Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ CLK Class and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class vs Toyota Camry: The CLK has 268 complaints over 10 years (avg 26.8/yr) with no recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (avg 214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. CLK owners report fuel leaks and electrical fires; Camry owners report transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CLK Class or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, a compact luxury coupe/convertible, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 27 per year over the last decade. Owners report issues that can be serious, including fuel leaks, electrical fires, and airbag failures. While not as numerous as some rivals, the nature of these problems—especially fuel and electrical—suggests potential safety hazards and costly repairs. There are no recalls on record, which may indicate a lack of official oversight for these issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 214 per year, but this is partly due to its large sales base. Complaints span many areas, with powertrain, engine, and brakes being the most frequent. Owners report issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure, which are concerning. However, the Camry has 31 recalls, showing that Toyota has addressed some problems proactively. The higher complaint count doesn't necessarily mean it's less reliable, but it does indicate more reported incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CLK Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 268 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 26.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM53
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03AIR BAGS35
- 04POWER TRAIN22
- 05SEAT BELTS22
Owners report gasoline leaks from the fuel sender unit, which can crack and allow fuel to escape, creating a strong odor and fire risk. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
There are reports of electrical fires, with one owner's engine melting after a fire. Another owner found melted insulation on the headlight wiring harness, indicating potential electrical faults that could lead to failures or fires.
Some owners report that airbags did not deploy in a crash, while others see the SRS warning light illuminate, indicating a system fault. This suggests potential issues with airbag deployment, which is critical for occupant safety.
Engine performance problems, such as poor idle and loss of power, are reported, often linked to timing chain issues in certain V6 engines. Also, some vehicles fail to shift out of park, requiring shifter assembly replacement.
“ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IDENTIFIED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK'S "FUEL SENDER". SMALL CRACK IN PLASTIC FUEL SENDER AT POINT WHERE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO SENDER ALLOWED GASOLINE TO ACCUMULATE OVER TIME IN AREA SURROUNDING SENDER AND THEN TRAVEL TO UNDERSIDE OF…”
“PURCHASED FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL WITH MILEAGE 43,000. FILLED UP THE GAS TANK ON TWO OCCASIONS. AFTER EACH OCCASION, PLACED CAR IN GARAGE AFTERWARD AND CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. THE SMELL OF RAW GAS WAS OVERWHELMING AS SOON AS GARAGE DOOR WAS SHUT. DUE TO THE OVERW…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for transmission replacement. Some also experience sudden acceleration, which can be dangerous and may be related to engine or transmission control.
Engine problems include sudden acceleration incidents and a specific code (P268115) related to a coolant valve bypass, which can affect engine cooling and safety. Some owners mention recalls for similar issues, but not all VINs are covered.
Brake failure is reported, with one owner experiencing no response when pressing the brake pedal on a hill. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
Electrical issues include problems with the AC condenser being damaged by rocks, and a recurring mildew smell from the HVAC system, which can be unpleasant and may indicate moisture buildup.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class
No recalls on record.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CLK Class has significantly fewer complaints per year (about 27) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the nature of the CLK's issues—fuel leaks, electrical fires, airbag failures—are more severe and potentially life-threatening. The Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but it also has more recalls, indicating more proactive safety measures. In practice, the CLK may require more careful inspection for safety-critical defects, while the Camry may have more frequent but less dangerous issues.
Key differences
- The CLK has no recalls, while the Camry has 31, suggesting Toyota has identified and addressed more issues.
- CLK complaints focus on fuel leaks and electrical fires, which are rare but dangerous; Camry complaints include transmission and brake failures, which are more frequent but also serious.
- The CLK's airbag non-deployment is a critical safety concern, whereas the Camry's airbag issues are not prominent in the top components.
- The Camry's sudden acceleration reports are alarming, but the CLK's electrical fire risk is equally concerning.
- Inspect the fuel sender and fuel lines for cracks or leaks, as gasoline odor is a common complaint.
- Check the wiring harnesses, especially around the headlights, for melted insulation or signs of overheating.
- Test the transmission for grinding noises during acceleration and ensure it shifts smoothly.
- Check the brake system thoroughly, including pedal response, and look for any signs of brake fluid leaks.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system for leaks on the CLK, including the fuel sender.
- Check the CLK's electrical system for any signs of previous fires or melted wires.
- Test the Camry's transmission by driving at various speeds and listening for unusual noises.
- Verify that all recalls for the Camry have been performed by checking the VIN with Toyota.
- For both vehicles, ask for maintenance records and have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ CLK Class or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class total complaints
- 268
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class avg complaints/year
- 26.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN