Check a VIN

2005 Mercedes Benz C320 problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical C320 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
63
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19mpg

The worst 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    5
  • Seats
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    5
  • Seats
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 4

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported November 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected
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 assemblyReported December 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected
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 assemblyReported December 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected
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

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 11, 2016 · 711,159 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 16V081000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 63

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 63 bulletins for the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320

2005 Mercedes Benz C320 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cylRWD172419

What 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 2, 2021 · Electrical, Seats · 110,000 miles · IL

While driving, my son was using the heated seat function and noticed a burning smell, the driver side seat was smoking, which burned a hole in the left hand side of the seat back and also burned a hole in the back of my sons sweatshirt.

Filed Jul 2, 2019 · Transmission · OH

The battery keep draining which make thhe car impossible to drive

Filed Jun 16, 2019 · 105,000 miles · CA

A small spring inside the door lock breaks which keeps the door from opening once locked. I have seen many repair how to videos on youtube about this issue. It is a serious safety issue. If a person is in an accident and needs to exit the car quickly, this broken lock can keep them stuck inside the car unable to escape.

Filed Feb 22, 2019 · Lights · 205,000 miles · NC

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. I suspect since these wires are hidden inside the headlight assembly, the problem is much more common.

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Visibility · 171,000 miles · NY

I was driving on a highway and suddenly I heard this loud explosion. My ears were ringing and I felt as if it was raining but only glass. Luckily it did not get into my eyes and I stopped the vehicle safely at the side of the road only to find out that everything is intact and I did not hit any other object; however, my sunroof had exploded. I called the manufacturer, mercedes benz, and they refused to do anything about it. They said that it is out of warranty. My concern is related to safety and I really think that mercedes benz should do something about it.

Filed Jul 15, 2018 · Airbags · 122,000 miles · NC

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..

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 136,000 miles · OH

I own a 2005 mercedes-benz c320 for three years and always have issues with the software, the engine keeps shutting off while driving, and the steering wheel get locked, no matter where I am at, a city streets or a highway. Many phone calls to mercedes-benz dealer and the headquarter, they didn't try to resolve the issues I'm having with my car!!! Mercedes-benz wants people either forget about the safety issue! Die naturally or sell their cars.

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Airbags · CA

Recall

Filed Sep 13, 2014 · Lights · 87,467 miles · FL

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. It is a safety hazard that has continued for more years than it should have. When the lights cloud up they become very dim and cast shadow on images that they should be illuminating. It is very dangerous in rural areas and highways that are not lighted. Lights are as important as the other safety items in a vehicle. Is the fix really to have someone buff and polish them a couple times a year, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ all manufactures

Filed Oct 22, 2012 · Seats · 75,500 miles · PA · fire

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. The contact then noticed that there was a quarter size hole that had burned through the contact's left pant leg. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further inspection but was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 75,500.

Compare the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320

Other model years

2001200220032004200520062007

Questions about the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320

Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 reliable?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320, close to a typical C320 model year.

What is the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 year score?

The 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 scores 73 out of 100 (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 2005 Mercedes Benz C320?

Engine and cooling, with 5 complaints. Next is seats (3).

How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 have?

4 recalls, covering visibility and air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.

Share your experience with the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2005 Mercedes Benz C320?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN