2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 23%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,115miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,115 miles.
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.
“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 miles“I have a 2003 c 320 mbnz, the radiator leaks into the transmission. The radiator needs to be replaced. This leaking radiator fluid damaged the transmission, and it has to be replaced. This problem caused a lack of power and therefore a loss of acceleration. It happened without any warning, leaving you vulnerable due to the loss of power, a very dangerous situation which may cause an accident. The car has only 50026 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10508867, filed 2013-04, 50,026 miles“On a 2003 c 320 mbnz, the radiator now leaks into the transmission. This is going to require the radiator to be replaced and for the transmission to be flushed. This leaking radiator fluid could have already damaged the transmission, and if so, it will have to be replaced. This problem causes a lack of power and therefore a loss of acceleration. It happens without any warning, often leaving you vulnerable due to the loss of power, a potential accident waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10285432, filed 2009-09, 47,115 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 2008-09“2003 mercedes C320. Consumer writes in regards to a safety recall transfer case the consumer was informed that due to the mileage on the vehicle, they would not be willing to assist with absorbing some of the cost for the replacement part.”
NHTSA complaint #10383826, filed 2011-02Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint 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…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10166994Feb 25, 2014Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320
7 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