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U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes Benz C320 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

22 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

54,352 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 22 complaints (22.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues522.7%
Transmission and shifting418.2%
Braking behavior418.2%
Engine operation29.1%
Steering behavior29.1%
Fuel system concerns29.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
5
Air Bags
4
Power Train
4
Exterior Lighting
2
Vehicle Speed Control
2
Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
2
Electrical System:Wiring
1
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System5
Air Bags4
Power Train4
Exterior Lighting2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly2
Electrical System:Wiring1
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash1

Electrical System: 5; Air Bags: 4; Power Train: 4; Exterior Lighting: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly: 2; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
1
2003
2
2007
1
2008
3
2009
1
2010
2
2011
1
2013
1
2014
2
2016
2
2017
1
2020
1
2023
2
2024
1
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20021
20032
20071
20083
20091
20102
20111
20131
20142
20162
20171
20201
20232
20241
20261

2002: 1; 2003: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 3; 2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2016: 2; 2017: 1; 2020: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10239042 · 2008-08-20 (August 20, 2008)

DURING THE FIVE YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR IT HAS HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON AT LEAST 5 OCCASIONS ALL FUNCTION OF THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED EVERYTHING WAS FINE. SEAT CONTROLS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY STILL OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY. THERE IS A SHORT SOMEPLACE, AND THE DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY CAN'T FIX IT IF THEY CAN'T SEE IT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10239042 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10241799 · 2008-09-11 (September 11, 2008)

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 BRAK…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10197622 · 2007-07-27 (July 27, 2007)

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. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MI…

Owner-reported narrative. 54,352 miles reported. Look up ODI 10197622 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10837074 · 2016-02-19 (February 19, 2016)

BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK. SHE ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, HER FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE BRAKING, RED LIGHT AND WARN BUZZER WENT OFF... NO BRAKES. LUCKILY AND THANK GOD, SHE AVOIDED BEING T-BONED IN THE INTERSECTION AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND DOWN SHIFT TO USE E-BRAKE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 70,000MILES ON IT. THE REPAIR OF THE SYSTEM SOUNDS LIKE IT IS $2500+. NOT HAPPY AT ALL SINCE MB KNOWS IT IS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE A REPLACEMENT BRAKING SYSTEM FOR IT OR REPAIR. THIS IS NOT JUST A OLD M…

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10837074 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10285432 · 2009-09-27 (September 27, 2009)

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. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 47,115 miles reported. Look up ODI 10285432 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10508867 · 2013-04-19 (April 19, 2013)

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. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 50,026 miles reported. Look up ODI 10508867 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10017641 · 2003-06-09 (June 9, 2003)

THE POWER STEERING WAS TIGHT AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB *TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10017641 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10248246 · 2008-11-10 (November 10, 2008)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 13,703 miles reported. Look up ODI 10248246 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11020951 · 2017-08-31 (August 31, 2017)

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. NO GAS, NO POWER, MY CAR WENT BA…

Owner-reported narrative. 170,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11020951 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

22 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

68.2%Usable mileage15 / 22 records
90.9%Valid incident date20 / 22 records
100.0%Valid filing date22 / 22 records
90.9%Ordered incident and filing dates20 / 22 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2001200220032004200520062007
Electrical System
2336.5%
ODI 10019133 · 29,457 mi

GAS FUMES SO OVER POWERING THAT YOU HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN AFTER YOU FILLED UP THE CAR WITH GASOLINE. GAS TANK HAD A LEAK AND ALL THE DASH WAS REPLACED AT DEALER. HOWEVER THERE ARE SHORTAGES IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT CAUSE THE VISOR LAMPS TO NOT WORK AND THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS AND RELAYS IN THE WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. WHEN THE HEAT IS ON THE GAS FUMES AND MONOXIDE IS STRONG AGAIN . I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS RECTIFIED WHEN THEY FIXED IT BUT IT STILL TENDS TO ACT UP. *NLM

Look up ODI 10019133 at NHTSA ↗

2942.6%
ODI 10091480

THE C ONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER CALLED FOR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE . THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE CONSUMER STARTED UP THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT HOME. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UP. THE CONSUMEER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC. THE DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT …

