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2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Kompressor 6MT

All Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 trims (2001–2007) → All Mercedes-Benz C-Class generations →
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – front Unverified
Photo: Mercedes C-Klasse W203 front by M 93 ( talk ) 17:33, 30 December 2008 (UTC), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the W203 (W203, 2001–2007); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Mercedes C-Klasse W203 front by M 93 ( talk ) 17:33, 30 December 2008 (UTC), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: Mercedes-Benz W203 C 230 Iridium Silver (6) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Mercedes-Benz W203 C 230 Iridium Silver (5) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, Rear Left, 12-25-2020 by SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 2001 Mercedes-Benz W203 C200 Kompressor, rear left, 06-29-2024 by Ethan Llamas, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Kompressor 6MT is a 1.8-liter supercharged inline-4 with a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It is rated at 22 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Engine
Engine Type1.8L Supercharged Inline-4
Displacement1.8 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission6-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium Unleaded

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class w/SAB

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-CLASS.

106 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-CLASS

Owner Complaints

106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-CLASS (4 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling24
Electrical System22
Power Train15
Air Bags13
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Fuel System9
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jan 29, 2026 · Electrical System Fire
“The secondary instrument fuse block located on the driver's side of the dashboard erupted in flame while the vehicle was being driven, endangering its occupant, causing significant damage to its…”
Aug 6, 2024 · Electrical System, Air Bags
“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact stated that the sunroof had failed to open, and the sunshade cover failed to close, causing the sunrays to penetrate the vehicle. The vehicle…”
Mar 28, 2024 · Tires
“The PRINX tires and the dealer - Mavis Tires, Auburn Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, are equally to blame for the flat I had in traffic endangering myself and other motorists with Brand New Prinx Tires…”
Oct 16, 2023 · Visibility/Wiper
“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that the windshield wipers inadvertently stopped working. The contact jiggled the windshield wiper arm, and the windshield wipers wiped…”
Jul 13, 2023 · Visibility
“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) however, the contact was advised by the dealer that he needed to open and…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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