Model year record

2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls & problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 has 3 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (7 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints22filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

VisibilityNov 19, 2024

Sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 24V87400033,456 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

VisibilityDec 23, 2022

Sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 22V954000131,653 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

VisibilityDec 20, 2019

Sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 19V918000747,928 vehicles

Problem: 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
Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

C320

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

C320 (Wagon)

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

C320 4matic

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

C320 Sports Coupe

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

C320 4matic (Wagon)

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

C320

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

C320 Sports Coupe

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

C320 (Wagon)

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Wiring	7	1	1	1	80,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	5	0	0	0	47,115 mi
Air bags	4	1	0	1	100,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Cooling system	3	0	0	0	50,026 mi
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly	3	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	2	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly	2	0	0	0	—
SuspensionFront › Control arm	2	0	0	0	—
Exterior lighting	2	1	0	1	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist system	1	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Trunk lid	1	0	0	0	—
Latches/locks/linkages	1	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical systemFire
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.
Jan 18, 2026
Electrical system
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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Jul 23, 2024 · 124,000 miles
Visibility
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.
Jul 12, 2023
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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 NHTSA 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.
Jan 15, 2010 · 105,000 miles
Engine
"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.
Mar 10, 2020 · 36,000 miles
Electrical systemCrash1 injury
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…
Dec 1, 2016 · 170,000 miles
Air bags
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE AND THE AIRBAG SRS LIGHT CAME ON. THE SRS MESSAGE SAID URGENT GO TO MARKET PLACE.
Feb 24, 2016 · 76,000 miles
Service brakes
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
Feb 19, 2016 · 70,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.