RoadVitals

2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
63
Latest Oct 30, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical2623.6%
  • Engine1210.9%
  • Brakes98.2%
  • Exterior lighting76.4%
  • Driver assistance76.4%
  • Visibility65.5%
  • Fuel system54.5%
  • Steering43.6%
  • Body & structure32.7%
  • Other / unspecified32.7%
  • Airbags32.7%
  • Suspension21.8%
  • Heating & air conditioning10.9%
  • Tires & wheels10.9%
  • Transmission10.9%
  • Seat belts10.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 CAUSING MY BATTERY TO DIE AGAIN. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN MY CAR HAS DIED IN AT NIGHT IN STRANGE AREAS AND I HAVE TO ALONE AND UNSAFELY JUMP MY CAR AND SIT UNTIL MY JUMPER PROVIDES MY BATTERY WITH ENOUGH JUICE TO START MY CAR. WHEN I AM DRIVING MY FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE MY BATTERY ISN'T STRONG ENOUGH TO POWER THE EVERYTHING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ID 10885314 · filed Jul 17, 2016

I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND TWO DAYS LATER THE SMART KEY WON'T TURN, CAN'T UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SHIFFTER THE GOOD THINK THE CAR WAS PARKED ON MY DRIVE WAY CALL TOW TRUCK TAKE TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAY I NEED A NEW KEY AND IGNITION CONTROL MODULE BUT ONLY DEALER CAN DO THAT, $1,400.00 DOLLARS JOB

NHTSA ID 10861059 · filed Apr 23, 2016
All 26 reports naming electrical

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 CAUSING MY BATTERY TO DIE AGAIN. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN MY CAR HAS DIED IN AT NIGHT IN STRANGE AREAS AND I HAVE TO ALONE AND UNSAFELY JUMP MY CAR AND SIT UNTIL MY JUMPER PROVIDES MY BATTERY WITH ENOUGH JUICE TO START MY CAR. WHEN I AM DRIVING MY FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE MY BATTERY ISN'T STRONG ENOUGH TO POWER THE EVERYTHING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ID 10885314 · filed Jul 17, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT CONTROL MODULES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID 10670959 · filed Jan 8, 2015
All 19 reports naming interior & seats

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE "MULTI FUNCTION DISPLAY" (MFD) SCREEN IN THE DASH FADES WITH INTERIOR HEAT (IN SUMMER) AND EVENTUALLY FAILS OVER TIME. THE MFD DISPLAYS ALL CRITICAL VEHICLE OPERATION INFORMATION (SUCH AS COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNINGS, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVATION, ETC.), AND ALL NOTIFICATION OF VEHICLE FAULT CODES THAT OCCUR. WITHOUT THE INFORMATION VISIBLE, THE OWNER CAN'T KNOW IF THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THERE ARE NO MECHANICAL GAUGES SERVING AS BACK-UP. FURTHER, THE VEHICLE ODOMETER IS ONLY VISIBLE IN THE MFD. WITHOUT AN OPERATING MFD, THE OWNER CANNOT VIEW, OR CERTIFY THE CORRECT ODOMETER MILEAGE, REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW WHEN SELLING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR SUBSEQUENT OWNER. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN FAULT ACROSS SEVERAL MERCEDES MODELS. DEALERS OFFER TO REPLACE THE MFD, AT CONSIDERABLE OWNER EXPENSE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE ODOMETER ISSUE, I BELIEVE THAT MERCEDES SHOULD FIX THE DISPLAY AT ZERO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10617540 · filed Jul 30, 2014

ON THE FIRST OCCASION (DECEMBER 16, 2010), MY MERCEDES C320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF AS I WAS DRIVING 57 MPH ON THE FREEWAY DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR. THERE WERE SEVERAL CARS AND TRACTOR TRAILERS BEHIND ME WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF AS I WAS DRIVING. THE INCIDENT WAS TERRIFYING, AS NO WARNING LIGHTS (NOTHING) CAME ON IN THE CAR. LUCKILY, OTHER DRIVERS SAW ME IN DISTRESS AND I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER OVER THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SIDE STRIP. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO PHOENIX MOTORS (MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP) WHEREAS THEY INDICATED AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT HAD GONE BAD. HOWEVER, I LATER LEARNED THIS DIAGNOSIS WAS INCORRECT, BECAUSE SEVEN MONTHS LATER THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN AGAIN AS I WAS DRIVING. ANOTHER INCIDENT TOOK PLACE WHERE I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR MOBILITY WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WENT DEAD. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING TO THE DRIVER CAN CAUSE A DEADLY CRASH. PRESENTLY (DECEMBER 21, 2011), MY CAR IS IN THE HANDS OF PHOENIX MOTORS AGAIN, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE YET TO DETERMINE WHY THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IS SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING. I AM REQUESTING NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER, BECAUSE THIS TYPE OF DEFECT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DESTROY INNOCENT LIVES WHILE DRIVING. AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT SHUTTING DOWN AN ENGINE WHILE DRIVING IS SERIOUS AND DEADLY. PLEASE, PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. I WAS LUCKY IN BOTH INCIDENTS, BECAUSE AN ANGEL WAS WATCHING OVER ME. I COULD HAVE EASY BEEN INJURED OR KILLED, NOT TO MENTION OTHERS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. IN BOTH INCIDENTS A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED TO TOW THE VEHICLE. *KB

NHTSA ID 10441923 · filed Dec 31, 2011
All 12 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 55 MPH THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE ENGAGES WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS RELEASES, THE BAS AND ESC FAULTS ARE THEN VISIBLE ON THE DASH. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY MERCEDES TWO TIMES, BUT THIS CONDITION SHOWS UP AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING , CODES SHOW THAT THE YAW RATE SENSOR OR CONNECTION IS AT FAULT. EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING ON A FLAT LEVEL SURFACE THE FAULT WARNING DASH LIGHTS ESC AND BAS WILL COME ON WITH NO MOVEMENT IN THE CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR A COLLISION FROM A VEHICLE FOLLOWING ME AND RUNNING INTO ME . MANY OTHERS POSTED THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ? I HAVE 8 GRANDCHILDREN THAT YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10618834 · filed Aug 4, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185,277.

NHTSA ID 10577314 · filed Apr 4, 2014
All 9 reports naming brakes

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 CAUSING MY BATTERY TO DIE AGAIN. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN MY CAR HAS DIED IN AT NIGHT IN STRANGE AREAS AND I HAVE TO ALONE AND UNSAFELY JUMP MY CAR AND SIT UNTIL MY JUMPER PROVIDES MY BATTERY WITH ENOUGH JUICE TO START MY CAR. WHEN I AM DRIVING MY FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE MY BATTERY ISN'T STRONG ENOUGH TO POWER THE EVERYTHING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ID 10885314 · filed Jul 17, 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.

NHTSA ID 10863638 · filed May 6, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I BOUGHT A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ C320 VEHICLE USED ON 9/19. AFTER TAKING IT HOME, I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE PETAL. I DOUBLE CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION WAS OFF AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AT A HIGH SPEED, UP TO 55MPH.WHEN I DRIVE, I AM CONSTANTLY HITTING THE BRAKES TO KEEP FROM COLLIDING WITH OTHER VEHICLES. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THE RPMS REACH 30,000 AND THE ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ACCELERATING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE ARE MANY ERROR CODES ON THIS CAR, SO HOW WAS THE CAR DEALERSHIP ABLE TO SELL THIS CAR LEGALLY? I NEED TO RETURN THIS VEHICLE ASAP. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID 10775486 · filed Sep 23, 2015

AT 55 MPH THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE ENGAGES WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS RELEASES, THE BAS AND ESC FAULTS ARE THEN VISIBLE ON THE DASH. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY MERCEDES TWO TIMES, BUT THIS CONDITION SHOWS UP AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING , CODES SHOW THAT THE YAW RATE SENSOR OR CONNECTION IS AT FAULT. EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING ON A FLAT LEVEL SURFACE THE FAULT WARNING DASH LIGHTS ESC AND BAS WILL COME ON WITH NO MOVEMENT IN THE CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR A COLLISION FROM A VEHICLE FOLLOWING ME AND RUNNING INTO ME . MANY OTHERS POSTED THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ? I HAVE 8 GRANDCHILDREN THAT YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10618834 · filed Aug 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11468619 · filed Jun 10, 2022

