2003 Mercedes Benz C320
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 22 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 63 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 15 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
7 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-29
Mercedes Benz possible recall / extended warranty for fuel system... Involving a c class 2003 with same engine as the e class.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-31
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-06
Also filed under Air bags
Power train
5 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
"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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-12
Also filed under Engine
Air bags
4 of 22 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz C320. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-16
Visibility
3 of 22 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-02-23
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-07-10Visibility19V918000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2023-02-03Visibility22V954000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2025-01-10Visibility24V874000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Mercedes Benz C320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
- Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
- Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.