The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact stated that there was rust on the bottom of the driver’s side and passenger’s side door panels. The contact stated that the water ran down, enter the door, and then failed to properly drain. The contact stated there were no drain plugs or holes for the water to drain from the door. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who took photos, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The worst 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical26
- Seats19
- Engine12
- Brakes8
- Lights7
- Visibility6
- Acceleration5
- Fuel system5
- Steering4
- Airbags3
- Body3
- Driver assistance3
- Suspension2
- Locks1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320
Recalls 3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Recall number 24V874000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Recall number 22V954000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- 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:
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 19V918000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 38
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output
- During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Washer fluid system leaks
- Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
2001 Mercedes Benz C320 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
What 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz c320. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility). The contact called an unknown mercedes-benz dealer, located in mesa, az, and it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the sunroof failed close, causing water to leak into the vehicle during a car wash. The contact stated hat the roof lining was damaged from the water. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
2001 mercedes benz c320. Consumer writes in regards to defective headliner. *ld
My battery keeps draining. When I look at the display screen it only states that the front right light is out. When I had two mechanics look at it and they stated that my battery is being drained due to my seat function not working properly. After not using my battery for hours it dies. I keep having to jump it. My battery has been replaced less than a month ago so I know the battery is not an issue. My display screen gives me a few different malfunctions and than one moment it displays no malfunctions. After charging my car and than leaving it a strange churping sound goes off in my car causing my battery to die again. There are times when my car has died in at night in strange areas and I have to alone and unsafely jump my car and sit until my jumper provides my battery with enough juice to start my car. When I am driving my functions stop working because my battery isn't strong enough to power the everything. This has happened on a number of occasions.
I had a few electrical problems but have now been resolved through many repair shop visits. I have 109,000 miles on the car. Now. The issue that kept occurring is the passenger door handle that keeps coming off. I already replaced it once and the part itself is $350. I can buy the whole door for $300 at the scrap yard. Not sure what to do. I feel like its the glue and maybe the hot humid weather is affecting it? I did have to replace a new battery and thought something was wrong with the car because it drained so quickly. I think the battery was just bad and its been fine ever since.
I just bought the car and two days later the smart key won't turn, can't unlock the steering wheel and the shiffter the good think the car was parked on my drive way call tow truck take to the shop and they say I need a new key and ignition control module but only dealer can do that, $1,400.00 dollars job
I bought a 2001 mercedes benz c320 vehicle used on 9/19. After taking it home, I noticed while driving the vehicle accelerates on its own without my foot on the petal. I double checked to make sure the cruise control function was off and the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own at a high speed, up to 55mph.when I drive, I am constantly hitting the brakes to keep from colliding with other vehicles. When I put the car in park, the rpms reach 30,000 and the engine sounds like it's accelerating. This is a safety issue. There are many error codes on this car, so how was the car dealership able to sell this car legally? I need to return this vehicle asap. Please help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz c320. The contact stated that the battery malfunctioned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the driver and passenger seat control modules needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
At 55 MPH the front left brake engages without applying the brake pedal and after a few seconds releases, the bas and ESC faults are then visible on the dash. The brake light switch was replaced by mercedes two times, but this condition shows up after a few days of driving , codes show that the yaw rate sensor or connection is at fault. Even when the car is in park with the engine running on a flat level surface the fault warning dash lights ESC and bas will come on with no movement in the car. This is a very dangerous situation for a collision from a vehicle following me and running into me . Many others posted the same problem. Why is there no recall ? I have 8 grandchildren that you should care about.
Compare the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320
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Questions about the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320
Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 reliable?
Owners have filed 63 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320, 4.2 times a typical C320 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 year score?
The 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 scores 22 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz C320: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320?
Electrical system, with 26 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles. Next is seats (19).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 have?
3 recalls, covering visibility.
What year does the Mercedes Benz C320 have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes Benz C320 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2002 (36 complaints) and 2001 (26 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.
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