2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 14%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,025miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320, 14% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,025 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.
“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“I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. It had 45,000 miles when I purchased it. From the time I purchase this car I had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and I had some transmission work done. My biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. I suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. With 1 year, I had to replace the bulbs 3 times. I had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241799, filed 2008-09Related service bulletins
- 10167553Jul 1, 2013Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load…
Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
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