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2003 Mercedes Benz C320

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 15 of 22 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

22 reports
50,026 miles · Apr 19, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

I HAVE A 2003 C 320 MBNZ, THE RADIATOR LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION, AND IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED A LACK OF POWER AND THEREFORE A LOSS OF ACCELERATION. IT HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING, LEAVING YOU VULNERABLE DUE TO THE LOSS …

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I HAVE A 2003 C 320 MBNZ, THE RADIATOR LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION, AND IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED A LACK OF POWER AND THEREFORE A LOSS OF ACCELERATION. IT HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING, LEAVING YOU VULNERABLE DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER, A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR HAS ONLY 50026 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508867

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2011
Power Train

2003 MERCEDES C320. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SAFETY RECALL TRANSFER CASE *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO ASSIST WITH ABSORBING SOME OF THE COST FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10383826

80,000 miles · Mar 23, 2010
Electrical SystemSeatsSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C320. WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH AND HIGHER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD "METAL TO METAL" NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. FOUR YEA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C320. WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH AND HIGHER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD "METAL TO METAL" NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. FOUR YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN WHO REPLACED THE BUSHINGS FOR THE SECOND TIME AS WELL AS THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT FAILED AND WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS TO THE SEAT WERE MADE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE FOR HIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL ALSO FAILED. HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE BULB BUT TO NO AVAIL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN, IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #10321554

31,000 miles · Mar 11, 2010
EquipmentLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES C320. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE RADIO OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. IN ORDER TO AVOID DRAINING THE BATTERY, SHE HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE. ALSO, IN WARM TEMPERATURES, THE POWER LOCKS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. UPON LOCKING THE DOORS, THEY WOULD UNLOCK WITHOUT INTE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES C320. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE RADIO OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. IN ORDER TO AVOID DRAINING THE BATTERY, SHE HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE. ALSO, IN WARM TEMPERATURES, THE POWER LOCKS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. UPON LOCKING THE DOORS, THEY WOULD UNLOCK WITHOUT INTENT. SHE HAD TO ENGAGE THE POWER LOCKS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THEY WOULD ACTUALLY STAY LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE WHO STATED THAT THE RADIO WOULD BE REPAIRED AT HER EXPENSE. NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ODI #10318869

47,115 miles · Sep 27, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

ON A 2003 C 320 MBNZ, THE RADIATOR NOW LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS GOING TO REQUIRE THE RADIATOR TO BE REPLACED AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE FLUSHED. THIS LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID COULD HAVE ALREADY DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION, AND IF SO, IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES A LACK OF POWER AND THEREFORE A LO…

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ON A 2003 C 320 MBNZ, THE RADIATOR NOW LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS GOING TO REQUIRE THE RADIATOR TO BE REPLACED AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE FLUSHED. THIS LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID COULD HAVE ALREADY DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION, AND IF SO, IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES A LACK OF POWER AND THEREFORE A LOSS OF ACCELERATION. IT HAPPENS WITHOUT ANY WARNING, OFTEN LEAVING YOU VULNERABLE DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER, A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10285432

13,703 miles · Nov 10, 2008
Electrical System

CAR SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T ADJUST WITH THE KEY PUT IN THE IGNITION..THIS WENT ON FOR THREE DAYS...THEN THE CAR DIED..HAD TO GET A JUMP..THE SERVICE REP SAYS THE MODEL# 320 C HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT MODULE FAILING ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE..WHEN THE CAR WAS JUMPED ALL ELECTRICAL WAS WORKING PROPERLY AND FIND…

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CAR SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T ADJUST WITH THE KEY PUT IN THE IGNITION..THIS WENT ON FOR THREE DAYS...THEN THE CAR DIED..HAD TO GET A JUMP..THE SERVICE REP SAYS THE MODEL# 320 C HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT MODULE FAILING ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE..WHEN THE CAR WAS JUMPED ALL ELECTRICAL WAS WORKING PROPERLY AND FIND...TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT YES THE PASSENGER SEAT MODULE WAS BAD AND ALSO NEEDED A NEW BATTERY..THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT MODULE COULD GO OUT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS...THE CAR ONLY HAS 13,703 MILES ON IT AND THIS PROBLEM IS BEEN KNOWN TO MB USA YET IS NOT ADDRESSED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10248246

