2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 has 3 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 1

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 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.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	7
Power Train	5
Air Bags	4
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Visibility	3
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Suspension	2
Exterior Lighting	2
Steering	1
Structure	1
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1

Most reported parts

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,352 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Jan 29, 2026

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.

Electrical System · at 124,000 miles · reported Aug 6, 2024

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 manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the…

Visibility · reported Jul 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) however, the contact was advised by the dealer that he needed to open and close the sunroof to perform the recall however, if the motor failed the contact would pay for the repair of the motor. The contact called the manufacturer and was provided with the same information. 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…

Visibility · at 105,000 miles · reported Feb 23, 2023

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.

Engine · at 36,000 miles · reported Mar 12, 2020

"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.

Other Mercedes-Benz C320 years

2005 200420032002 2001

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (7 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,352 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.