2003 Mercedes Benz C320 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other C320 years
- More complaints than other years 3rd of 7 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320. That ranks 3rd out of 7 C320 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (7 complaints, 32%), typically at around 80,000 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 22owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 2complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 7 | 32% | 80,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 5 | 23% | 47,115 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 4 | 18% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 14% | 50,026 | — | — |
| Visibility | 3 | 14% | 105,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 9% | 170,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 9% | 50 | — | — |
| Suspension | 2 | 9% | 80,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 9% | 50 | — | — |
| Engine | 1 | 5% | 36,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 5% | 31,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 5% | 170,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 5% | 31,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 5% | 80,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 5% | 70,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 5% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Mercedes Benz C320 recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The secondary instrument fuse block located on the driver's side of the dashboard erupted in flame while the vehicle was being driven, endangering its occupant, causing significant damage to its interior, and resulting in a local law enforcement "traffic hazard" determination.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact stated that the sunroof had failed to open, and the sunshade cover failed to close, causing the sunrays to penetrate the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired…
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) however, the contact was advised by the dealer that he needed to open and close the sunroof to perform the recall however, if the motor failed the contact would pay for the…
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact stated that the moonroof made an abnormal sound and failed to open properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the moonroof was permanently sealed. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) and the dealer…
"check coolant level" level warning sign was on. Apparently, there is leaking of coolant some where. It was at the water pump, which was replaced on june 20, 2019. It happens again now, about 9 months later.
Other Mercedes Benz C320 years
See all Mercedes Benz C320 problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.
Similar Mercedes Benz models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320?
Owners most often report electrical system, power train, air bags problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 7 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other C320 model years, the 2003 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.