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2008
Exterior LightingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

I PURCHASE MY 2003 MERCEDES FROM CARMAX IN 2 YEARS AGO. IT HAD 45,000 MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT. FROM THE TIME I PURCHASE THIS CAR I HAD TO REPLACE THE SUNROOF MOTOR, REPLACE THE SHOCKS, REPLACE THE TRUCK LOCK, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, AND I HAD SOME TRANSMISSION WORK DONE. MY BIGGEST PROBLEM IS HAVING TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM LI…

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I PURCHASE MY 2003 MERCEDES FROM CARMAX IN 2 YEARS AGO. IT HAD 45,000 MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT. FROM THE TIME I PURCHASE THIS CAR I HAD TO REPLACE THE SUNROOF MOTOR, REPLACE THE SHOCKS, REPLACE THE TRUCK LOCK, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, AND I HAD SOME TRANSMISSION WORK DONE. MY BIGGEST PROBLEM IS HAVING TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS EVERY 6 MONTHS. I SUSPECT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, BUT CANNOT COMPLETELY PROVE IT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. WITH 1 YEAR, I HAD TO REPLACE THE BULBS 3 TIMES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT LOW BEAM BULBS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS IS SURPRISING SINCE THIS CAR (UNDER MY OWNERSHIP) HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED I PURCHASED THIS CAR! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10241799

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2008
Electrical System

DURING THE FIVE YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR IT HAS HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON AT LEAST 5 OCCASIONS ALL FUNCTION OF THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED EVERYTHING WAS FINE. SEAT CONTROLS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY STILL OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH T…

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DURING THE FIVE YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR IT HAS HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON AT LEAST 5 OCCASIONS ALL FUNCTION OF THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED EVERYTHING WAS FINE. SEAT CONTROLS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY STILL OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY. THERE IS A SHORT SOMEPLACE, AND THE DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY CAN'T FIX IT IF THEY CAN'T SEE IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10239042

54,352 miles · Jul 27, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS HAPPENED IN MY 2003 C320 AT 54,000 MILES. I INITIALLY NOTICED A LIGHT RUBBING OR GRINDING WHILE ACCELERATING, WITH LIGHT VIBRATION. AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER, NEW RADIATOR, AND A FLUID FLUSH. THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER THOSE REPAIRS, MY C320 W…

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THIS HAPPENED IN MY 2003 C320 AT 54,000 MILES. I INITIALLY NOTICED A LIGHT RUBBING OR GRINDING WHILE ACCELERATING, WITH LIGHT VIBRATION. AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER, NEW RADIATOR, AND A FLUID FLUSH. THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER THOSE REPAIRS, MY C320 WAS STILL SHIFTING HARD AND THE GRINDING NOISE WAS STILL THERE. IT TURNS OUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS RUINED AS WELL. TWO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS WERE NEEDED UNTIL IT WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MIXED FLUIDS ARE NOT UNCOMMON IN THIS MODEL AND YET MBUSA HAS MADE VERY LITTLE EFFORT TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10197622

50 miles · Oct 3, 2003
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO FUNCTION. IT DIDN'T REGISTER THE CORRECT GAS LEVEL IN THE TANK. THE DIGITAL CONSOLE LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. IT WOULD EITHER NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED OR WHEN ILLUMINATED IT WILL SUDDENLY GO OUT. THE VEHICLE HESITATED UPON ACCELERATION WHEN DRIVEN FOR LONG DISTANCES. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10042241

Official recalls

3

24V874000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Nov 19, 2024

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

22V954000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Dec 23, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

19V918000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Dec 20, 2019

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.