2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 32%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320, 32% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“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 miles“The fuel gauge failed to function. It didn't register the correct gas level in the tank. The digital console light malfunctioned. It would either not illuminate when the vehicle was started or when illuminated it will suddenly go out. The vehicle hesitated upon acceleration when driven for long distances.”
NHTSA complaint #10042241, filed 2003-10, 50 miles“Car seat and steering wheel wouldn't adjust with the key put in the ignition..this went on for three days...then the car died..had to get a jump..the service rep says the model# 320 c has a problem with the seat module failing on the passenger and drivers side..when the car was jumped all electrical was working properly and find...took to dealer and they informed me that yes the passenger seat module was bad and also needed a new battery..they also stated that the drivers seat module could go out within the next few months...the car only has 13,703 miles on it and this problem is been known…”
NHTSA complaint #10248246, filed 2008-11, 13,703 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11714189, filed 2026-01“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 10186141Dec 10, 2020NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10166087Jul 10, 2014The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of OK components being removed. Possible Hall sensor…
- 10205233Aug 5, 2013Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10167563Jul 8, 2013The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after…
- 10033116Apr 1, 2011Mercedes: replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install adapter harness(es). Due to the settling properties of the seal of the camshaft adjustment solenoid…
- 10028586Feb 27, 2009Mercedes vehicle: the srs indicator lamp is illuminated and code b1058 and b2dbo are stored, replace the srs control unit. Models 203 and model 209. Model years unknown.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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