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 "traffic hazard" determination.
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical7
- Transmission5
- Airbags4
- Engine4
- Fuel system3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical7
- Transmission5
- Airbags4
- Engine4
- Fuel system3
- Visibility3
- Acceleration2
- Lights2
- Suspension2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Steering1
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 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 49
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- 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
2003 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 | 15-18 | 23-24 | 18-20 |
What 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The SRS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with front driver's side air bag failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) however, the contact was advised by the dealer that he needed to open and close the sunroof to perform the recall however, if the motor failed the contact would pay for the repair of the motor. The contact called the manufacturer and was provided with the same information. 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.
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. The contact received the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) and the dealer confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure was unrelated to the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
"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.
Mercedes benz possible recall / extended warranty for fuel system... Involving a c class 2003 with same engine as the e class. The car fuel system is totally messed up, will only fill a half tank and runs out of gas because the fuel tank system is not working correctly. Car will not fill. Only one tank taking and sending fuel apparently. Dash is messed up, lights out, fuel system totally messed up. I almost went off a cliff in the car, slid backwards on a hillside when the car ran out of fuel unexpectedly. No gas, no power, my car went backwards, brakes not working, I went into a ditch and almost into a steep hillside, very scary. A car branch saved my demise, holding the top of the car and kept me from going down into a ravene. Dent on the back roof is still there. Mercedes benz refuses to acknowledge any problems although the problem is apparently prolific in cars this year and type. Same fuel system on a c320 as an e320 same year. Same engine too. My mechanics are baffled, no one can fix it, mercedes shops don't want to help, no one can help.
The passenger side door handle is loose and the airbag SRS light came on. The SRS message said urgent go to market place.
Braking system failure my wife was driving to work. She attempted to stop at an intersection, her foot went to the floor while braking, red light and warn buzzer went off... No brakes. Luckily and thank god, she avoided being t-boned in the intersection and was able to get it into a parking lot and down shift to use e-brake. The car has only 70,000miles on it. The repair of the system sounds like it is $2500+. Not happy at all since mb knows it is a problem and should have a replacement braking system for it or repair. This is not just a old master cylinder going out. This is a whole sensor unit failing
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. The contact sustained head and chest injuries which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz c320. The contact stated that the supplement restraint sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,254.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320
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Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 reliable?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320, 1.5 times a typical C320 model year.
What is the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 year score?
The 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 scores 57 out of 100 (below average). 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 2003 Mercedes Benz C320?
Electrical system, with 7 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is transmission (5).
How many recalls does the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Mercedes Benz C320 range from 18 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15-18 city and 23-24 highway.
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