2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls and problems

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 has 3 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
63
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Recall 22V-954: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System26
Seats19
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Exterior Lighting8
Visibility6
Equipment6
Vehicle Speed Control5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Air Bags5
Steering4
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Service Brakes3

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 2
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · at 99,000 miles · reported Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact stated that there was rust on the bottom of the driver’s side and passenger’s side door panels. The contact stated that the water ran down, enter the door, and then failed to properly drain. The contact stated there were no drain plugs or holes for the water to drain from the door. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who took photos, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Visibility · reported Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Visibility · at 230,000 miles · reported May 29, 2020
The contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz c320. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v918000 (Visibility). The contact called an unknown mercedes-benz dealer, located in mesa, az, and it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the sunroof failed close, causing water to leak into the vehicle during a car wash. The contact stated hat the roof lining was damaged from the water. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was…
Electrical System · reported Jul 17, 2016
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 having to jump it. My battery has been replaced less than a month ago so I know the battery is not an issue. My display screen gives me a few different malfunctions and than one moment it displays no malfunctions. After charging my car and than leaving it a strange churping sound goes off in my car…
Unknown or Other · at 85,000 miles · reported May 6, 2016
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 was just bad and its been fine ever since.

Other Mercedes-Benz C320 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz C320 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (26 reports), followed by seats (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.