Skip to content

Mercedes-Benz CLK 1997 to 2009

1997 to 2009

Based on 1 source, each with its own reference date

No documented known problems found. That does not mean the car is problem free

Key points to know

  • Insurance loss

    2 results · IIHS/HLDI, data up to and including 2009

    Based on American insurance claims for this model. This does not automatically apply to this country

Recalls

Our EU Safety Gate feed only goes back to 17 July 2026

NHTSA

We could not check NHTSA for this model

EU Safety Gate

No recall found in EU Safety Gate, checked up to and including 2009

Safety rating

American crash test (NHTSA)

NHTSA SafetyRatings

American crash-test rating (NHTSA), for the American market. It does not automatically apply to this country

No safety rating found at NHTSA SafetyRatings, checked through 2009

Insurance loss

Compared with the US average. Not a chance of defects

IIHS/HLDI

Based on American insurance claims for this model. This does not automatically apply to this country

  • IIHS/HLDI loss index: CLK class 2dr

    According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for CLK class 2dr is 129. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.

    IIHS/HLDI, data up to and including 2009

  • IIHS/HLDI loss index: CLK class 2dr

    According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for CLK class 2dr is 150. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.

    IIHS/HLDI, data up to and including 2009

Inspection statistics for these model years

CZ STKNot checked recently
  • 15 to 19 years: 6,534 inspections
  • 20 to 24 years: 4,292 inspections
  • 25 to 30 years: 730 inspections

15 to 19 years: 6,534 inspections

  • Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1882 of the 6534 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1369 of the 6534 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1279 of the 6534 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Braking equipment

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1246 of the 6534 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Steering

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 531 of the 6534 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

and 4 more

20 to 24 years: 4,292 inspections

  • Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1238 of the 4292 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1165 of the 4292 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Braking equipment

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 918 of the 4292 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 668 of the 4292 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Steering

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 456 of the 4292 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

and 4 more

25 to 30 years: 730 inspections

  • Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 251 of the 730 Czech inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Braking equipment

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 148 of the 730 Czech inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 127 of the 730 Czech inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Steering

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 116 of the 730 Czech inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

  • Official inspection point: Visibility

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 79 of the 730 Czech inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026

and 4 more

DVSA MOT-statistiekNot checked recently
  • 15 to 17 years: 2,297 inspections
  • 18 to 20 years: 1,920 inspections
  • 21 to 23 years: 5,765 inspections
  • 24 to 26 years: 2,250 inspections

21 to 23 years: 5,765 inspections

  • Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1992 of the 5765 British MOT statistics, age 21-23 yr.

    DVSA MOT-statistiek, data up to and including 2025

15 to 17 years: 2,297 inspections

  • Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 998 of the 2297 British MOT statistics, age 15-17 yr.

    DVSA MOT-statistiek, data up to and including 2025

  • Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1797 of the 4756 British MOT statistics, age 15-17 yr.

    DVSA MOT-statistiek, data up to and including 2025

18 to 20 years: 1,920 inspections

  • Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 820 of the 1920 British MOT statistics, age 18-20 yr.

    DVSA MOT-statistiek, data up to and including 2025

  • Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2738 of the 7468 British MOT statistics, age 18-20 yr.

    DVSA MOT-statistiek, data up to and including 2025

24 to 26 years: 2,250 inspections

  • Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 688 of the 2250 British MOT statistics, age 24-26 yr.

    DVSA MOT-statistiek, data up to and including 2025

Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister)
  • 15 to 19 years: 2,763 inspections
  • 20 to 24 years: 6,500 inspections
  • 25 to 30 years: 2,258 inspections

20 to 24 years: 6,500 inspections

  • Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1630 of the 6500 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1290 of the 6500 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Braking equipment

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 530 of the 6500 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Visibility

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 264 of the 6500 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 223 of the 6500 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

and 2 more

15 to 19 years: 2,763 inspections

  • Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 732 of the 2763 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 453 of the 2763 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Braking equipment

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 182 of the 2763 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Visibility

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 125 of the 2763 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 73 of the 2763 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

and 2 more

25 to 30 years: 2,258 inspections

  • Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 498 of the 2258 Dutch inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 439 of the 2258 Dutch inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Braking equipment

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 164 of the 2258 Dutch inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Visibility

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 109 of the 2258 Dutch inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

  • Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments

    Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 65 of the 2258 Dutch inspection data, age 25-30 yr.

