| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class repairs by problem area
Engine (44%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)
Brakes and Traction Control (4%)
Suspension and Steering (11%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)
Other (3%)
Chart based on 147 repairs.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class repair cost distribution
$2500+ (4%)
$1000 - $2499 (19%)
$500 - $999 (14%)
$100 - $499 (23%)
< $100 (40%)
Chart based on 121 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Engine not specified
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Maryland, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Mar 200882000 mi | Engine idle and drive fluctuating. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Massachusetts, United States Jun 2010 - Sep 2010 | |||
| Sep 2010125000 mi | Too many things wrong. Most recently an engine coolant leak. Probably going into the cylinders, so maybe a head gasket leak. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Wagon
215-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed manual RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Ontario, Canada Feb 2008 - May 2014 | |||
| Jul 200864480 miC $1400 | Alternator and battery replaced | ||
| Nov 200864480 miC $350 | Replace o2 sensor | ||
| Jul 200966960 mi | Check Engine light - result was new Catalytic Converter installed. Parts and labour covered by Mercedes at 65,000 miles. (108,000 kilometers ) Guarantee is for 8 years and or 80,000 miles. | ||
| Mar 201069440 miC $2300 | Ball joints replaced. | ||
| Oct 201071300 miC $1100 | Rough idle when cold and minor roughness felt through steering a certain speeds. Engine mounts replaced. Car is running well again. | ||
| Jun 201278120 miC $2000 | Replaced two front springs and stabilizer bushings. A small module that helps to start the car. | ||
| Apr 201380180 miC $395 | Cable to spark plug number four not working. | ||
| Jul 201381320 miC $1485 | Worst rainstorm in Toronto last week since Hurricane Hazel in 1954. Rain got into the ECU (engine computer)and the car wouldn't start. $400 diag from dealer, but they wanted $4746 for the repair. Got reconditioned ECU for $775 + $160 for overnight. | ||
| Mar 201483080 miC $350 | Coolant level sensor said coolant was low but wasn't. Sensor replaced | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Wagon
168-horsepower 2.6L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Alaska, United States Feb 2003 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Jul 20037291 mi | K/Z Radio/Head Unit, entry pl | ||
| Feb 200412649 mi | Actuator, throttle control element | ||
| Jul 200415853 mi | K/Z Tank transmitter short circuit | ||
| Dec 200418322 mi | Control Module | ||
| Aug 200522562 miUS $909 | 1) Ski Bag - missing (arm rest) 2) Pulled dent out of rear pass door on drv side 3) Repair damaged seat stop 4) Replace miss screws in front pass seat 5) Gave Radio Code 6) Fixed tear in front drv speaker 7) Filled out warranty b | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan
supercharged 349hp 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States Sep 2016 - Feb 2017 | |||
| Feb 2017249000 mi | Blew my timing chain and destroyed engine. To expensive to fix and not worth fixing at this point. Will probably donate or sell the car for parts. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Florida, United States May 2008 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Jun 200865000 mi | "Moaning" sound from tranny - result of leakage between cooling and transmission system due to faulty radiator. Apparently a known issue with C32s. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Arizona, United States Mar 2013 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jun 201462000 mi | Supercharger bearing was bad. Replaced belt at the same time. | ||
| Apr 201783000 miUS $400 | Replaced brake pads and rotors. Front and back. | ||
| Jul 201784000 miUS $200 | Replaced all radiator hoses and intercooler pump. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan
supercharged 189hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Arizona, United States Mar 2010 - Aug 2010 | |||
| Aug 201083000 mi | Sunroof fixed by dealer who got the car. Manual steering wheel lock fixed. Driver's door lock not working and passenger door pull handle also broken. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Zambia Mar 2013 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Apr 201339460 mi | two small vacuum pipes running under engine plastic cover. The pipes had cracks due to age and heat | ||
| Feb 201445880 mi$300 | Alternator not charging battery. Replaced alternator regulator | ||
| Jul 201448360 mi$150 | Replaced control arms, preventive. Replaced suspension links, one worn. | ||
| Oct 201667160 mi$50 | Replacement of worn out brushes in the starter motor | ||
| Jan 201873780 mi | Replaced camshaft magnets to prevent oil leaks | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States Mar 2009 - Oct 2012 | |||
| Nov 201144000 miUS $85 | Car lost power,stuck in high gear(automatic),then CEL came on.Car was serviced by dealer since new,wanted more $ to just take a look than I'm willing to pay. Found dirty air filter myself(looked never replaced),replaced & clean AMS, fixed! | ||
| May 201249300 miUS $1500 | Conductor plate (along with sensors) was replaced, transmission was not shifting from time to time. It was a common problem when I googled it, thanks to the involvement of Chrysler during that time period. one of the hoses or pipes was cracked & caused the check engine light to turn on. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Ontario, Canada Feb 2006 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Mar 200620460 mi | Right passenger visor mirror not working properly - fixed under warranty. Strange rattle in passenger compartment - seat tracks lubricated under warranty. | ||
| Aug 200623560 mi | Accelerator pedal not working properly - not responding to kick-down acceleration. Parts replaced under warranty. | ||
| Feb 200726040 mi | Accelerator pedal not working properly, again not responding to kick-down acceleration. Problem localized to fuel injectors, which requires major engine work. Service appointment booked. | ||
| Mar 200726660 mi | Engine repair (under warranty) for fuel injectors not working properly. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Washington, United States Oct 2010 - Jul 2016 | |||
| Jun 201061687 miUS $177 | apparently there was an oil leak | ||
| Nov 201068306 miUS $2186 | Cylinder 3 would misfire randomly(mostly during idle) and cause engine to convulse. work around was to increase idle rpm to >1k. | ||
| Apr 201176446 miUS $97 | Rear sway bar creaking. Lubrication applied by mechanic. | ||
| Aug 201183543 miUS $726 | Whole headlight fixture needed to be replaced after the headlight burned out due to aftermarket HID lights. | ||
| Nov 201190751 miUS $163 | Oil leaking from the top of the engine most likely from the oil cap. Gasket replaced. Right front outer tie rod end replacement | ||
| Dec 201192656 miUS $175 | Horn stopped working. replaced horn. Secondary O2 air sensor failure. Replaced sensor. | ||
| Aug 2013136672 miUS $1235 | Fuel pump failure. replaced fuel pump | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan
215-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed manual RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Virginia, United States Mar 2009 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Apr 200971000 miUS $95 | Front door handles broke. | ||
| Aug 200975000 miUS $1650 | Replaced rattling clutch. The clutch was a standard clutch kit which included the disc, pressure plate, and slave cyl. The price for the kit is 750 and the labor was 900. | ||
| Sep 200976000 mi | Rattling transmission problem. The dealer confirmed it was a bad transmission that was causing the rattle. They didn't charge me anything for the inspection. But since then it hasn't rattled at all. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan
215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States Mar 2010 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Jun 201154000 miUS $125 | Replaced crankshaft position sensor after car stalled. | ||
| Sep 201381000 miUS $470 | Replace water pump. | ||
| Feb 201483900 mi | Replaced main radiator hose that is leaking. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan
215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in New York, United States Aug 2010 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Sep 201355000 miUS $400 | One bad coil pack was replaced and all spark plug wires were replaced. | ||
| Oct 201456000 miUS $131 | A link to the sway bar was worn and making a noise when the car went over any irregularity in the road. The link was replaced. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan
168-horsepower 2.6L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Indiana, United States Nov 2011 - Jul 2016 | |||
| Dec 201153000 miUS $150 | Left front Xenon shorted out | ||
| Jan 201254000 miUS $200 | Bi-Xenon headlight ballast failure. Located ballast and replaced. | ||
| Jun 201479000 miUS $500 | Body rust through. Frankly, I was pissed. | ||
| Jul 201690000 miUS $2200 | Torque converter failed due to poor M-B design. Cooling line routed through transmission leaked coolant into the transmission, causing Torque converter to fail. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States Feb 2009 - Jun 2013 | |||
| Nov 2009111000 miUS $1400 | right low beam headlight out; purchased bulb at auto parts store; my independent mech. installed no charge...took only a few minutes.... | ||
| Jun 2010118000 miUS $359 | replaced a catalytic converter (rebuilt) | ||
| Aug 2012141500 miUS $275 | car starts after several times try..check engine light on; diagnostic function test; faulty crankshaft position sensor. replace with new. Right rear door, unable to open from outside..rear door lock jumps. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States Aug 2014 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Sep 201499000 miUS $200 | Crankshaft Position sensor replacement Replaced battery. | ||
| Mar 2015100000 mi | Replace Clock Spring on Steering wheel. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Colorado, United States Aug 2009 - Jun 2017 | |||
| Oct 200962000 mi | Torque strut bushings replaced. | ||
| Apr 201174000 mi | Slight vibration - motor and transmission mounts replaced. Windshield washer pump hesitates. | ||
| Sep 201176000 mi | Rear shocks and suspension bushings replaced under wattanty. R.F Fog light replaced. | ||
| Mar 201384000 miUS $75 | Leak at transmission "guide plug." | ||