Look up ODI 10091480 at NHTSA ↗

522.7%
ODI 10239042

DURING THE FIVE YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR IT HAS HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON AT LEAST 5 OCCASIONS ALL FUNCTION OF THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED EVERYTHING WAS FINE. SEAT CONTROLS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY STILL OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY. THERE IS A SHORT SOMEPLACE, AND THE DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY CAN'T FIX IT IF THEY CAN'T SEE IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10239042 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10275711 · 60,000 mi

I OWN A 2004 MB C320 AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN IT REACHED 40,000 MILES THE CAR ITSELF STARTED MALFUNCTIONING FROM THE REAR WINDOW SHADE WOULDN'T GO DOWN FOR WHICH I ONLY USE OCCASIONALLY; THE AIR CONDITIONING WOULD TURN ON AND OFF; THE TEMP GAUGE IS INACCURATE; THE PASSENGER VISOR CAME OFF; THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULDN'T SHUT CLOSE AND THE. I WENT TO MB FOR THE YEARLY SERVICE- APRIL 2009 AND THEY WANTED $1300.00 FOR THE WINDOW SHADE; I THINK $500 FOR THE CENTER CONSOLE AND $125 FOR THE VISOR. AND THEY ALSO WANTED $800 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK …

Look up ODI 10275711 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 10993929 · 136,000 mi

I OWN A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 FOR THREE YEARS AND ALWAYS HAVE ISSUES WITH THE SOFTWARE, THE ENGINE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING, AND THE STEERING WHEEL GET LOCKED, NO MATTER WHERE I AM AT, A CITY STREETS OR A HIGHWAY. MANY PHONE CALLS TO MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER AND THE HEADQUARTER, THEY DIDN'T TRY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES I'M HAVING WITH MY CAR!!! MERCEDES-BENZ WANTS PEOPLE EITHER FORGET ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE! DIE NATURALLY OR SELL THEIR CARS.

Look up ODI 10993929 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
1727.0%
ODI 10237591

IF THE FRONT SEATS ARE PLUGGED IN THE BATTERY DRAINS. ONCE I UNPLUG NO MORE PROBLEM, BUT AS LONG AS THEY ARE PLUGGED IN AND I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR 2 OR 3 DAYS, THE BATTERY IS COMPLETELY DRAINED. *TR

Look up ODI 10237591 at NHTSA ↗

2130.9%
ODI 10181428 · 45,800 mi

BOTH INTERNAL SEAT CONTROL MODULES HAVE ELECTRICAL FAULT. TEST CODE 8E3L-K8NNQ. FOUND 1.66 AMP OF DRAW (OUT OF SPEC. RANGE) AMP DROP WHEN DISCONNECTED: PASSENGER SIDE TO: .1114 AND DRIVER SIDE: 0.59 MILLIAMPS. 1/13 ALARM SOUNDS AND BATTERY DIES. TECHNICIAN REPLACES BATTERY, BUT WARNS LIKELY TO HAPPEN AGAIN-MANY CASES. 1/16 SAME PROBLEM. CAR TAKEN TO OTHER M-B DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED AS ABOVE. REPLACED BOTH MODULES 1/25. DEALERSHIP HAD TROUBLE GETTING PART DUE TO UNUSUALLY HIGH VOLUME FOR THIS REPAIR. 18 MODULES GONE OR ON RESERVE IN ONE WEEK IN …

Look up ODI 10181428 at NHTSA ↗

14.5%
ODI 10321554 · 80,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C320. WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH AND HIGHER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD "METAL TO METAL" NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. FOUR YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN WHO REPLACED THE BUSHINGS FOR THE SECOND TIME AS WELL AS THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT FAILED AND WHEN TAKEN…

Look up ODI 10321554 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

213.3%
ODI 10288850 · 37,000 mi

MY DRIVER'S SEAT WARMER CAUGHT FIRE YESTERDAY WHILE IN USE. IT STARTED WITH SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACKREST PORTION OF THE SEAT AFTER SWITCHING THE HEATER ON, AND THEN BEGAN TO FLAME. I TURNED OFF THE WARMER SWITCH AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I NOW HAVE A HOLE IN THE BACKREST WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10288850 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
23.2%
ODI 10126338 · 53,867 mi

DT: CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS FROM AIR BAGS TO BRAKES TO ALTERNATOR. OWNER DOESNT THINK HE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS, ACTUALLY THE MAIN CONCERN HE HAS IS ABOUT THE WARRANTY. UPON PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON, THEN THE BRAKES AND ALTERNATOR WENT OUT AS WELL. THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO A MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AFTER THE OWNER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY. *JB

Look up ODI 10126338 at NHTSA ↗

22.9%
ODI 10297061 · 92,887 mi

MERCEDES BENZ 2002, C320 *STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION *SRS WARNING *SEATS MALFUNCTION *BRAKE AND OIL FLUID MISLEADING INFO *BATTERY DRAIN *TURNING SIGNALS REQUIRING NEW HARNESS THAT COST A LOT $$$. *TR

Look up ODI 10297061 at NHTSA ↗

418.2%
ODI 10587332 · 174,254 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUPPLEMENT RESTRAINT SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,254.

Look up ODI 10587332 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 10735544 · 69,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ C320. WHILE STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE, BACK, HEAD, AND SHOULDER INJURIES. WHILE WAITING ON POLICE AND MEDICAL SERVICE TO ARRIVE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS STILL FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. ..UPDATED 08/26/1…

Look up ODI 10735544 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 10872261

RECALL

Look up ODI 10872261 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 11043878

TAKATA RECALL EVERY TIME I RECEIVE A NOTICE TO CALL THE DEALER THEY RESPOND THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART

Look up ODI 11043878 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting
57.9%
ODI 10458988 · 120,000 mi

THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE FRONT RIGHT HAS BEEN OUT SINCE ABOUT FEBRUARY. THE DEALER PARTS GUY SAID QUOTE: "CONFIRMED GROUNDING PROBLEM (A DESIGN FLAW); GROUND WIRE IS TOO LOW A GAUGE FOR MAX CURRENT THROUGH HEADLIGHT ASSY. AND OVERLOAD CAUSES SHORT (MELTDOWN - LITERALLY)". I THINK THAT WHEN A MBZ DEALERS OWN PEOPLE STATE THIS FACT, AND WHEN YOU CAN GO ONLINE AND FIND THE SAME QUOTES FROM INDIVIDUALS, OVER AGAIN, THEN THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. IT IS A SAD DAY WHEN A HUGE AUTO MANUFACTURER IS ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH AN O…

Look up ODI 10458988 at NHTSA ↗

45.9%
ODI 10297061 · 92,887 mi

MERCEDES BENZ 2002, C320 *STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION *SRS WARNING *SEATS MALFUNCTION *BRAKE AND OIL FLUID MISLEADING INFO *BATTERY DRAIN *TURNING SIGNALS REQUIRING NEW HARNESS THAT COST A LOT $$$. *TR

Look up ODI 10297061 at NHTSA ↗

29.1%
ODI 10241799

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 BRAK…

Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

213.3%
ODI 10632938 · 87,467 mi

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM WITH HEADLIGHTS. ALMOST EVERY AUTO MANUFACTURE IS MAKING THERE HEADLIGHTS OUT OF MATERIAL THAT CLOUDS UP AFTER A COUPLE OF YEAR. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT HAS CONTINUED FOR MORE YEARS THAN IT SHOULD HAVE. WHEN THE LIGHTS CLOUD UP THEY BECOME VERY DIM AND CAST SHADOW ON IMAGES THAT THEY SHOULD BE ILLUMINATING. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN RURAL AREAS AND HIGHWAYS THAT ARE NOT LIGHTED. LIGHTS ARE AS IMPORTANT AS THE OTHER SAFETY ITEMS IN A VEHICLE. IS THE FIX REALLY TO HAVE SOMEONE BUFF AND P…

Look up ODI 10632938 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
69.5%
ODI 10012433 · 55 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB

Look up ODI 10012433 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 10119224

MERCEDES BENZ C320 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR, AND A FLUID LEAK.*MR ANSWERING 10118894 AAE 4-27-05 THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A VALVE NOISE, A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVESHAFT, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEAK CAUSED SOME WIRES TO BECOME LOOSE WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVESHAFT TO NOISY. THE CONSUMER HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE WHEN HE ACCELERATED, BUT THE NOISE DECREASED WHEN HE DECELERATED, SECONDS LATER THE ACCELERATOR DID NOT RESPOND AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN NEUTRAL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER …

Look up ODI 10119224 at NHTSA ↗

14.5%
ODI 10197622 · 54,352 mi

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. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MI…

Look up ODI 10197622 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

213.3%
ODI 10357768 · 34,253 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,253. UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED 01/10/11

Look up ODI 10357768 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
34.8%
ODI 10477464 · 136,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A LEVEL AND STRAIGHT ROAD THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED BRAKES AND CAME TO A COMPLETE HALT. WEATHER CONDITIONS WHERE; CLEAR VISIBILITY, ABOUT 85 DEG F, DRY ASPHALT SURFACE. ERROR CODES RESULTING FROM THIS FAULT INDICATES A FAULTY ESP YAW RATE SENSOR. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CODE READER SHOWED THAT THE YAW RATE SENSOR OUTPUT WAS READING ANGLE RATES FROM AS LOW AS 34 TO AS HIGH AS 300+ GRADIENTS/SEC, WHILE THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING AND PARKED AT THE SHOP. AS THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR, I THAT THE …

Look up ODI 10477464 at NHTSA ↗

57.4%
ODI 10369827 · 12,000 mi

UNPREDICTABLE APPLICATION OF ESP IN 2002 MERCEDES C-320 RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND UNPREDICTABLE BRAKING AND ENGINE THROTTLE DOWN. *TR

Look up ODI 10369827 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 10356216 · 55,000 mi

I HAVE A 2004 MERCEDES C320 THAT INCORRECTLY THOUGHT THAT IT NEEDED TO CUT POWER TO THE VEHICLE WHEN I WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT. IT DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES, I WOULD GUESS ABOUT 6 OR 7, FROM THE TIME I LEFT MY HOUSE UNTIL I TURNED AROUND AND PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE LESS THAN 1/2 MILE DRIVING DISTANCE. THESE WERE NOT ALL COMPLETE LEFT TURNS, MOST WERE CURVES TO THE LEFT. MY WIFE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER LATER THAT DAY, AND DECIDED NOT TO HAVE IT LOOKED INTO BECAUSE IT DID NOT DO IT TO HER AND "THE CAR WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED" ALSO SHE DECIDED SH…

Look up ODI 10356216 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
23.2%
ODI 10863638 · 85,000 mi

I HAD A FEW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS BUT HAVE NOW BEEN RESOLVED THROUGH MANY REPAIR SHOP VISITS. I HAVE 109,000 MILES ON THE CAR. NOW. THE ISSUE THAT KEPT OCCURRING IS THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE THAT KEEPS COMING OFF. I ALREADY REPLACED IT ONCE AND THE PART ITSELF IS $350. I CAN BUY THE WHOLE DOOR FOR $300 AT THE SCRAP YARD. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. I FEEL LIKE ITS THE GLUE AND MAYBE THE HOT HUMID WEATHER IS AFFECTING IT? I DID HAVE TO REPLACE A NEW BATTERY AND THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR BECAUSE IT DRAINED SO QUICKLY. I THINK THE BATTERY…

Look up ODI 10863638 at NHTSA ↗

34.4%
ODI 10118894

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320.*MR *BF *NM *JB

Look up ODI 10118894 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 11482821

My right rear tire wares from the inside to the middle only the rest of the tire is good. I’ve had two blowouts because I can’t see that part of my tire without getting down on the ground to look at it. The part I see looks good. My tire seems to be kicked out a bit at the bottom. This is the only tire I have problems with.

Look up ODI 11482821 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 11220438 · 105,000 mi

A SMALL SPRING INSIDE THE DOOR LOCK BREAKS WHICH KEEPS THE DOOR FROM OPENING ONCE LOCKED. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPAIR HOW TO VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IF A PERSON IS IN AN ACCIDENT AND NEEDS TO EXIT THE CAR QUICKLY, THIS BROKEN LOCK CAN KEEP THEM STUCK INSIDE THE CAR UNABLE TO ESCAPE.

Look up ODI 11220438 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 11354331

THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR A SUNROOF GLASS BONDING (19V918) AT A MERCEDEZ BENZ IN ONTARIO, CA. MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THAT THIS WORK WAS TO BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE, AS PER LAW 49USC CHAPTER 301. HOWEVER, THIS ONTARIO DEALER REFUSED TO PAY FOR MY TRANSPORTATION TO GO PICK UP THE CAR AND THEY OWE ME THE AMOUNT OF $26.33 DOLLARS THAT I HAD TO PAY UBER.

Look up ODI 11354331 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

22.9%
ODI 10555401 · 90,338 mi

FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILURE CAUSING GAS TANK TO LEAK. FUMES SO STRONG IN GARAGE RISK OF EXPLOSION. FUMES PERMEATING HOME. *TR

Look up ODI 10555401 at NHTSA ↗

14.5%
ODI 11020951 · 170,000 mi

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. NO GAS, NO POWER, MY CAR WENT BA…

Look up ODI 11020951 at NHTSA ↗

426.7%
ODI 10560207 · 96,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE REAR SEAT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS FILLED WITH GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Look up ODI 10560207 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10575856 · 55,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND SEAL WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,610.

Look up ODI 10575856 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range124,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10248246 · 13,703 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10248246 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11020951 · 170,000 mi

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. NO GAS, NO POWER, MY CAR WENT BA…

Look up ODI 11020951 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11606841 · 124,000 mi

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. The manufac…

Look up ODI 11606841 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range100,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10587332 · 174,254 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUPPLEMENT RESTRAINT SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,254.

Look up ODI 10587332 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10645084 · 50,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10645084 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10838536 · 76,000 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE AND THE AIRBAG SRS LIGHT CAME ON. THE SRS MESSAGE SAID URGENT GO TO MARKET PLACE.

Look up ODI 10838536 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range43,013 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10508867 · 50,026 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10508867 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11317690 · 36,000 mi

"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.

Look up ODI 11317690 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range170,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11020951 · 170,000 mi

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. NO GAS, NO POWER, MY CAR WENT BA…

Look up ODI 11020951 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range50 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10042241 · 50 mi

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. *NLM

Look up ODI 10042241 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof AssemblyToo few reports for a range105,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11508730 · 105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact stated that the moonroof made an abnormal sound and failed to open properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the moonroof was permanently sealed. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) and the dealer confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure was unrelated to the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Look up ODI 11508730 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:WiringToo few reports for a range80,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10321554 · 80,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C320. WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH AND HIGHER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD "METAL TO METAL" NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. FOUR YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN WHO REPLACED THE BUSHINGS FOR THE SECOND TIME AS WELL AS THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT FAILED AND WHEN TAKEN…

Look up ODI 10321554 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under DashToo few reports for a range50 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10042241 · 50 mi

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. *NLM

Look up ODI 10042241 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

24V874000 · 2024-11-191 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-11024V874000

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-011None
ODI 11714189

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.

Look up ODI 11714189 at NHTSA ↗

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2006: 0 complaints · 2007: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2006000
2007000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2006200
2007200

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical SystemAir BagsPower TrainExterior LightingVehicle Speed ControlVisibility:Sun/Moon Roof AssemblyElectrical System:WiringElectrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
Electrical System—
1
ODI 11606841 · 124,000 mi

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. The manufac…

Look up ODI 11606841 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11020951 · 170,000 mi

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. NO GAS, NO POWER, MY CAR WENT BA…

Look up ODI 11020951 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Air Bags
1
ODI 11606841 · 124,000 mi

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. The manufac…

Look up ODI 11606841 at NHTSA ↗

—000000
Power Train00—
1
ODI 10241799

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 BRAK…

Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10241799

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 BRAK…

Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

00
Exterior Lighting
1
ODI 11020951 · 170,000 mi

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. NO GAS, NO POWER, MY CAR WENT BA…

Look up ODI 11020951 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10241799

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 BRAK…

Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10241799

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 BRAK…

Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

00
Vehicle Speed Control0000—00
1
ODI 10042241 · 50 mi

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. *NLM

Look up ODI 10042241 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly00
1
ODI 10241799

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 BRAK…

Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10241799

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 BRAK…

Look up ODI 10241799 at NHTSA ↗

0—00
Electrical System:Wiring000000—0
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash0000
1
ODI 10042241 · 50 mi

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. *NLM

Look up ODI 10042241 at NHTSA ↗

00—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 48,571 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10285432 · 47,115 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10285432 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10508867 · 50,026 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10508867 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,352 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10197622 · 54,352 mi

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. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MI…

Look up ODI 10197622 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10017641

THE POWER STEERING WAS TIGHT AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB *TT

Look up ODI 10017641 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 124,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11606841 · 124,000 mi

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. The manufac…

Look up ODI 11606841 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b