TL* 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 APPROXIMATELY 230,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11326538 · filed May 29, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MALFUNCTIONING SEAT CONTROL MODULES DRAIN BATTERY IN 2001 C320 MERCEDES BENZ. NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IN JANUARY 2008 WITH 51,000+ MILES, I PAID $175 DOLLARS FOR A NEW MBZ BATTERY, BEFORE ASKING DEALERSHIP TO DISCONNECT SEAT CONTROL MODULES. I WAS NOT PREPARED TO PAY $1200 TO REPLACE MODULES. JUNE 25, 2010, MY 2001 C320 STOPPED DURING A TRIP TO PHOENIX, AZ FROM CALIFORNIA, DUE TO FUEL PUMP GOING OUT. MY 79 YEAR-OLD MOTHER AND I WAITED IN 100+ DEGREE WEATHER FOR A TOW, WHICH TOOK 3 HOURS TO GET TO PHOENIX MBZ DEALERSHIP. OAKLAND SERVICE REP NEVER SUGGESTED REPLACING, ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS SERVICED DURING THE SUGGESTED MILEAGE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE PHOENIX DEALERSHIP INITIALLY REPLACED ORIGINAL FUEL FILTER, AND NEVER THOUGHT TO CHECK IF ORIGINAL FUEL PUMP NEEDED REPLACING. ON JUNE 28, 2010, MY CAR STOPPED AGAIN ON THE RETURN TRIP TO CA, AND WE WERE TOWED BACK TO AZ, WHERE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE INCIDENT COST ME ALMOST $2,000.00 MORE THAN I PLANNED TO SPEND, WHILE ATTENDING MY GRADUATION CEREMONIES IN ARIZONA. CONSIDERING THE EXPENSE TO MAINTAIN A MERCEDES, AS WELL AS THE COST OF THE CAR, YOU WOULD THINK THE SERVICE STAFF WOULD BE MORE PROACTIVE WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE. I SUGGEST MERCEDES CREATE A BETTER WARNING SYSTEM FOR EQUIPMENT FAILURES LIKE THE SEAT CONTROL MODULES AND FUEL PUMP. I ALSO SUGGEST MERCEDES CONSIDER LOWERING THEIR SERVICE PRICES, SO THE AVERAGE "JOANNA" CAN PAY THE MAINTENANCE TO KEEP A DEPENDABLE CAR. THE VALVE COVER GASKETS WERE LEAKING OIL AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED IVOQ 09/10/10 *TR

NHTSA ID 10352334 · filed Aug 27, 2010

WHILE OPERATING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STALLS SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING BECAUSE OF A 'CRANK POSITION SENSOR'. THE SENSOR IS A MAGNET WHICH, WHEN IT DETERMINES THE CRANKSHAFT IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT, ABRUPTLY SHUTS DOWN THE FUEL SYSTEM. SUBSEQUENT MODELS OF THIS MANUFACTURERS PRODUCT DO NOT ALLOW THE SENSOR TO DO THIS, BUT RATHER INDICATE A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH A WARNING LIGHT. THIS SENSOR SYSTEM IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS AND COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT INJURY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10247535 · filed Nov 3, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND TWO DAYS LATER THE SMART KEY WON'T TURN, CAN'T UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SHIFFTER THE GOOD THINK THE CAR WAS PARKED ON MY DRIVE WAY CALL TOW TRUCK TAKE TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAY I NEED A NEW KEY AND IGNITION CONTROL MODULE BUT ONLY DEALER CAN DO THAT, $1,400.00 DOLLARS JOB

NHTSA ID 10861059 · filed Apr 23, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185,277.

NHTSA ID 10577314 · filed Apr 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11552668 · filed Oct 30, 2023

2001 MERCEDES BENZ C320. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE HEADLINER. *LD *JS

NHTSA ID 11090591 · filed May 3, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES C320 EQUIPPED WITH A ACTIVHEAT SEAT COVER, MODEL NUMBER: 6HCSBL24, BATCH CODE 21010B. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11E014000 (EQUIPMENT) RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. THE CONTACT COMPLIED WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO FIND OUT THE STATUS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A NEW SEAT COVER.

