2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 40%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240, 40% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10914366, filed 2016-10, 134,000 miles“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 smell. I seem to notice it more when I would idle heating up the car in the winter, then when I just turn it on and drive. I notice it at stop lights as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852305, filed 2016-03, 168,000 miles“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 classes with similar design or the same problem. The fumes are so strong I am afraid any spark could ignite the vapors. I really need your help! If mercedes benz acknowledged problems with my year (2003), it should include my c class unless they can establish the issues are totally unrelated in nature. …”
NHTSA complaint #10927575, filed 2016-11, 196,000 miles“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 giving the run always . What should about it . So when I go put gas in my car I don't know how much gas it is in my car because my gas read and meter in the car don't work and also have a short in it.”
NHTSA complaint #10702064, filed 2015-03“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10723410, filed 2015-06, 102,000 milesFuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology