2003 Mercedes-Benz C320Mercedes-benz C320 2003

Complaint Information: Recalls, Consumer Complaints, Service Bulletins, OBD II Codes

NHTSA Mandated Recalls
  • Recall 247549 [USA]: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    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.
    owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Nhtsa.Gov.

  • Recall 154236 [USA]: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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
    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.
    owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Safercar.Gov.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • LI91.18-P-077075 - SEATS: Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ??A?A? Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ??A?A? Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.G. Seat bel
  • LI8270P055572 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
  • LI54.30-P-072145 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Ntg5.5: incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, comand display, and analog clock
  • LI42.47-P-067502 - ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC): If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without abs intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the esp hydraulic unit
  • LI27.50-P-071658 - POWER TRAIN: Harsh engagement when changing gear range from p to d or r
  • LI82.85-P-055695 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: The comand unit does not start or the comand display remains dark. The comand unit cannot be operated. Note: the problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
  • LI47.20-P-054958 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: Combination message: "clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - bosch) or P226997 (water level message - delphi) or 171600 (filter load - bosch) is stored in the engine control unit.
  • LI49.00-P-058448 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Soot particles collecting on the bumper. Most visible in the area around the tail pipes, especially on light-colored finishes
  • LI05.10-P-058758 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Noise: a rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx. 2-5 seconds after engine start. And/or: fault code entries in engine control unit: sim271de20: P001177 the position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank
  • LI35.30-P-058566 - POWER TRAIN: Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
  • C1A140101 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL: This customer 1 action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the verizon
  • LI91.25-P-059380 - SEATS: Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
  • LI91.10-P-059391 - SEATS: Noise from the front seats during load change.
  • LI91.10-P-049799 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of ok components being removed. Possible hall sensor faults or normalization faults can exist which can be elimin
  • LI91.10-P-048503 - SEATS: Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining
  • LI91.10-P-048498 - SEATS: Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame.
  • LI91.10-P-048497 - STRUCTURE: Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest frame - backrest cover or - guide rail of head restraint. I
  • LI33 30-P-056665 - EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY: Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
  • LI91 45-P-066075 - SEAT BELTS: Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
  • LI05.10-P-049909 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Engine noises after engine start
  • LI32.25-P-061137 - SUSPENSION:FRONT: Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
  • LI-43-10 - SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC: Mercedes benz (daimler): unsatisfactory brake servo assistance after a cold start, primarily when maneuvering. Low vacuum in the intake manifold due to wide open throttle valve. Retrofit electric brake booster vacuum pump (m56). Model 20
  • SB-2009100001 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Mercedes: replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install adapter harness(es). Due to the settling properties of the seal of the camshaft adjustment solenoid specification, oil may enter the engine wiring harness(es) through the e
  • PB-42-30-103 - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK: Mercedes vehicle: the anti-lock brake system (abs) return flow pump running without control with corresponding fault code C1401, clean and insulated the connector for the return flow pump relay. Models 202 and 208. Model years unknown.
  • PB-91-60-53A - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Mercedes vehicle: the srs indicator lamp is illuminated and code B1058 and b2dbo are stored, replace the srs control unit. Models 203 and model 209. Model years unknown. *pe
  • PB-82-10-376F - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS: Mercedes vehicles: the xenon or bi-xenon headlamp not functioning. A function description can be found in wis document gf8s.10-p-20010 (203), gf82.10-p-0003q (209); gf82.10-p-3002r (230). Model years uknown. *pe
  • PB 42-45-98 - ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL: Model 203 (c) series from production 8/1/01 to 2/1/03 and model 209 (clk) series up to production 2/1/03; esp visit workshop with fault code C1185. *pe
  • 462046 - STEERING:RACK AND PINION: Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09. *pe

OBD-II Error Codes

Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

  • P2269 [1] Water in Fuel Condition
  • P0011 [1] "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
  • C1401 [1] Traction Control Valve RF Circuit Open
  • B1058 [1] B1058
  • C1185 [1] ABS Power Relay Output Circuit Failure
Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
NoNoN NoneNone20200310

"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.

NoNoN NoneNone20200309

"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.

CrashNoN 1 InjuredNone20161130

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 tank taking and sending fuel apparently. Dash is messed up, lights out, fuel system totally messed up. I almost went off a cliff in the car, slid backwards on a hillside when the car ran out of fuel unexpectedly. No gas, no power, my car went backwards, brakes not working, i went into a ditch and almost into a steep hillside, very scary. A car branch saved my demise, holding the top of the car and kept me from going down into a ravene. Dent on the back roof is still there. Mercedes benz refuses to acknowledge any problems although the problem is apparently prolific in cars this year and type. Same fuel system on a c320 as an e320 same year. Same engine too. My mechanics are baffled, no one can fix it, mercedes shops don't want to help, no one can help.

NoNoN NoneNone20160223

The passenger side door handle is loose and the airbag srs light came on. The srs message said urgent go to market place.

