2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 17%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 17% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,700 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.
“On the first occasion (december 16, 2010), my mercedes C320 electrical system shut down the engine while I was driving. The car engine shut off as I was driving 57 MPH on the freeway during morning rush hour. There were several cars and tractor trailers behind me when the car shut off as I was driving. The incident was terrifying, as no warning lights (nothing) came on in the car. Luckily, other drivers saw me in distress and I was able to maneuver over three lanes of traffic to get to the side strip. …”
NHTSA complaint #10441923, filed 2011-12, 70,000 miles“Malfunctioning seat control modules drain battery in 2001 C320 mercedes benz. Not long after purchasing the car in january 2008 with 51,000+ miles, I paid $175 dollars for a new mbz battery, before asking dealership to disconnect seat control modules. I was not prepared to pay $1200 to replace modules. June 25, 2010, my 2001 C320 stopped during a trip to phoenix, az from california, due to fuel pump going out. My 79 year-old mother and I waited in 100+ degree weather for a tow, which took 3 hours to get to phoenix mbz dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10352334, filed 2010-08, 102,211 miles“Low oil light comes on when vehicle is driven for 1 hour or more continuously. Problem started at 41,458 miles and still exist at 64,892. Vehicle has been taken to dealership (dick dyer & associates, columbia, sc) five (5) times for this recurring problem. During each visit, dealer either added up to a quart of oil or did a complete oil change. Dealer cannot correct or find the cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10139388, filed 2005-10, 41,458 miles“While driving 65-70 MPH check engine light came on and vehicle stalled. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed consumer that they could not duplicate or locate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10092634, filed 2004-09, 57,000 miles“Accelerator pedal went full throttle at stop light,tested and had a faulty electronic accelerator pedal dealer and mercedes benz refused any warranty repair and were not interested in seeing the faulty part. I have kept the faulty part pending further investigation. I am upset that toyota must fix a dangerous situation but mercedes gets away with it,as I know a friend with a 2000 s430 that had the exact same fault.”
NHTSA complaint #10439354, filed 2011-12Related service bulletins
- 10135867Jun 9, 2015Engine noises after engine start
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
26 complaintsSeats
19 complaintsBrakes
8 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