Most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz C320 complaints by model year
Best C320 years: 2004, 2005, 2003. Years to avoid: 2002, 2001. Compare all years →
2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls (4)
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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,…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 owners say
Engine & cooling
I own a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 for three years and always have issues with the software, the engine keeps shutting off while driving, and the steering wheel get locked, no matter where I am at, a city streets or a highway. Many phone calls to Mercedes-Benz dealer and the headquarter, they didn't try to resolve the issues I'm having with my car!!! Mercedes-Benz wants people either forget about the safety issue! Die naturally or sell their cars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercedes Benz C320. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle within twenty seconds. The contact stated that there were two instances of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and also a mechanic shop and neither facility was able to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,500.
2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 C320 rates better than average: 69% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C320 at the same age. It is one of the best C320 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the seats (2) and lights (2).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320, the most recent from November 19, 2024 (sun/moon roof assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz C320?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2005 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz C320 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 105,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.