NHTSA ID 10435471 · filed Nov 14, 2011

BEGINNING ON 10/18/01 TO PRESENT, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP 34 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: (1) REMOTE INOP - 10/18/01; (2) REMOTE INOP - 11/14/01; (3) REPLACED REMOTE - 12/3/01; (4) REMOTE INOP - 12/11/01; (5) REPLACED FRONT PADS & SENSORS - 12/26/02; (6) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT DOOR WINDOW MOTOR - 4/24/03; (7) REPLACED REMOTES - 5/15/03; (8) REPLACED CRANKSHAFT SENSOR & CONNECTOR MODULE - 12/2/03; (9) REPLACED FAULTY REAR SAM CONTROL MODULE - 12/2/03; (10) REPLACED A/C PRESSURE SWITCH - 12/2/03; (11) REPLACED AIR MASS METER SENSOR - 12/11/03; (12) REPLACED RIGHT DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR - 1/5/04; (13) REPLACED REAR SHADE ROLLER BLIND - 1/5/04; (14) REPLACED SIDE BAG CONNECTOR ALL DOORS - 1/9/04; (15) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT DOOR WINDOW SEAL - 2/27/04; (16) REPLACED OIL LEVEL SENSOR & RESEALED OIL PAN - 4/28/04; (17) REPLACED SWAY BAR BUSHING AND CASTER ARMS - 4/28/04; (18) RESEALED ELEC PLUG FOR TRANS - 4/28/04; (19) REPLACED RIGHT REAR DOOR LINKAGE AND KNOB - 7/22/04; (20) REPLACED A/C BLOWER & FAN SPEED REGULATOR - 8/23/04; (21) REPLACED RIGHT REAR DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR - 8/23/04; (22) REPLACED MOUNTING CLIPS & BEARINGS DRIVER SEAT - 8/23/04; (23) REPLACED RIGHT REAR DOOR WINDOW MOTOR - 2/7/05; (24) LOW OIL LIGHT ON, CHANGED OIL & FILTER - 2/7/05; (25) REPLACED OIL SENDING UNIT - 3/17/05; (26) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT SEAT CONTROL MODULE - 5/20/05; (27) REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR - 5/20/05; (28) REPLACED DRIVER SIDE SEAT CLAMPS & PINS - 5/20/05; (29) REPLACED BRAKE PADS, SHOES, ROTORS AND DISC - 5/20/05; (30) REPLACED LEAKING TRANS PLUG AND LEAKING PAN GASKET - 5/20/05; (31) FUEL GAUGE INOP - 6/27/05. AT PRESENT "REMOTE WILL NOT OPEN TRUNK & MALFUNCTION (ELECT STAB PROG ESP) IS ON. I HAVE ASKED THAT VEHICLE BE REPLACED WITH A RELIABLE VEHICLE OF SAME TYPE AND MILEAGE, HQ MERCEDES LLC HAS REFUSED ON 2 OCCASIONS. I HAVE CONTACT WITH THE DEPT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS.*JB

NHTSA ID 10139391 · filed Oct 12, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT AND WAS STRUCK 3 DIFFERENT TIMES IN 3 DIFFERENT AREAS OF MY VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY CREW AS WELL AS HIGHWAY PATROL WERE WONDERING WHY MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I NEVER BEING IN AN ACCIDENT IN A VEHICLE WITH AIRBAGS DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. UPON RECUPERATING I CONTACTED MY MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE SRS SWITCH HAD OCCURRED BUT MERCEDES DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL THEY INFORMED DEALERSHIPS TO CHANGE OUT THE SWITCH ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS. I CONTACTED MERCEDES USA AND INFORMED THEM OF THE SITUATION THEY ASKED FOR THE POLICE REPORT, THE LOCATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND PHOTOGRAPHS. ALL OF WHICH I SENT. 4 WEEKS AFTER THE ACCIDENT THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TO ASK WHERE THE CAR WAS, AGAIN I TOLD THEM THE LOCATION AND I ALSO INFORMED THEM THAT THE TOTAL LOSS DEPARTMENT AT AAA INSURANCE WAS PICKING UP THE VEHICLE THAT DAY TO STOP ACCRUING STORAGE CHARGES. 1 1/2 WEEK LATER (POST THE PHONECALL) I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES WITH AN AIRBAG AND SAFETY BROCHURE EXPLAINING THE WAY MY CAR WAS HIT IS WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH VARIOUS AUTO ADJUSTERS, BODYSHOPS THEY ALL AGREE THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. I ALSO CALLED VARIOUS MERCEDES DEALERSHIPS IN CALIFORNIA AND THEY ALL KNEW OF THE REPAIR AS NEEDED. WHY NO FORMAL RECALL? WHAT ABOUT ALL THE BAD SWITCHES THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT? I WAS FORTUNATE I LIVED I WAS INJURED BUT I LIVED. SHALL WE WAIT AND SEE IF THE NEXT PERSON WILL? I FEEL THAT MERCEDES SHOULD BE FORCED TO ISSUE A FORMAL RECALL, AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL SWITCHES. NO ONE DESERVES A DEAR JOHN LETTER WITH A BROCHURE AFTER THEY HAVE MADE A DECISION TO PURCHASE A QUALITY VEHICLE, AND THAT VEHICLES SAFETY SYSTEM FAILS. MY INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN NON-EXISTENT HAD MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NOT TO MENTION THE 7 WEEKS OF WORK I HAVE MISSED. AND WE WONDER WHY MERCEDES HAS A CLEAN RECALL RECORD, IF ALL DEALERS WERE ALLOWED TO DO THIS COULD YOU IMAGINE THE MESS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10296860 · filed Dec 23, 2009

