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
- 15
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 15 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 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
I own a 2005 E320 cdi mercedes diesel. The car gives off black smoke (Intermittently) and a black tar like substance (Black soot) pours out of my exhaust system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-30
I have had 2 instances where I start driving and the car loses power and then will regain power. It is within the first 5-10 minutes of driving and is extremely dangerous and could cause accidents. Service has not been able to find problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-05
Seats
3 of 15 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercedes Benz C320. The contact stated that while driving, there was an overpowering burning odor present in the vehicle from the drivers seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-22
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, 2009-10-18
Exterior lighting
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, 2019-02-22
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, 2014-09-13
Electrical system
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
Air bags
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, 2018-07-15
Recall
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-02
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016-10-18Air bags16V081000 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.
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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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2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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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
2005 Mercedes Benz C320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V081000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
- Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
- Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.