Selling a junk or non-running Mercedes CLK

The rest of the CLK's NHTSA file is a mix of wiring, fuel and air bag complaints spread over twelve model years. If yours has stopped running or has more wrong with it than it's worth, we buy whole non-running and junk cars. You sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Two generations, two different complaint patterns

We tallied these CLK owner reports to NHTSA on October 10, 2026. They show what drivers reported, not a reliability rating for the CLK.

One more complaint is filed under the 2010 model year.

1998-2002: wiring on the first CLK

On the 2000, 2001 and 2002, electrical trouble leads the list, at 16, 6 and 12 complaints. The 2000 also has 6 crash reports, and so does the 2001. On the 1999, engine and engine cooling leads with 8 of 29.

Only one recall lists these years. Campaign 99V030 covered 2,600 vehicles in 1999 for a bad weld on the nut that holds the front shoulder belt guide. Dealers repaired the anchor.

Wikipedia notes the coupe was replaced for the 2003 model year, but the convertible stayed in production until March 2003. A 2003 CLK convertible can be either generation, so check the build date before you look up parts or recalls.

2003-2009: fuel, air bags and the sunroof

Fuel/propulsion complaints take over on the second CLK. They lead the 2006, 2007 and 2008, with 14, 20 and 7. Air bags show up in the top three on every year from 2003 to 2008, yet none of the eight recalls is an air bag campaign.

The 2004 stands out for seat belts: 7 of its 37 complaints. That matches recall 03V534, which covered 4,348 vehicles whose belt buckles could carry a metal burr that stops the belt from locking. Dealers replaced the belts.

Two small campaigns touch these years as well. 08V303 had dealers recode the SCN on 404 cars across many classes, including 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 CLKs. 22V168 updated control unit software on 22 vehicles, among them the 2009 CLK550.

Then there's the roof. 19V918, 22V954 and 24V874 list 2003-2009 CLKs, and 21V196 lists 2006-2007 CLK350, CLK500 and CLK550 cars. The notices say the glass panel could detach. The latest letters went out January 10, 2025.

The CLK file, year by year

The crash and injury columns count complaints that reported one. A single CLK campaign may be listed under several years, so the last column adds up past 8.

The final CLKs have been out the shortest stretch, and that helps explain the small 2008 and 2009 numbers.

Repair it, or let it go?

Every CLK is now at least 17 model years old. Look at these first, then hold the repair bill up to the car's value as a runner.

1. Run the VIN. NHTSA's lookup shows open campaigns. On a 2003-2009 car, ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer about the sunroof recalls before anything else.
2. Warning lights and dead accessories? The first CLKs lead with electrical complaints. Our electrical problems guide covers how to tell a wiring fault from a bad module.
3. Won't start or stalls? Fuel/propulsion complaints cluster on 2006-2008 cars. If it won't run at all, see car doesn't run.
4. Quote higher than the car? See what a junk car is worth for what moves an offer on a dead car.

Selling the CLK whole

1. Gather the details: VIN, mileage, coupe or convertible, and what's wrong.
2. Ask for an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us the car's spot and if it can be pushed. A top that's stuck down is no problem; mention it so the driver plans how to load it.
4. Keep it whole. The wheels, seats and top should stay on.
5. When the driver shows up, keep the title and your ID close by. No title? Start with selling with no title.

Looking at other models? See the E-Class, C-Class and SL-Class, or every Mercedes-Benz we cover.