| Feb 201585300 miUS $450 | Left catalytic converter | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Missouri, United States Oct 2015 - Oct 2016 | |||
| Oct 2016107000 mi | Hesitating after stop. Slight hesitation when climbing hills. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan
168-horsepower 2.6L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in New York, United States Feb 2010 - Aug 2011 | |||
| Sep 2010107000 miUS $5 | Needed a larger fuse as per TSB in starting circut | ||
| Apr 2011108000 mi | Headlight washers not working. Pump replaced, fully operational now. Car had intermittent starting problem. Starter replaced, works properly now. Damaged oxygen sensor during starter repair, replaced. | ||
| Jun 2011109000 mi | Shop damaged sensor while repairing starter. Reset code, but it returned. Shop replaced for no charge. Works as intended now. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Alaska, United States Jun 2004 - Aug 2011 | |||
| Oct 20041225 mi | Sunroof replaced under warranty. Would have been more than $2,000 if I had to pay. Dealer said they were familiar with the problem, especially in colder weather. | ||
| Jul 2011156000 miUS $1175 | Crankshaft alignment sensor was replaced by Midas ($380.00) because the dealership wanted $950.00 to do the same thing. Front c.v. boots replaced by dealer, as other shops had to order the whole axle assemblies to repair, ($4,000+). So I had the dealer do it. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door
turbocharged 5-cylinder diesel automatic 2WD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Italy Sep 2010 - Mar 2013 | |||
| Sep 2012166160 mi€180 | broken gasoline line (from filter to pump) | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2dr Hatch
supercharged 189hp 1.8L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Nova Scotia, Canada Oct 2008 - Dec 2010 | |||
| Nov 200894860 miC $3147 | Front end, control arms, tie rod ends Parking Brake stuck on Alternator replaced | ||
| Feb 2009100440 miC $420 | Seized Brake Caliper - left front. | ||
| Apr 2009104160 mi | Fixed rust and corrosion on both doors, quarter panels and front fenders | ||
| Jun 2009107880 miC $326 | Oxygen Sensor replaced, upstream sensor. | ||
| Oct 2009117800 miC $191 | Leaking Strut, replaced both Bolts and flange repaired Outside left Tie rod end replaced | ||
| Jan 2010C $788 | Brake Caliper in driver front replaced, Brake caliper driver rear kit installed, new brake fluid | ||
| Mar 2010125240 miC $55 | Check Engine light, code turned off Check engine light reappeared, replaced downstream O2 sensor, turned light off, additional cost $277 | ||
| Jul 2010132260 miC $660 | Control arm needed replacement A/C system retested and recharged, seems ok now, time will tell Check Engine light on, this is multiple times for this issue, seems difficult to diagnose. | ||
| Sep 2010133300 miC $49 | Another Check Engine light, light reset, seems to be air related, or fuel EVAP, Very frustrating. | ||
| Nov 2010133300 miC $465 | Check engine light, to do with threshold being reached one time on oxygen sensor | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Missouri, United States - Sep 2009 | |||
| Sep 200966000 miUS $300 | driver door lock mechanism replaced. Hose replaced as part of campaign (no cost). | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Kentucky, United States Apr 2007 - Oct 2017 | |||
| Apr 200763000 miUS $150 | Check engine light. Downstream O2 sensor. | ||
| Sep 200765000 miUS $500 | Check engine light. Upstream O2 sensor. | ||
| Apr 200981000 miUS $1600 | AC Compresser cracked oil filter cap | ||
| Jun 201097000 miUS $750 | Alternator replaced. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Colorado, United States May 2014 - Oct 2018 | |||
| Mar 2015118000 miUS $2000 | Timing chain stretched and intake cam adjuster failed. | ||
| Jun 2015118000 miUS $3000 | Timing chain stretched and skipped causing valve damage. The head, timing chain, timing chain tensioner and the one of the guide rails was replaced along with one of the cam adjuster magnets. Also replaced coolant pipes (since in there) and vacuum lines (had failed). | ||
| Oct 2015120700 miUS $40 | Upstream Oxygen sensor went bad. CEL and pulled codes. | ||
| Feb 2017143000 miUS $1000 | Replaced electronic ignition switch and key. | ||
| Oct 2017152000 miUS $45 | Replaced coolant reservoir and cap. They were both showing signs of starting to fail. The edges of the reservoir were starting to show signs of the plastic checking and drying out and the system was losing pressure. It wasn’t actually leaking yet, but, the cap was releasing steam prematurely and the coolant level was dropping (although there weren’t any visible drips or puddles under car). | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Ontario, Canada Jan 2010 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Mar 201053940 miC $960 | Cracked intake box after the MAF. Still don't know how it happened, was throwing the computer into fits. Over work the O2 sensors - so they failed. the box had to come from germany hence the long down time. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Ontario, Canada Feb 2008 - Aug 2010 | |||
| May 200865720 mi | Clunking in front end when going over bumps. Front suspension bushings replaced. | ||
