2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 13%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 13% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 . …”
NHTSA complaint #10618834, filed 2014-08, 57,000 miles“While driving on a level and straight road the car automatically applied brakes and came to a complete halt. Weather conditions where; clear visibility, about 85 deg f, dry asphalt surface. Error codes resulting from this fault indicates a faulty esp yaw rate sensor. The independent mechanic code reader showed that the yaw rate sensor output was reading angle rates from as low as 34 to as high as 300+ gradients/sec, while the car was not moving and parked at the shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10477464, filed 2012-09, 136,000 miles“Dt: car has had several problems from air bags to brakes to alternator. Owner doesnt think he should have to pay for these repairs, actually the main concern he has is about the warranty. Upon purchase, the vehicle air bag lights came on, then the brakes and alternator went out as well. The brakes failed due to a master cylinder failure. The alternator failed after the owner installed a new battery.”
NHTSA complaint #10126338, filed 2005-06, 53,867 miles“Consumer was pulling inside of a parking space to park and vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Then, vehicle continued to accelerate with speed, jumped the curb,and crashed into a parked vehicle head on. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. No injuries reported. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10103381, filed 2004-12, 29,943 miles“The contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz C320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brakes failed to respond without warning. Also, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 185,277.”
NHTSA complaint #10577314, filed 2014-04, 185,277 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10186135Dec 9, 2020If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10034988Aug 3, 2010Mercedes benz (daimler): unsatisfactory brake servo assistance after a cold start, primarily when maneuvering. Low vacuum in the intake manifold due to wide open throttle valve…
- 10028624Jan 13, 2009Mercedes vehicle: the anti-lock brake system (abs) return flow pump running without control with corresponding fault code c1401, clean and insulated the connector for the return…
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
26 complaintsSeats
19 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology