2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class problems & reliability
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6 | 32% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 26% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 21% |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | 11% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 11% |
| Air Bags | 1 | 5% |
| Structure | 1 | 5% |
| Tires | 1 | 5% |
| Visibility | 1 | 5% |
| Wheels | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact was driving 45 mph when abnormal smoke was emitted from the exhaust. The abc sensor warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discovered abc hydraulic fluid leaking near the catalytic…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Oct 27, 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that there was a rubber seal that was held between the mirrors on both sides of the door that was separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they could not replace the rubber only, but would have to replace the entire…”
Visibility · filed Jun 14, 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz cl500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the instrument cluster module would need replacing or would need to be rebuilt. The mechanic advised the contact of a…”
Interior Lighting · filed Aug 25, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
3 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class.
Seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door. *tt
887039 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 16, 2005
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…
010104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 31, 2004
Replacement of abc pressure supply valve unit hydraulic line. *tt
2004070012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 1, 2004
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.