2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 54,352miles, 15 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The part named most often is electrical system, with 7 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (5) and air bags (4). 15 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 54,352 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 49 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 7 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system7 32%
- Air bags4 18%
- Engine cooling3 14%
- Fuel system3 14%
- Exterior lighting2 9.1%
- Suspension2 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 9.1%
- Brakes1 4.5%
Also reported: Engine (1), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11020951, filed 2017-08, 170,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11317690, filed 2020-03, 36,000 milesAir bags: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11606841, filed 2024-08, 124,000 milesEngine cooling: “This happened in my 2003 C320 at 54,000 miles. I initially noticed a light rubbing or grinding while accelerating, with light vibration. At the dealership I was told I would need a new torque converter, new radiator, and a fluid flush. The radiator fluid was mixing with the transmission fluid. After those repairs, my C320 was still shifting hard and the grinding noise was still there. It turns out the transmission was ruined as well. Two replacement transmissions were needed until it was ready to be picked up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197622, filed 2007-07, 54,352 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 15 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 47,115 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-Class · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C320 RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| C320 RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| C320 (Wagon) RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| C320 (Wagon) RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| C320 4matic 4WD/AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C320 4matic (Wagon) 4WD/AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C320 Sports Coupe RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C320 Sports Coupe RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C320 2001–2005, E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007 +20 more
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.
- 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C320 2001–2005, C230 2002–2007, CLS550 2006–2011 +18 more
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.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C320 2001–2005, E320 2003–2009, C230 2003–2007 +21 more
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…
Recall details for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 49 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029025Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz C320
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 15 | 96,234 | 4 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2004 | 15 | 64,500 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Falling |
| 2003 | 22 | 54,352 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Rising |
| 2002 | 68 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 63 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Mercedes-Benz C320 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 7 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 5.
Has the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 (C320 Sports Coupe, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 reported?
Among the 15 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 54,352 miles and the middle half falls between 47,115 and 80,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.