DT: CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS FROM AIR BAGS TO BRAKES TO ALTERNATOR. OWNER DOESNT THINK HE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS, ACTUALLY THE MAIN CONCERN HE HAS IS ABOUT THE WARRANTY. UPON PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON, THEN THE BRAKES AND ALTERNATOR WENT OUT AS WELL. THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO A MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AFTER THE OWNER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY. *JB

NHTSA ID 10126338 · filed Jun 23, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BEGINNING ON 10/18/01 TO PRESENT, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP 34 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: (1) REMOTE INOP - 10/18/01; (2) REMOTE INOP - 11/14/01; (3) REPLACED REMOTE - 12/3/01; (4) REMOTE INOP - 12/11/01; (5) REPLACED FRONT PADS & SENSORS - 12/26/02; (6) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT DOOR WINDOW MOTOR - 4/24/03; (7) REPLACED REMOTES - 5/15/03; (8) REPLACED CRANKSHAFT SENSOR & CONNECTOR MODULE - 12/2/03; (9) REPLACED FAULTY REAR SAM CONTROL MODULE - 12/2/03; (10) REPLACED A/C PRESSURE SWITCH - 12/2/03; (11) REPLACED AIR MASS METER SENSOR - 12/11/03; (12) REPLACED RIGHT DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR - 1/5/04; (13) REPLACED REAR SHADE ROLLER BLIND - 1/5/04; (14) REPLACED SIDE BAG CONNECTOR ALL DOORS - 1/9/04; (15) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT DOOR WINDOW SEAL - 2/27/04; (16) REPLACED OIL LEVEL SENSOR & RESEALED OIL PAN - 4/28/04; (17) REPLACED SWAY BAR BUSHING AND CASTER ARMS - 4/28/04; (18) RESEALED ELEC PLUG FOR TRANS - 4/28/04; (19) REPLACED RIGHT REAR DOOR LINKAGE AND KNOB - 7/22/04; (20) REPLACED A/C BLOWER & FAN SPEED REGULATOR - 8/23/04; (21) REPLACED RIGHT REAR DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR - 8/23/04; (22) REPLACED MOUNTING CLIPS & BEARINGS DRIVER SEAT - 8/23/04; (23) REPLACED RIGHT REAR DOOR WINDOW MOTOR - 2/7/05; (24) LOW OIL LIGHT ON, CHANGED OIL & FILTER - 2/7/05; (25) REPLACED OIL SENDING UNIT - 3/17/05; (26) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT SEAT CONTROL MODULE - 5/20/05; (27) REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR - 5/20/05; (28) REPLACED DRIVER SIDE SEAT CLAMPS & PINS - 5/20/05; (29) REPLACED BRAKE PADS, SHOES, ROTORS AND DISC - 5/20/05; (30) REPLACED LEAKING TRANS PLUG AND LEAKING PAN GASKET - 5/20/05; (31) FUEL GAUGE INOP - 6/27/05. AT PRESENT "REMOTE WILL NOT OPEN TRUNK & MALFUNCTION (ELECT STAB PROG ESP) IS ON. I HAVE ASKED THAT VEHICLE BE REPLACED WITH A RELIABLE VEHICLE OF SAME TYPE AND MILEAGE, HQ MERCEDES LLC HAS REFUSED ON 2 OCCASIONS. I HAVE CONTACT WITH THE DEPT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS.*JB

