2002 Mercedes Benz Cl600 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER TIME, CORROSION MAY DETERIORATE THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.
What could happen: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2002 CL600.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V228000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER TIME, CORROSION MAY DETERIORATE THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES.
THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004070012. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2002 Mercedes Benz Cl600 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (6), Engine (4), Brakes (3), Hydraulic (2), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/15/2018 · Steering
LEAKING ABC FLUID. THE ABC SISTEM WAS BROKEN
08/27/2015 · Suspension
ABC HYDRAULIC SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE CORROSION AND FAILURE OF FITTINGS. CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, SMOKE POURED FROM UNDER VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLE FIRE. THE FLUID SPRAYED ALL OVER EXHAUST. VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT WAS THROWN QUICKLY TO GROUND.
05/05/2014 · Fuel system
THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO MERCEDES, THIS IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD, THESE CARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS PROBLEM. OIL WILL SPRAY ALL OVER THE EXHAUST, AND PLASTIC CREATING A VACUUM. LUCKY MY FAMILY HASN'T DIED FROM THIS FIRE HAZARD. ITS ALL OVER THE MB FORUMS, EVERYONE ON REPAIR PAL, EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THIS IS COMMON AND LIFE THREATENING HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE REP…
12/29/2012 · Brakes
OEM REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC HOSE DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING AGAIN, CAN CAUSE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK ONTO HOT EXHAUST AND START A COMPLETE FIRE.. *TR
09/25/2012 · Lights
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE CONTROL PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAI…
04/12/2012 · Suspension
ABC HOSE LEAKED HYDRAULIC FLUID IN HUGE PUDDLE AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. NOT LONG AFTER THE WHEELS WERE SITTING ON TOP OF THE WHEEL WELL. MERCEDES SERVICE DIAGNOSED AS HOSE THAT REQUIRES TRANSMISSION TO BE REMOVED TO FIX. WAS TOLD RECALL WORK WAS DONE IN 2004 SO I HAD TO PAY FULL REPAIR PRICE ($4,700). *TR
07/21/2011 · Engine
I OWN A 2002 CL-600 THAT HAS A TERRIBLE ENGINE OIL LEAK. THE DEALER WANTS $5,800 TO REPAIR THE OIL COOLER. SEARCHING THE WEB SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES 12 CYLINDER ENGINES. BECAUSE LEAKING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL ONTO A HOT MOTOR IS A SERIOUS FIRE SAFETY ISSUE, MERCEDES SHOULD RECALL ALL 12 CYLINDER CARS AND INSTALL A BETTER DESIGNE…
06/22/2011 · Suspension
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THEN THE CARS SUSPENSION STARTED ACTING ERRATIC, I COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE TILL A SHORT TIME LATER. MY CARS SUSPENSION RAISED AND LOWERED IN A VIOLENT WAY. MY HEAD WAS THROWN FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, AND BACK IN THE HEAD REST. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. I CONTACTED MERCEDES, AND THEY TOLD ME IN SO MANY…