repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2005 Mercedes-Benz C320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine and engine cooling
3Seats2 crash/fire/injury
2Air bags
2Exterior lighting
2Electrical system
1Visibility/wiper
1Engine
1Power train
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 2 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2005 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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
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
2005 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What C320 owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHIN TWENTY SECONDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO INSTANCES OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND…
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…
I OWN A 2005 E320 CDI MERCEDES DIESEL. THE CAR GIVES OFF BLACK SMOKE (INTERMITTENTLY) AND A BLACK TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE (BLACK SOOT) POURS OUT OF MY EXHAUST SYSTEM. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MERCEDES AND THEY STATE, "THE CAR IS OPERATING WITHIN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS." THE DEALERSHIP (SKYLAND AUTOMOTIVE,…
Own a 2005 C320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.