NHTSA ID 10139391 · filed Oct 12, 2005

THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 3 YEARS. I HAVE A MERCEDES BENZ C320. I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. MY ELECTRONIC KEYS HAVE BEEN INTERMITANT. THERE IS A SQUEAKING SOUND FROM THE SUSPENSION. I GET MALFUNCTION MESSAGES WHEN THERE IS NO MALFUNCTION. MY REAR-LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED REGULARLY. *LA

NHTSA ID 10082368 · filed Jul 21, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 3 YEARS. I HAVE A MERCEDES BENZ C320. I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. MY ELECTRONIC KEYS HAVE BEEN INTERMITANT. THERE IS A SQUEAKING SOUND FROM THE SUSPENSION. I GET MALFUNCTION MESSAGES WHEN THERE IS NO MALFUNCTION. MY REAR-LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED REGULARLY. *LA

NHTSA ID 10082368 · filed Jul 21, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLES TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10020277 · filed May 21, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MALFUNCTIONING SEAT CONTROL MODULES DRAIN BATTERY IN 2001 C320 MERCEDES BENZ. NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IN JANUARY 2008 WITH 51,000+ MILES, I PAID $175 DOLLARS FOR A NEW MBZ BATTERY, BEFORE ASKING DEALERSHIP TO DISCONNECT SEAT CONTROL MODULES. I WAS NOT PREPARED TO PAY $1200 TO REPLACE MODULES. JUNE 25, 2010, MY 2001 C320 STOPPED DURING A TRIP TO PHOENIX, AZ FROM CALIFORNIA, DUE TO FUEL PUMP GOING OUT. MY 79 YEAR-OLD MOTHER AND I WAITED IN 100+ DEGREE WEATHER FOR A TOW, WHICH TOOK 3 HOURS TO GET TO PHOENIX MBZ DEALERSHIP. OAKLAND SERVICE REP NEVER SUGGESTED REPLACING, ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS SERVICED DURING THE SUGGESTED MILEAGE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE PHOENIX DEALERSHIP INITIALLY REPLACED ORIGINAL FUEL FILTER, AND NEVER THOUGHT TO CHECK IF ORIGINAL FUEL PUMP NEEDED REPLACING. ON JUNE 28, 2010, MY CAR STOPPED AGAIN ON THE RETURN TRIP TO CA, AND WE WERE TOWED BACK TO AZ, WHERE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE INCIDENT COST ME ALMOST $2,000.00 MORE THAN I PLANNED TO SPEND, WHILE ATTENDING MY GRADUATION CEREMONIES IN ARIZONA. CONSIDERING THE EXPENSE TO MAINTAIN A MERCEDES, AS WELL AS THE COST OF THE CAR, YOU WOULD THINK THE SERVICE STAFF WOULD BE MORE PROACTIVE WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE. I SUGGEST MERCEDES CREATE A BETTER WARNING SYSTEM FOR EQUIPMENT FAILURES LIKE THE SEAT CONTROL MODULES AND FUEL PUMP. I ALSO SUGGEST MERCEDES CONSIDER LOWERING THEIR SERVICE PRICES, SO THE AVERAGE "JOANNA" CAN PAY THE MAINTENANCE TO KEEP A DEPENDABLE CAR. THE VALVE COVER GASKETS WERE LEAKING OIL AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED IVOQ 09/10/10 *TR

NHTSA ID 10352334 · filed Aug 27, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HEAD REST IS NOT SUPPORTING NECK PROPERLY. THERE IS A 2 INCH GAP IN BETWEEN HEAD REST AND SEAT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE FACTORY REP LOOKED AT THE HEADRESTS AND WAS SUPRISED OF THEIR POSITION, THE BRAKE DISC ARE SLIGHTLY GROOVED AT 3300M, ALSO THE ELECTRONIC MIRRORS DO NOT WORK AT TIMES, THE MIRRORS WILL CHANGE POSITIONS ON THEIR OWN.*JB

NHTSA ID 8003738 · filed Feb 7, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .