2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2003

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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.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (19%)

$500 - $999 (14%)

$100 - $499 (23%)

< $100 (40%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

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 2008

82000 mi
Engine idle and drive fluctuating. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2010 - Sep 2010
Sep 2010

125000 mi
Too many things wrong. Most recently an engine coolant leak. Probably going into the cylinders, so maybe a head gasket leak. 

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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 2008

64480 mi

C $1400
Alternator and battery replaced 
Nov 2008

64480 mi

C $350
Replace o2 sensor 
Jul 2009

66960 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 2010

69440 mi

C $2300
Ball joints replaced.  
Oct 2010

71300 mi

C $1100
Rough idle when cold and minor roughness felt through steering a certain speeds. Engine mounts replaced. Car is running well again. 
Jun 2012

78120 mi

C $2000
Replaced two front springs and stabilizer bushings. A small module that helps to start the car. 
Apr 2013

80180 mi

C $395
Cable to spark plug number four not working. 
Jul 2013

81320 mi

C $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 2014

83080 mi

C $350
Coolant level sensor said coolant was low but wasn't. Sensor replaced 

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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 2003

7291 mi
K/Z Radio/Head Unit, entry pl 
Feb 2004

12649 mi
Actuator, throttle control element 
Jul 2004

15853 mi
K/Z Tank transmitter short circuit 
Dec 2004

18322 mi
Control Module 
Aug 2005

22562 mi

US $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 

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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 2017

249000 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 2008

65000 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 2014

62000 mi
Supercharger bearing was bad. Replaced belt at the same time. 
Apr 2017

83000 mi

US $400
Replaced brake pads and rotors. Front and back. 
Jul 2017

84000 mi

US $200
Replaced all radiator hoses and intercooler pump. 

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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 2010

83000 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 2013

39460 mi
two small vacuum pipes running under engine plastic cover. The pipes had cracks due to age and heat 
Feb 2014

45880 mi

$300
Alternator not charging battery. Replaced alternator regulator 
Jul 2014

48360 mi

$150
Replaced control arms, preventive. Replaced suspension links, one worn. 
Oct 2016

67160 mi

$50
Replacement of worn out brushes in the starter motor 
Jan 2018

73780 mi
Replaced camshaft magnets to prevent oil leaks 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Oct 2012
Nov 2011

44000 mi

US $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 2012

49300 mi

US $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 2006

20460 mi
Right passenger visor mirror not working properly - fixed under warranty. Strange rattle in passenger compartment - seat tracks lubricated under warranty. 
Aug 2006

23560 mi
Accelerator pedal not working properly - not responding to kick-down acceleration. Parts replaced under warranty. 
Feb 2007

26040 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 2007

26660 mi
Engine repair (under warranty) for fuel injectors not working properly. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Washington, United States
Oct 2010 - Jul 2016
Jun 2010

61687 mi

US $177
apparently there was an oil leak 
Nov 2010

68306 mi

US $2186
Cylinder 3 would misfire randomly(mostly during idle) and cause engine to convulse. work around was to increase idle rpm to >1k. 
Apr 2011

76446 mi

US $97
Rear sway bar creaking. Lubrication applied by mechanic. 
Aug 2011

83543 mi

US $726
Whole headlight fixture needed to be replaced after the headlight burned out due to aftermarket HID lights. 
Nov 2011

90751 mi

US $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 2011

92656 mi

US $175
Horn stopped working. replaced horn. Secondary O2 air sensor failure. Replaced sensor. 
Aug 2013

136672 mi

US $1235
Fuel pump failure. replaced fuel pump 

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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 2009

71000 mi

US $95
Front door handles broke. 
Aug 2009

75000 mi

US $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 2009

76000 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. 

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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 2011

54000 mi

US $125
Replaced crankshaft position sensor after car stalled. 
Sep 2013

81000 mi

US $470
Replace water pump. 
Feb 2014

83900 mi
Replaced main radiator hose that is leaking. 

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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 2013

55000 mi

US $400
One bad coil pack was replaced and all spark plug wires were replaced. 
Oct 2014

56000 mi

US $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. 

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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 2011

53000 mi

US $150
Left front Xenon shorted out 
Jan 2012

54000 mi

US $200
Bi-Xenon headlight ballast failure. Located ballast and replaced. 
Jun 2014

79000 mi

US $500
Body rust through. Frankly, I was pissed. 
Jul 2016

90000 mi

US $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 2009

111000 mi

US $1400
right low beam headlight out; purchased bulb at auto parts store; my independent mech. installed no charge...took only a few minutes.... 
Jun 2010

118000 mi

US $359
replaced a catalytic converter (rebuilt) 
Aug 2012

141500 mi

US $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 2014

99000 mi

US $200
Crankshaft Position sensor replacement Replaced battery. 
Mar 2015

100000 mi
Replace Clock Spring on Steering wheel. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Colorado, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2017
Oct 2009

62000 mi
Torque strut bushings replaced. 
Apr 2011

74000 mi
Slight vibration - motor and transmission mounts replaced. Windshield washer pump hesitates. 
Sep 2011

76000 mi
Rear shocks and suspension bushings replaced under wattanty. R.F Fog light replaced. 
Mar 2013

84000 mi

US $75
Leak at transmission "guide plug." 
Feb 2015

85300 mi

US $450
Left catalytic converter 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Missouri, United States
Oct 2015 - Oct 2016
Oct 2016

107000 mi
Hesitating after stop. Slight hesitation when climbing hills. 

