Model year
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
NHTSA lists 0 recalls and 9 complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 12 recalls and 97 complaints under AMG C32, C180, C230, C240, and C320. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2), AIR BAGS (1), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR (1). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 17–24 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,400–$4,850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 8 complaints
- 2001 14 complaints
- 2002 31 complaints
- 2003 9 complaints
- 2004 15 complaints
- 2005 5 complaints
- 2006 9 complaints
- 2007 280 complaints
- 2008 13 complaints
- 2009 670 complaints
- 2010 476 complaints
- 2011 516 complaints
- 2012 1 complaints
- 2013 575 complaints
- 2014 284 complaints
- 2015 452 complaints
- 2016 322 complaints
- 2017 253 complaints
- 2018 130 complaints
- 2019 79 complaints
- 2020 46 complaints
- 2021 17 complaints
- 2022 26 complaints
- 2023 26 complaints
- 2024 15 complaints
- 2025 4 complaints
- 2026 4 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
No recalls are listed for this name in the matched NHTSA file.
Complaints
9 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 1, fire flag on 0, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| AMG C32 | 3 | 3 |
| C180 | 0 | 1 |
| C230 | 3 | 51 |
| C240 | 3 | 20 |
| C320 | 3 | 22 |
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C230 Kompressor · 1.8L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| C230 Kompressor · 1.8L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 28 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| C230 Kompressor · 1.8L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| C230 Kompressor · 1.8L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 28 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| C240 · 2.6L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C240 · 2.6L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 24 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| C240 4matic · 2.6L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C32 AMG · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 19 | 17 | — | — | $4,850 |
| C320 · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| C320 · 3.2L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 23 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| C320 4matic · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C320 Sports Coupe · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
7 more configurations are in the EPA file and are not listed in this table. The fuel-cost calculator lists every configuration.
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.