2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240
3 recalls — 29 complaints — 24 TSBs
24V874000 Nov 19, 2024
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this reca... Read more
22V954000 Dec 23, 2022
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2... Read more
19V918000 Dec 20, 2019
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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/... Read more
Consequence
A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Complaint Statistics
29 total complaints
3 fires 3 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 8 |
| AIR BAGS | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| VISIBILITY | 1 |
TIRES:VALVE
Mar 28, 2024
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
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, and also the skid I had at an intersection in Columbus Georgia. It's the old story of Chinese aftermar... Read more
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Mar 17, 2023
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that both side view mirrors would not retain the adjusted settings upon start of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure obstructed his vison while driving at various speeds. A local dealer was initially notified of the issue; bu... Read more
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Oct 6, 2020
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUNROOF GLASS BONDING SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ROOF CONTIUOUSLY BECAME RUSTED DUE TO A WATER LEAK. *JS
VISIBILITY
Jun 1, 2020
Incident date: Dec 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (1381 RICHMOND RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911, (434) 29... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
May 27, 2020
Incident date: May 27, 2020
AS A TIME MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RENEWAL WITH CALIFORNIA DMV , THE RECALL PART HAS NOT BEEN AVAILABLE FROM MERCEDES MANUFACTURE. MERCEDES BENZ DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY FUTURE TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL PART THAT WILL EFFECTS ON MY VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWAL WITH DMV (IT ALSO MEANS MY RENEWAL WITH DMV ... Read more
TIRES
Jun 3, 2018
Incident date: Jun 2, 2018
THE BACK SIDE OF THE TIRES CRACK OPEN AROUND THE RIM.
ENGINE
Jul 25, 2017
Incident date: Jul 24, 2017
HARMONIC BALANCER /CRANK PULLEY WOBBLING VERY BAD . AFRAID IT WILL COME APART AND CAUSE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE WHILE MY KIDS ARE DRIVING. MERCEDES COVERED THIS PART UNDER SAME ENGINE FAMILY BUT ONLY FROM MODEL YEARS 1998-2001. WOULD LIKE THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAME FAULTY PART AS THE OTHER... Read more
AIR BAGS
Feb 5, 2017
Incident date: Feb 5, 2017
TAKATA RECALL SRS WARNING LIGHT ON
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 22, 2016
Incident date: Nov 22, 2016
AFTER FILLING MY GAS TANK, THERE'S A VERY STRONG RAW GAS ODOR INSIDE THE CAR WHILE DRIVING, AND WHEN PARKED. SEEMS STRONGER IN THE BACKSEAT. I SEE THERE'S A EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE FROM MERCEDES BENZ ON THE E CLASS FOR MY YEAR (2003). THAT WARRANTY EXTENSION SHOULD HAVE COVERED ALL CLASSE... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 6, 2016
Incident date: Oct 6, 2016
I BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY, AND TODAY REALIZED THE CAR IS LEAKING FUEL, POOLING UNDER THE BACK SEAT AND SPILLING OUT UNDER THE CAR. THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WILL NOT WORK; WE TRIED 3 BULBS. THE PANEL DISPLAYS A MESSAGE STATING ONE OF THE TAG LIGHTS IS OUT, BUT IT ACTUALLY WORKS.
1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 6, 2016
Incident date: Oct 6, 2016
I BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY, AND TODAY REALIZED THE CAR IS LEAKING FUEL, POOLING UNDER THE BACK SEAT AND SPILLING OUT UNDER THE CAR. THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WILL NOT WORK; WE TRIED 3 BULBS. THE PANEL DISPLAYS A MESSAGE STATING ONE OF THE TAG LIGHTS IS OUT, BUT IT ACTUALLY WORKS.
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 6, 2016
Incident date: Oct 6, 2016
I BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY, AND TODAY REALIZED THE CAR IS LEAKING FUEL, POOLING UNDER THE BACK SEAT AND SPILLING OUT UNDER THE CAR. THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WILL NOT WORK; WE TRIED 3 BULBS. THE PANEL DISPLAYS A MESSAGE STATING ONE OF THE TAG LIGHTS IS OUT, BUT IT ACTUALLY WORKS.
1 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Mar 29, 2016
Incident date: Sep 9, 2015
TAKATA RECALL. CARS WITH THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE 7TH COMPLAINER.CASE #10574681. SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITH 1 MALFUNCTION. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE WORKSHOP TO HAVE THE SCAN CODES CHECKED. THE CODE READER SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ON... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 29, 2016
Incident date: Dec 16, 2015
I OWN A A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE FOLLOWING DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR. IT HAS HAPPEN SUDDENLY OUT OF NOWHERE AFTER MY OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES OF SHOWING UP IN MY MALFUNCTION PANEL, IN WHICH I HAVE A COMPLAINT. THE SRS THEN THE ESP NOW. THEN THE FUEL SME... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 29, 2016
Incident date: Sep 9, 2015
TAKATA RECALL. CARS WITH THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE 7TH COMPLAINER.CASE #10574681. SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITH 1 MALFUNCTION. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE WORKSHOP TO HAVE THE SCAN CODES CHECKED. THE CODE READER SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ON... Read more
AIR BAGS
Mar 29, 2016
Incident date: Sep 9, 2015
TAKATA RECALL. CARS WITH THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE 7TH COMPLAINER.CASE #10574681. SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITH 1 MALFUNCTION. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE WORKSHOP TO HAVE THE SCAN CODES CHECKED. THE CODE READER SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ON... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 22, 2016
Incident date: Feb 16, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. CARS WITH THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE 7TH COMPLAINER.CASE #10574681. SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITH 1 MALFUNCTION. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE WORKSHOP TO HAVE THE SCAN CODES CHECKED. THE CODE READER SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM W... Read more
AIR BAGS
Feb 22, 2016
Incident date: Feb 16, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. CARS WITH THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE 7TH COMPLAINER.CASE #10574681. SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITH 1 MALFUNCTION. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE WORKSHOP TO HAVE THE SCAN CODES CHECKED. THE CODE READER SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM W... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 18, 2015
Incident date: Sep 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 4, 2015
Incident date: Apr 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2015
Incident date: Oct 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE FOLLOWING DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR AND THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE REAR CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT T... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 26, 2015
Incident date: Feb 17, 2015
I DON'T KNOW THAT MY CAR WAS A RECALL AND WHEN I FIRST GOT IT MY GAS GAUGE WHEN OUT AND STUFF START TO GO BAD. THE CAR PLACE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM KNEW ALL THIS STUFF AND DON'T INFORM ME AT ALL. I KNOW I BOUGHT A USED CAR BUT I WAS HOPE THEY WILL LET ME KNOW . NOW THAT MY WARRANTY UP THEY IS GIVI... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 26, 2015
Incident date: Feb 17, 2015
I DON'T KNOW THAT MY CAR WAS A RECALL AND WHEN I FIRST GOT IT MY GAS GAUGE WHEN OUT AND STUFF START TO GO BAD. THE CAR PLACE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM KNEW ALL THIS STUFF AND DON'T INFORM ME AT ALL. I KNOW I BOUGHT A USED CAR BUT I WAS HOPE THEY WILL LET ME KNOW . NOW THAT MY WARRANTY UP THEY IS GIVI... Read more
ENGINE
Oct 4, 2014
Incident date: Nov 26, 2013
DEC 2013, WITH "OUR NEW" 2003 MB C240 TRAVELING 55MPH ON CRUISE, I ACCELERATED, "POOF". MY BROTHER DRIVING BEHIND US DISAPPEARED IN A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE FROM MY EXHAUST. HE HAD TO PULL OVER, HE COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD. THE "CLOUD OF SMOKE" APPEARS EVERY TIME I USE THE CC OR MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPE... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 3, 2014
Incident date: Jan 30, 2014
I WAS ALWAYS GETTING AN ERROR MESSAGE TELLING ME MY REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN MY TRUNK, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY AND THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. CAR WOULD NOT START, TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN. CAR WAS TOTALED BY D... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 3, 2014
Incident date: Jan 30, 2014
I WAS ALWAYS GETTING AN ERROR MESSAGE TELLING ME MY REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN MY TRUNK, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY AND THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. CAR WOULD NOT START, TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN. CAR WAS TOTALED BY D... Read more
Fire
AIR BAGS
May 3, 2014
Incident date: Jan 30, 2014
I WAS ALWAYS GETTING AN ERROR MESSAGE TELLING ME MY REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN MY TRUNK, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY AND THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. CAR WOULD NOT START, TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN. CAR WAS TOTALED BY D... Read more
Fire
SEAT BELTS
Mar 25, 2014
Incident date: Jun 1, 2013
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED DEALERSHIP BOUGHT MERCEDES BENZ 2003 C-240 4-MATIC. PURCHASED WITH 41K MILES IN 2008. APPROXIMATELY 6/2013 THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON STATING 1 MALFUNCTION ON THE CLUSTER RELATING TO RESTRAINT SYSTEM. ADVISED OF NUMEROUS CASES OF THIS DEFECT IN MODEL YEAR 2003. DUE TO WARRANTY EXPIRAT... Read more
AIR BAGS
Mar 25, 2014
Incident date: Jun 1, 2013
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED DEALERSHIP BOUGHT MERCEDES BENZ 2003 C-240 4-MATIC. PURCHASED WITH 41K MILES IN 2008. APPROXIMATELY 6/2013 THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON STATING 1 MALFUNCTION ON THE CLUSTER RELATING TO RESTRAINT SYSTEM. ADVISED OF NUMEROUS CASES OF THIS DEFECT IN MODEL YEAR 2003. DUE TO WARRANTY EXPIRAT... Read more
EPA Fuel Economy — 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 23.0 | 19.0 | Premium | $4,300 |
| 2.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 24.0 | 18.0 | Premium | $4,550 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins — 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240
24 manufacturer communications from 19 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 220000 SEATS | 5 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| 100000 POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| 118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 1 |
| 021400 SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT | 1 |
| 022400 SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER | 1 |
| 020000 SUSPENSION | 1 |
LI91.18-P-077075
Dec 4, 2023
220000 SEATS
Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ??A?A? Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ??A?A? Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat bel
LI54.30-P-072145
Dec 10, 2020
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
LI54.30-P-072145
Dec 10, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
LI42.47-P-067502
Dec 9, 2020
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
LI42.47-P-067502
Dec 9, 2020
251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
LI27.50-P-071658
Sep 30, 2020
100000 POWER TRAIN
Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
LI33 30-P-056665
Aug 5, 2019
020000 SUSPENSION
Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
LI33 30-P-056665
Aug 5, 2019
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
LI91 45-P-066075
Jul 23, 2018
150000 SEAT BELTS
Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
LI32.25-P-061137
Mar 24, 2015
021400 SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
LI32.25-P-061137
Mar 24, 2015
022400 SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
LI32.25-P-061137
Mar 24, 2015
021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT
Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
LI91.10-P-059391
Jul 12, 2014
220000 SEATS
Noise from the front seats during load change.
LI91.10-P-048497
Jul 12, 2014
160000 STRUCTURE
Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest frame - backrest cover or - guide rail of head restraint. I
LI91.25-P-059380
Jul 10, 2014
220000 SEATS
Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
LI91.10-P-049799
Jul 10, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of OK components being removed. Possible Hall sensor faults or normalization faults can exist which can be elimin
LI91.10-P-048503
Jul 9, 2014
220000 SEATS
Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining
LI91.10-P-048498
Jul 9, 2014
220000 SEATS
Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame.
LI05.10-P-058758
Mar 19, 2014
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Noise: A rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx. 2-5 seconds after engine start. And/or: Fault code entries in engine control unit: SIM271DE20: P001177 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank
LI49.00-P-058448
Mar 3, 2014
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Soot particles collecting on the bumper. Most visible in the area around the tail pipes, especially on light-colored finishes
LI35.30-P-058566
Feb 25, 2014
100000 POWER TRAIN
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
C1A140101
Feb 11, 2014
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon
LI8270P055572
Aug 5, 2013
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
LI82.85-P-055695
Jul 8, 2013
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
MERCEDES-BENZ C240 — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the MERCEDES-BENZ C240 across all model years (2001–2005).
15
Total Recalls
127
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
6
Reported Crashes
9
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths