2003 Mercedes Benz C240
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 8 |
| 2002 | 13 |
| 2003 | 20 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 30 |
| 2007 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 20 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
INJURY5 of 20 total reports mention: air bags.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140503
4 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140503
2 of 20 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20240328
THE BACK SIDE OF THE TIRES CRACK OPEN AROUND THE RIM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180603
2 of 20 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140503
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 19V918000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V954000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercedes Benz C240 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz C240 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes Benz C240?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz C240 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.