Engine
3.2L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 64 of 68 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 41 of 68 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
38 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"ON MY MERCEDES BENZ C320, IF THE CAR IS NOT STARTED AT LEAST EVERY 12 HOURS, THE CAR WILL NOT START AND IT NEEDS A JUMP. THE CAR IS A 2002 AND HAS 51K MILES. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Seats
23 complaint records
"THE SEAT CONTROL UNITS DO NOT SHUT OFF AND CONTINUALLY DRAIN THE BATTERY. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL CAR. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seats parts in the directory →
Power train
5 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE IN THE REAR, AND THERES A WHISTLING NOISE. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL TO STOP THE WHISTLING. SHAKING IS STILL OCCURING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V874000 | Visibility | 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. | Normally free |
| 22V954000 | Visibility | 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. | Normally free |
| 19V918000 | Visibility | 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. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI42.10-P-078779 Sep 2026 | Service Brakes | Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Sep 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 2026 | Power Train | Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI82.30-P-059239 May 2026 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the... |
Show 43 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Mar 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 May 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI83.20-P-051802 Apr 2025 | Engine | Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant flow in the heater heat exchanger (see picture). | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Structure | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. | |
| LI82.10-P-078069 Jul 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. | |
| LI91.18-P-077075 Dec 2023 | Seats | Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). | |
| LI54.30-P-072145 Dec 2020 | Electrical System | NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock | |
| LI42.47-P-067502 Dec 2020 | Service Brakes | 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 Sep 2020 | Power Train | Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R | |
| LI33 30-P-056665 Aug 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle | |
| LI91 45-P-066075 Jul 2018 | Seat Belts | Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises | |
| LI05.10-P-049909 Jun 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine noises after engine start | |
| LI32.25-P-061137 Mar 2015 | Suspension | Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper | |
| LI91.10-P-048497 Jul 2014 | 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. | |
| LI91.10-P-059391 Jul 2014 | Seats | Noise from the front seats during load change. | |
| LI91.10-P-049799 Jul 2014 | 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 eliminated without replacing the control unit. | |
| LI91.25-P-059380 Jul 2014 | Seats | Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky. | |
| LI91.10-P-048498 Jul 2014 | Seats | Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame. | |
| LI91.10-P-048503 Jul 2014 | Seats | Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining | |
| LI05.10-P-058758 Mar 2014 | 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 1) deviates from the specified value. | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Feb 2014 | 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 Feb 2014 | Equipment | 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 Telematics systems. | |
| LI8270P055572 Aug 2013 | Electrical System | Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely. | |
| LI82.85-P-055695 Jul 2013 | 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 Jul 2013 | Fuel System | 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. | |
| SB-2009100001 Apr 2011 | Electrical System | 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 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE CAMSHAFT... | |
| LI-43-10 Aug 2010 | Service Brakes | 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 203. NO MODEL YEAR LISTED. *PE | |
| PB-91-60-53A Feb 2009 | Air Bags | 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 Feb 2009 | Exterior Lighting | 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-42-30-103 Jan 2009 | Service Brakes | 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. *PE | |
| 462046 Dec 2008 | Steering | PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE | |
| PB 42-45-98 Mar 2008 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 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 |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercedes-Benz C320 →