2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 30%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the seats of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 30% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320's battery was constantly going bad and having to be jumped after not starting it or driving it for approx. 24 hours. Finally, after a certified mercedes mechanic investigated the problem, he informed me that the problem originated from the driver's seat module, which was draining my battery. He informed me that if I unplugged it for the time being, my battery would no longer drain. Sure enough, after unplugging the seat module, I no longer had issues with my battery draining. …”
NHTSA complaint #10585499, filed 2014-04, 75,000 miles“I purchased this car as a graduation present for my daughter. I know it's and older model, and has high mileage, so I expected some issues. However, after reading several post across the internet it seems as if the seat module issue is a problem. Everytime she lets the car sit for more than a day, it won't start. She has to jump start the car, and this seems to be an issue across the board that benz should have recalled by now. This is a major issue and something needs to be done. This morning the card once again would not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460130, filed 2012-05, 154,000 miles“I also have a 2001 C320 since new here in south africa and I have the same problem with the electric front seats draining the battery. If it stands for more than 2 days the battery is flat. It's a problem because it also influences the other electrical accessories as the battery has to be charged and in some cases jump started. While this can be done successfully if you are stuck out of home base sometimes you cannot manage the recovery team that cause all types of voltage spikes when trying to get the car on line again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10336131, filed 2010-06, 45,000 miles“I have a 2001 mercedes C320 which I can't really drive anymore because the battery drains every day, the problem is the power seat controller, it drains the battery really quickly.”
NHTSA complaint #10245849, filed 2008-10, 70,000 miles“Power control seat & steering column module/regulator went out & before it did it use to drain the battery where car wouldn't start if sat for less than 24hrs, so had to unplug but now the entire system doesn't work plugged in. I can barely reach the pedals to drive properly, this is a safety hazard & needs to be a recall. It also needs to be a way to manually adjust. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10543177, filed 2013-09, 53,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10248162Dec 4, 2023Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged…
- 10166095Jul 12, 2014Noise from the front seats during load change.
- 10166099Jul 10, 2014Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
- 10166085Jul 9, 2014Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining
- 10166082Jul 9, 2014Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame.
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
26 complaintsEngine cooling
11 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