repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2003 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 January 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 has problems
22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
5Power train
4Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
3Visibility
3Engine and engine cooling
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Suspension
2Vehicle speed control
2Exterior lighting
88 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 2 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 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.
Best & worst years
2003 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.
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.
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.…
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…
Own a 2003 C320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.