldering process resulted in soldering points on the board of the abc sensors which may not be within design tolerances. Signals from the affected sensors measuring the acceleration may not be accurately…
Risk. A variation in the transmitted values between affected and unaffected sensors can result in one front strut adjusting to a value indicating body movement while another strut does not adjust presenting the driver with an uneven front suspension. This condition may lead to unexpected body movements at the front axle…
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front abc sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall began on september 22, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. Mercedes benz is recalling 4,564 my 2001-2006 cl-class (model 215), my 2002-2006 s-class (model 220), my 2003-2007 sl-class (model 230), my 2007-2008 cl-class (model 216), and my 2007 s-class (model 221)passenger vehicles equipped with active body control (abc) acceleration sensors on the front struts. These sensors measure acceleration around the z-axis of the vehicle and assure an automatic adaptation of the front struts to maintain a relatively level body position. Variations in the soldering process resulted in soldering points on the board of the abc sensors which may not be within design tolerances. Signals from the affected sensors measuring the acceleration may not be accurately…
Risk. A variation in the transmitted values between affected and unaffected sensors can result in one front strut adjusting to a value indicating body movement while another strut does not adjust presenting the driver with an uneven front suspension. This condition may lead to unexpected body movements at the front axle…
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front abc sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall began on september 22, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
Electrical System 2 Read
What's wrong. 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, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor…
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed
Fix. Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. 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, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor…
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed
Fix. Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. On certain passenger vehicles, during the production process of the blower motor fuse holder, the size of the electric conductor of the holder may be below appropriate tolerances
Risk. Consequently, the electric conductor of the blower motor fuse holder may dissipate more heat than the plastic fuse holder was designed to withstand, which could result in overheating of the holder and disabling of the blower motor and the ability to defrost or defog the windshiled in cold or hot and humid weather…
Fix. Dealers will install new blower motor fuse holders. The recall began during october 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
Exterior Lighting 2 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-benz is recalling 3,283 my 2008 s-class and cl-class passenger vehicles. A malfunction may occur on the signal acquisition and actuation module-front (sam-f) transistors. The sam-f is a double transistor that helps control vehicle functions and the lighting of the center console. Incorrect storage of the transistors LED the transistors to be exposed to excess humidity
Risk. The presence of this moisture in combination with the thermal stress during the "reflow soldering" may damage the transistors and prevent them from properly functioning which will increase the risk of crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace all potentially affected sam free of charge. The recall began on may 2, 2008. Owner may contact mercedes benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to conform with the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." when the low beam headlamps are activated, the xenon lamps are aimed to illuminate the road surface. In the high beam mode the light from the xenon bulbs are redirected and additional halogen bulbs also illuminate when the high beams are activated. When this occurs, the combination of xenon bulb and halogen bulb exceed the permitted light output
Risk. Drivers in incoming vehicles may experience increased glare from the high beam lighting which could result in the potential for a crash
Fix. Dealers will modify the aim of the halogen headlamp bulbs in the high beam mode. Owner notification began october 15, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
Fuel System, Gasoline 1 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures
Risk. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present
Fix. Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures
Risk. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present
Fix. Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372
Interior Lighting 1 Read
What's wrong. On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation
Risk. Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation
Risk. Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation
Risk. Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
Latches/locks/linkages 1 Read
What's wrong. On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position
Risk. If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk
Fix. Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position
Risk. If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk
Fix. Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372
Seat Belts 1 Read
What's wrong. Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the right rear seat belt buckle was incorrectly manufactured
Risk. During a vehicle crash, it is possible for the seat belt buckles to crack, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant
Fix. Dealers will replace any right rear seat belt buckle identified by lot stamping number 22429. Owner notification by telephone began march 4, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact…
Visibility 1 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose could overheat
Risk. This could cause the surrounding plastic and insulation to melt
Fix. Dealers will replace the heated washer bottle hose assembly. Owner notification began january 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
Equipment 1 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to an internal defect in the circuitry of the blower motor regulator, the regulator may overheat
Risk. This could cause surrounding plastic, insulation, and wiring to deform and possibly melt or burn
Fix. Dealers will replace the blower motor regulator
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 2.6 years |
| Slowest campaign | 7 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 22.9% |
| Campaigns on record | 13 |
Which CL-Class years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2011 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2008 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2007 | Suspension | |
| 2006 | Suspension | |
| 2005 | Interior Lighting | |
| 2004 | Suspension | |
| 2003 | Suspension | |
| 2002 | Seat Belts | |
| 2001 | Visibility | |
| 2000 | Equipment |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class have?
13 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 2000–2012. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my CL-Class still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 2.6 years, and the slowest campaign came 7 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.