    Nederlandse keuringsdata (kentekenregister), data up to and including 13/09/2026

and 1 more

Ierse keuringsdata (National Car Test)

15 to 19 years: 709 inspections

  • Official inspection point: Steering, suspension, wheels and tyres

    Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 384 fail items across 709 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Ierse keuringsdata (National Car Test), data up to and including 31/12/2025

  • Official inspection point: Braking equipment

    Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 219 fail items across 709 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Ierse keuringsdata (National Car Test), data up to and including 31/12/2025

  • Official inspection point: Steering

    Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 185 fail items across 709 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Ierse keuringsdata (National Car Test), data up to and including 31/12/2025

  • Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system

    Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 179 fail items across 709 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Ierse keuringsdata (National Car Test), data up to and including 31/12/2025

  • Official inspection point: Nuisance

    Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 59 fail items across 709 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.

    Ierse keuringsdata (National Car Test), data up to and including 31/12/2025

and 2 more

See the inspection statistics for all generations of CLK

Go to CLK

Inspections by country and age

This table shows, per age, how many cars of this model fail inspection, by country. An index of 100 is that country's average for that age.

AgeNetherlandsUnited KingdomCzechiaIrelandNO
15-19 years

40.8% failed (1128 of 2763)

country average 49.5%, index 82

38.6% failed (6353 of 16441)

country average 42.1%, index 92

Based on MOT age 15-17 and 18-20 years, not this exact band

No data

57.8% failed (410 of 709)

country average 68.6%, index 84

Too few inspections

20-24 years

42.6% failed (2767 of 6500)

country average 49.9%, index 85

34.6% failed (1992 of 5765)

country average 41.6%, index 83

Based on MOT age 21-23 years, not this exact band

No data

No data

No data

25-30 years

39.8% failed (898 of 2258)

country average 46.1%, index 86

30.6% failed (688 of 2250)

country average 36.4%, index 84

Based on MOT age 24-26 and 27-29 years, not this exact band

No data

No data

No data

Czechia only counts serious defects, severity B or C. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway count every inspection with a real defect.

Finland is not in this table. Finland counts defect points, not cars with a defect.

100 is that country's average for that age.

Buyer knowledge and checklist

Before you buy: the inspection requirement in this country, plus a checklist for the test drive.

Periodic inspection: STK (Stanice technické kontroly, the Czech periodic inspection): every 2 years

Cebia, checked on 05/08/2026

Read the guide

Frequently asked questions

What are the known problems with a Mercedes-Benz CLK 1997 to 2009?

Insurance loss: 2 results (IIHS/HLDI, data up to and including 2009). Each point is worked out below with its source and reference date.

Which defects are found most often at inspection for a Mercedes-Benz CLK?

Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system. Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 251 of the 730 Czech inspection data, age 25-30 yr. CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026. More age groups and categories are available in the inspection statistics on this page.

Where does this data come from?

CZ STK (data up to and including 03/07/2026), DVSA MOT-statistiek (data up to and including 2025), IIHS/HLDI (data up to and including 2009), GDV Typklassenverzeichnis (data up to and including 2024), Dutch inspection data (data up to and including 13/09/2026), Irish inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025). Every fact here has its own source and reference date.

Ready for a full analysis

Start an analysis

By Jon Mase, Plateop

Sources

  • EU Safety Gate, data up to and including 2009
  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communications, data up to and including 2009
  • NHTSA SafetyRatings, data up to and including 2009
  • IIHS/HLDI, data up to and including 2009