Mercedes-Benz

CLK430

Subcompact Cars · model years 1999 to 2003

Includes CLK430 and CLK430 (Cabriolet) as listed by the EPA.

See all 8 CLK430 trims All Mercedes-Benz cars

The verdict

Best year: 2003. complaints: 0, below this model's typical 2; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 1999. complaints: 11, about 5.5x this model's typical 2; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Top complaints
1999	1Gas	19	$4,050	0	11	POWER TRAIN 25%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 19%, AIR BAGS 13%
complaints: 11, about 5.5x this model's typical 2 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file complaints reporting a fire: 2 Score: 35 of 100, where higher is better.
2000	2Gas	18.5	$4,175	0	20	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 39%, POWER TRAIN 17%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%
complaints: 20, about 5x this model's typical 4 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 35 of 100, where higher is better.
2001	2Gas	18.5	$4,175	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, below this model's typical 4 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2002	2Gas	18	$4,300	0	4	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 29%, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 14%, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 14%
complaints: 4, in line with this model's typical 4 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 80 of 100, where higher is better.
2003	1Gas	18	$4,300	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, below this model's typical 2 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median1999: 19 to 2003: 18

Owner complaints1999: 11 to 2003: 0

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.