2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls and problems

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 has 4 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
15
Crashes / fires
0 / 2
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 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.

Recall 16V-081: Air Bags

Reported Feb 11, 2016 · 711,159 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Seats3
Exterior Lighting2
Air Bags2
Electrical System2
Unknown or Other2
Engine1
Steering1
Visibility/Wiper1
Power Train1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 105,000 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 complaints

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

Electrical System · at 110,000 miles · reported Feb 2, 2021
While driving, my son was using the heated seat function and noticed a burning smell, the driver side seat was smoking, which burned a hole in the left hand side of the seat back and also burned a hole in the back of my sons sweatshirt.
Unknown or Other · at 105,000 miles · reported Jun 16, 2019
A small spring inside the door lock breaks which keeps the door from opening once locked. I have seen many repair how to videos on youtube about this issue. It is a serious safety issue. If a person is in an accident and needs to exit the car quickly, this broken lock can keep them stuck inside the car unable to escape.
Exterior Lighting · at 205,000 miles · reported Feb 22, 2019
I went to change my low beam headlight bulb and found the wiring insulation all flaking off to about six inches from the bulb connector. I searched on line and found others complaining of this same thing. I suspect since these wires are hidden inside the headlight assembly, the problem is much more common.
Visibility/Wiper · at 171,000 miles · reported Jan 15, 2019
I was driving on a highway and suddenly I heard this loud explosion. My ears were ringing and I felt as if it was raining but only glass. Luckily it did not get into my eyes and I stopped the vehicle safely at the side of the road only to find out that everything is intact and I did not hit any other object; however, my sunroof had exploded. I called the manufacturer, mercedes benz, and they refused to do anything about it. They said that it is out of warranty. My concern is related to safety and I really think that mercedes benz should do something about it.
Exterior Lighting · at 87,467 miles · reported Sep 13, 2014
There needs to be something done to eliminate the problem with headlights. Almost every auto manufacture is making there headlights out of material that clouds up after a couple of year. It is a safety hazard that has continued for more years than it should have. When the lights cloud up they become very dim and cast shadow on images that they should be illuminating. It is very dangerous in rural areas and highways that are not lighted. Lights are as important as the other safety items in a vehicle. Is the fix really to have someone buff and polish them a couple times a year, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$…

Other Mercedes-Benz C320 years

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility), 16V-081 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (4 reports), followed by seats (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 105,000 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.