NoNoN NoneNone20160218

Braking system failure my wife was driving to work. She attempted to stop at an intersection, her foot went to the floor while braking, red light and warn buzzer went off... No brakes. Luckily and thank god, she avoided being t-boned in the intersection and was able to get it into a parking lot and down shift to use e-brake. The car has only 70,000miles on it. The repair of the system sounds like it is $2500+. Not happy at all since mb knows it is a problem and should have a replacement braking system for it or repair. This is not just a old master cylinder going out. This is a whole sensor unit failing

NoNoN NoneNone20140507

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz c320. The contact stated that the supplement restraint sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,254.

CrashNoN 1 InjuredNone20140206

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz c320. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained head and chest injuries which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20130412

I have a 2003 c 320 mbnz, the radiator leaks into the transmission. The radiator needs to be replaced. This leaking radiator fluid damaged the transmission, and it has to be replaced. This problem caused a lack of power and therefore a loss of acceleration. It happened without any warning, leaving you vulnerable due to the loss of power, a very dangerous situation which may cause an accident. The car has only 50026 miles on it. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20110131

2003 mercedes c320. Consumer writes in regards to a safety recall transfer case *tgw the consumer was informed that due to the mileage on the vehicle, they would not be willing to assist with absorbing some of the cost for the replacement part. *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20100119

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes c320. When driving over a pot hole or bump in the road at speeds of 20 mph and higher, the contact stated that he heard a loud "metal to metal" noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the bushings were replaced under the factory warranty. Four years later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent technician who replaced the bushings for the second time as well as the front control arms. The front driver's side power seat failed and when taken to the dealer, he was advised that the driver's side front seat electronic control unit would need to be replaced. The repairs to the seat were made at the owner's expense. There were no recalls for the failure for his particular year, make and model vehicle. The right front turn signal also failed. He attempted to replace the bulb but to no avail. When the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent technician, it was confirmed that the wiring harness was defective. The manufacturer was contacted and provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 87,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20090514

On a 2003 c 320 mbnz, the radiator now leaks into the transmission. This is going to require the radiator to be replaced and for the transmission to be flushed. This leaking radiator fluid could have already damaged the transmission, and if so, it will have to be replaced. This problem causes a lack of power and therefore a loss of acceleration. It happens without any warning, often leaving you vulnerable due to the loss of power, a potential accident waiting to happen. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20081025

Car seat and steering wheel wouldn't adjust with the key put in the ignition..This went on for three days...Then the car died..Had to get a jump..The service rep says the model# 320 c has a problem with the seat module failing on the passenger and drivers side..When the car was jumped all electrical was working properly and find...Took to dealer and they informed me that yes the passenger seat module was bad and also needed a new battery..They also stated that the drivers seat module could go out within the next few months...The car only has 13,703 miles on it and this problem is been known to mb usa yet is not addressed. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080709

During the five years we have owned the car it has had numerous electrical problems. On at least 5 occasions all function of the dashboard went out while driving. When the car was restarted everything was fine. Seat controls have been replaced several times, and they still operate intermittently. There is no problem with the battery. There is a short someplace, and the dealer keeps saying they can't fix it if they can't see it. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20070517

This happened in my 2003 c320 at 54,000 miles. I initially noticed a light rubbing or grinding while accelerating, with light vibration. At the dealership i was told i would need a new torque converter, new radiator, and a fluid flush. The radiator fluid was mixing with the transmission fluid. After those repairs, my c320 was still shifting hard and the grinding noise was still there. It turns out the transmission was ruined as well. Two replacement transmissions were needed until it was ready to be picked up. I've been told that the mixed fluids are not uncommon in this model and yet mbusa has made very little effort to answer my questions. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20060822

I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. It had 45,000 miles when i purchased it. From the time i purchase this car i had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and i had some transmission work done. My biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. I suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. With 1 year, i had to replace the bulbs 3 times. I had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. This is surprising since this car (under my ownership) has never been in an accident. I am so disappointed i purchased this car! *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20030531

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes c320. The contact was unable to turn the radio off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. In order to avoid draining the battery, she had to remove the fuse. Also, in warm temperatures, the power locks failed intermittently. Upon locking the doors, they would unlock without intent. She had to engage the power locks several times before they would actually stay locked. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where who stated that the radio would be repaired at her expense. No repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 31,000 and the current mileage was 72,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20020903

The throttle linkage and control pedal malfunction nearly resulted in a serious accident. The brakes had to be violently applied with both feet to prevent the surging vehicle from rear-ending a vehicle in front of mine at a traffic intersection.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone

The power steering was tight and it was difficult to control the steering wheel. *jb *tt

NoNoN NoneNone

The fuel gauge failed to function. It didn't register the correct gas level in the tank. The digital console light malfunctioned. It would either not illuminate when the vehicle was started or when illuminated it will suddenly go out. The vehicle hesitated upon acceleration when driven for long distances. *nlm

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