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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 2010

107000 mi

US $5
Needed a larger fuse as per TSB in starting circut 
Apr 2011

108000 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 2011

109000 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 2004

1225 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 2011

156000 mi

US $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. 

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2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder diesel automatic 2WD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Italy
Sep 2010 - Mar 2013
Sep 2012

166160 mi

€180
broken gasoline line (from filter to pump) 

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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 2008

94860 mi

C $3147
Front end, control arms, tie rod ends Parking Brake stuck on Alternator replaced 
Feb 2009

100440 mi

C $420
Seized Brake Caliper - left front. 
Apr 2009

104160 mi
Fixed rust and corrosion on both doors, quarter panels and front fenders 
Jun 2009

107880 mi

C $326
Oxygen Sensor replaced, upstream sensor. 
Oct 2009

117800 mi

C $191
Leaking Strut, replaced both Bolts and flange repaired Outside left Tie rod end replaced 
Jan 2010

C $788
Brake Caliper in driver front replaced, Brake caliper driver rear kit installed, new brake fluid 
Mar 2010

125240 mi

C $55
Check Engine light, code turned off Check engine light reappeared, replaced downstream O2 sensor, turned light off, additional cost $277 
Jul 2010

132260 mi

C $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 2010

133300 mi

C $49
Another Check Engine light, light reset, seems to be air related, or fuel EVAP, Very frustrating. 
Nov 2010

133300 mi

C $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 2009

66000 mi

US $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 2007

63000 mi

US $150
Check engine light. Downstream O2 sensor. 
Sep 2007

65000 mi

US $500
Check engine light. Upstream O2 sensor. 
Apr 2009

81000 mi

US $1600
AC Compresser cracked oil filter cap 
Jun 2010

97000 mi

US $750
Alternator replaced. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Colorado, United States
May 2014 - Oct 2018
Mar 2015

118000 mi

US $2000
Timing chain stretched and intake cam adjuster failed. 
Jun 2015

118000 mi

US $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 2015

120700 mi

US $40
Upstream Oxygen sensor went bad. CEL and pulled codes. 
Feb 2017

143000 mi

US $1000
Replaced electronic ignition switch and key. 
Oct 2017

152000 mi

US $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 2010

53940 mi

C $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 2008

65720 mi
Clunking in front end when going over bumps. Front suspension bushings replaced. 
Dec 2008

74400 mi
Brake assist / stability control warning light on intermittently. New sensor on order  Suspension bushing failure. 
Aug 2009

84320 mi
clunking noise in front end suspension (again). Replaced front springs, one front shock, some suspension bushings 
Sep 2009

84940 mi

C $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 2010

93620 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 2010

97960 mi
smoke coming from alternator due to short. Caused by car wash. 
Aug 2010

99200 mi

C $1000
alternator shorting in wet weather. alternator replaced 

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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 2008

88040 mi

C $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 2009

94240 mi

C $800
Charging system failure.  
Dec 2009

103540 mi

C $600
sensor malfunction. Wrong trouble code. Dealer resolved.  
Jan 2010

111600 mi

C $1800
Check engine light came on. Replace oxygen sensor, EGR valve, control module. 
Feb 2010

104160 mi

C $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 2011

130220 mi

C $20
headlight bulb warning came on, though headlight bulb was still working. Shop fixed but decided the change the headlight bulbs anyways. 
Apr 2012

137600 mi

C $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 2010

85000 mi

US $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 2011

91450 mi

US $749
Alternator main bearing squealing. Replaced alternator with OE Bosch unit. Alternator main bearing squealing. Replaced alternator with OE Bosch unit. 
Sep 2012

106000 mi

US $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 2014

137000 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 2012

118000 mi

US $3000
worn bushings, required replacement replacement battery needed 
Jul 2012

122500 mi

US $900
Belt tensioner failing. Replaced unit and belt 
May 2013

134000 mi

US $700
Passenger window malfunction. Would not raise or lower correctly. Replaced window motor regulator. 
Feb 2014

146000 mi

US $1200
Sunroof inop 
Apr 2015

162500 mi

US $600
Check engine light. Discovered a cracked hose under intake manifold. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2010 - Apr 2011
Mar 2011

53940 mi

C $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. 

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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 2010

70000 mi

US $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 2010

82000 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 2013

102000 mi
Parking brake release doesn't clear parking brake indicator; have to pull up on parking brake pedal to clear. 

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2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2dr Hatch

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States
Mar 2016 - Jun 2018
Jan 2016

70000 mi

US $3000
Shifter made clicking noise, replaced 
Feb 2018

78000 mi

US $2000
Small fuel leak, could smell in the cabin 

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2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.