2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems
NHTSA has received 38 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320, and 18% of them involve electrical system. After that come air bags (11%) and drivetrain & axles (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 38 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 18% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 4 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 52,000 miles 26 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 6 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 26 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 52,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire; 4 injuries reported. Its complaints are more severe on average than those of 80% of model years in our database.
It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz c320. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained head and chest injuries which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
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.
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…
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.