Mercedes-Benz C240 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Mercedes-Benz C240 (2001–2005) that have at least 5 complaints. 2005 has the most, with 30. Across all years, the part named most often is air bags (17 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All C240 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 30 | 66,780 | 3 | 59 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 16 | 80,000 | 3 | 50 | — | Falling |
| 2003 | 20 | 114,500 | 3 | 40 | — | Falling |
| 2002 | 13 | 117,000 | 3 | 41 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 8 | 97,200 | 3 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Air bags17 20%
- Fuel system14 17%
- Electrical system14 17%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)12 14%
- Seat belts7 8.4%
- Other or unknown7 8.4%
- Body and structure6 7.2%
- Seats6 7.2%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2001: “The panoramic sunroof on my 2001 mercedes benz C240 shattered or exploded while I was driving at a highway speed of 55 MPH. It sounded like a gunshot and the glass was shattered over the passenger and rear seats. No one was sitting in those seats fortunately. Mercedes dealer says there is no recall or warranty for this safety issue to date. I will have to pay out of pocket $1500.”
NHTSA complaint #11399816, filed 2021-03, 87,400 miles2004: “The door handle on the driver's side in the front broke off. I had to pay through the nose to get if fixed. It was like plastic. I am 5 1 and weigh under 130 pounds. I am not strong enough to break it and I also have ra. I never slam a door in anger. I really like my car but wonder if the rest of it will fall apart. I was in the garage. I have the broken piece.”
NHTSA complaint #10970797, filed 2017-04, 42,000 miles2005: “The electronic engine/gearbox protection switched off the engine while the car is on the move in a highway. The incidence happen twice in 2011 and 2012. Fortunately, I was able to pull over on the shoulder and restart the engine without any adverse incidence. But, the potential for catastrophic injury as a result of sudden loss of engine power in a highway concerns me.”
NHTSA complaint #10745651, filed 2015-08, 73,560 milesOther Mercedes-Benz models
3,963 complaintsMercedes-Benz E350
2,215 complaintsMercedes-Benz E320
1,164 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML350
952 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLK350
901 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML320
740 complaintsMercedes-Benz C250
725 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLC 300
657 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology