repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2001 Mercedes-Benz C320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 63 owner complaints about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 has problems
63 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
26Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
19Seats1 crash/fire/injury
11Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
7Exterior lighting
6Visibility
5Equipment
5Vehicle speed control
5Service brakes, hydraulic
4Steering
2312 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 26 | 1 |
| Seats | 19 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 11 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 |
| Visibility | 6 | 0 |
| Equipment | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 5 | 1 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 23 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
64kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 21 electrical system complaints. 81% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles17under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2001 vs. every other C320 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C320 median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What C320 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
MY BATTERY KEEPS DRAINING. WHEN I LOOK AT THE DISPLAY SCREEN IT ONLY STATES THAT THE FRONT RIGHT LIGHT IS OUT. WHEN I HAD TWO MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND THEY STATED THAT MY BATTERY IS BEING DRAINED DUE TO MY SEAT FUNCTION NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AFTER NOT USING MY BATTERY FOR HOURS IT DIES. I KEEP…
I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND TWO DAYS LATER THE SMART KEY WON'T TURN, CAN'T UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SHIFFTER THE GOOD THINK THE CAR WAS PARKED ON MY DRIVE WAY CALL TOW TRUCK TAKE TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAY I NEED A NEW KEY AND IGNITION CONTROL MODULE BUT ONLY DEALER CAN DO THAT, $1,400.00…
AT 55 MPH THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE ENGAGES WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS RELEASES, THE BAS AND ESC FAULTS ARE THEN VISIBLE ON THE DASH. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY MERCEDES TWO TIMES, BUT THIS CONDITION SHOWS UP AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING, CODES SHOW THAT THE YAW…
Own a 2001 C320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.