2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 Problems
- Complaints
- 16filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.6L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 5 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system (3) and visibility (3). 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 50 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown5 31%
- Electrical system3 19%
- Air bags2 13%
- Brakes2 13%
- Engine cooling2 13%
- Fuel system2 13%
- Seat belts2 13%
- Seats2 13%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (2), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “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 milesElectrical system: “After driving 1 mile from home, the air conditioned system suddenly shut off and smoke started to come out from the driver's vent into the cabin. I left the car uninjured and called 911. Firemen came 10 minutes later and I could see flames coming through the left vent. The driver's side of the dashboard melted completely, the windshield cracked, and my insurer declared the car a total loss. I'm glad there was no personal injury, though the incident was really scary. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629406, filed 2014-08, 36,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “2004 mercedes C240 with sunroof and overhead control panel. Customer states that after the car was supposed to be repaired the vehicle acquired other problems along with a loose seat that moves while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10204872, filed 2007-09Air bags: “The srs and numerous other malfunctions come on. The headlights and dash lights along with the blinkers are turn on and off by themselves. At first turning the car off the malfunctions went away only to come back a few minutes later. I find this to be very dangerous since the air bags, seat-belts wont work in a accident. Along with if lights go out while driving at night. This problem has happened to me twice before after paying thousand to have it fixed it reappears after a year. I have researched and it seems that everyone is having this same problem due to faulty wire and sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #10513704, filed 2013-05, 80,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
22% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 62,000 and 130,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-Class · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C240 RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C240 RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C240 (Wagon) RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C240 (Wagon) RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| C240 4matic 4WD/AWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C240 4matic (Wagon) 4WD/AWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| C240 FFV RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,100 |
| C240 FFV (Wagon) RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C240 2001–2005, E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007 +20 more
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.
- 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C240 2001–2005, C230 2002–2007, CLS550 2006–2011 +18 more
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.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C240 2001–2005, E320 2003–2009, C320 2001–2005 +21 more
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…
Recall details for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 50 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029025Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz C240
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 30 | 66,780 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 16 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2003 | 20 | 114,500 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2002 | 13 | 117,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 8 | 97,200 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz C240 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 have?
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 5 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system with 3.
Has the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 (C240, 2.6L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 62,000 and 130,000 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.