| Dec 200874400 mi | Brake assist / stability control warning light on intermittently. New sensor on order Suspension bushing failure. | ||
| Aug 200984320 mi | clunking noise in front end suspension (again). Replaced front springs, one front shock, some suspension bushings | ||
| Sep 200984940 miC $120 | Rust appearing around rear wheel arches and around passenger door handle. Shop discovered more rust behind rear wheel fender liners. Repair under manufacturer good will. | ||
| Apr 201093620 mi | Check engine light coming on due to thermostat. Drivers door lock actuator not working properly Clear coat peeling where body shop had repainted for previous warranty rust repair. | ||
| Jun 201097960 mi | smoke coming from alternator due to short. Caused by car wash. | ||
| Aug 201099200 miC $1000 | alternator shorting in wet weather. alternator replaced | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2dr Hatch
supercharged 189hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in British Columbia, Canada May 2008 - Dec 2012 | |||
| Jun 200888040 miC $2000 | Went in for an oil service, turned out there was a leak at the cam cover where oil got into the wiring harness damaged (though still working) some of the emissions equipment (EGR solenoid). | ||
| Jan 200994240 miC $800 | Charging system failure. | ||
| Dec 2009103540 miC $600 | sensor malfunction. Wrong trouble code. Dealer resolved. | ||
| Jan 2010111600 miC $1800 | Check engine light came on. Replace oxygen sensor, EGR valve, control module. | ||
| Feb 2010104160 miC $1200 | Replaced EGR valve, EGR control module. Is feeling ripped off as car was in for full service inspection 2 months ago at $1100.00 Replaced O2 sensor. | ||
| Nov 2011130220 miC $20 | headlight bulb warning came on, though headlight bulb was still working. Shop fixed but decided the change the headlight bulbs anyways. | ||
| Apr 2012137600 miC $1200 | I am annoyed that CEL came on and an O2 sensor needed to be replaced 2 weeks after I spent $1800 for a full service at MB. MB charged to redo everything they did 2 weeks ago. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Hawaii, United States May 2010 - Nov 2014 | |||
| Jul 201085000 miUS $320 | Sunroof would only retract 2" and stop. Left rail was broken. Left and right rails replaced and lubed by independent Mecedes-only repair shop (and they are authorized to make warranty repairs). Sunroof now works like new. | ||
| Mar 201191450 miUS $749 | Alternator main bearing squealing. Replaced alternator with OE Bosch unit. Alternator main bearing squealing. Replaced alternator with OE Bosch unit. | ||
| Sep 2012106000 miUS $390 | Another car was backing out and hit side of our car. Insurance repaired side panel and replaced headlamp. Paid to have other headlamp replaced since lens was badly yellowed. | ||
| Nov 2014137000 mi | The main cable in the panoramic roof snapped. Initial estimated repair was $1200 (mostly labor). Opted to leave it closed and inoperable for right now. Option to repair it at a later service. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States May 2009 - Oct 2018 | |||
| Mar 2012118000 miUS $3000 | worn bushings, required replacement replacement battery needed | ||
| Jul 2012122500 miUS $900 | Belt tensioner failing. Replaced unit and belt | ||
| May 2013134000 miUS $700 | Passenger window malfunction. Would not raise or lower correctly. Replaced window motor regulator. | ||
| Feb 2014146000 miUS $1200 | Sunroof inop | ||
| Apr 2015162500 miUS $600 | Check engine light. Discovered a cracked hose under intake manifold. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Alberta, Canada Jun 2010 - Apr 2011 | |||
| Mar 201153940 miC $3700 | Cam shaft seal leak caused oil to enter the electrical system compromizing the ECU, MAF, O2 sensors & wiring harness... recall in the USA but not recognized in Canada. mercedes Canada covered 50% of parts no labor. Coolant line leaking into the transmission, another known problem by mercedes yet no Canadian recall. radiator was repaired and transmission was tripple flushed, Transmission will now soon have to be replaced 1,2 clutch (auto) is toast. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2dr Hatch
215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Arizona, United States Feb 2010 - Apr 2012 | |||
| Mar 201070000 miUS $825 | Sunroof broke last yr..repaired..broke again last month...told it's a new problem--involves replacing several motor parts-cost $2,000+.inside rear slider piece open..exposed to sun..will be roasting this summer.Very disappointed in car--many repairs | ||
| Jun 201082000 mi | Oil was leaking from under engine....was told a seal had broken...the dealer repaired it...leaked the next day.....repaired it again..has not leaked since-- | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Texas, United States Nov 2012 - May 2013 | |||
| May 2013102000 mi | Parking brake release doesn't clear parking brake indicator; have to pull up on parking brake pedal to clear. | ||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2dr Hatch
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States Mar 2016 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jan 201670000 miUS $3000 | Shifter made clicking noise, replaced | ||
| Feb 201878000 miUS $2000 | Small fuel leak, could smell in the cabin | ||
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