2005 Mercedes Benz C320
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 63 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 15 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 15 total reports mention: seats.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY DRIVER'S SEAT WARMER CAUGHT FIRE YESTERDAY WHILE IN USE. IT STARTED WITH SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACKREST PORTION OF THE SEAT AFTER SWITCHING THE HEATER ON, AND THEN BEGAN TO FLAME. I TURNED OFF THE WARMER SWITCH AND PUT OUT THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091018
2 of 15 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
I WENT TO CHANGE MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB AND FOUND THE WIRING INSULATION ALL FLAKING OFF TO ABOUT SIX INCHES FROM THE BULB CONNECTOR. I SEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THIS SAME THING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190222
THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM WITH HEADLIGHTS. ALMOST EVERY AUTO MANUFACTURE IS MAKING THERE HEADLIGHTS OUT OF MATERIAL THAT CLOUDS UP AFTER A COUPLE OF YEAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140913
2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
2 of 15 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE GOT ANYTHIN G IN MAIL I LIKE TO KNOW IF IT'S ON THE RECALL LIST THE LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF SRS..
NHTSA ODI report, 20180715
RECALL
NHTSA ODI report, 20160602
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016.
Campaign 16V081000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V918000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 22V954000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Mercedes Benz C320 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V081000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 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 2005 Mercedes Benz C320?
The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.