2003 Mercedes Benz 240
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › 240 › 2003
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Owner complaints
27 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz C240. While driving approximately 5 mph, the contact attempted to make a turn and suddenly the front driver's side of the vehicle collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the three wheel assembly bolts fractured.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz C240. While driving approximately 5 mph, the contact attempted to make a turn and suddenly the front driver's side of the vehicle collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the three wheel assembly bolts fractured. The parts were ordered and the contact was advised that the vehicle would be repaired when the parts became available. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer regarding the malfunction. The failure mileage was 163,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
After purchasing car in 2007 used with 60K miles, taking vehicle in for all scheduled maintenance, driivng only 40K over 4 years,the vehecle needed a new transmission. *tr
- Suspension › Front
Right front axle assembly fell apart. We had just got off of I-90 when I pulled into mcdonald's and the front wheel disengaged as the axle completely fell apart. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Door
The driver and passenger side door handles on the inside broke on my 2003 mercedes-benz C240 4matic when I simply went to the open the door. I had to super glue them back on so I could get out of the car. It IS not covered under the warranty because it IS considered "cosmetic" damage. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
My 2003 mercedes-benz C240 4matic was brought to the dealer for a 4TH time on 7/8/09 for inoperable fuel gauge (fuel tank stayed on empty even though there was gas in the tank). This time the technician at the dealer contacted the mercedes-benz technical assistance center (tac) in germany to obtain…
My 2003 mercedes-benz C240 4matic was brought to the dealer for a 4TH time on 7/8/09 for inoperable fuel gauge (fuel tank stayed on empty even though there was gas in the tank). This time the technician at the dealer contacted the mercedes-benz technical assistance center (tac) in germany to obtain password for special coding regarding fuel gauge in cluster and program. This problem IS still on-going and to-date has not been resolved. (See additional complaints with other dates). *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
My 2003 mercedes-benz C240 4matic was brought to the dealer for a 3RD time on 1/27/09 for inoperable fuel gauge (fuel tank stayed on empty even though there was gas in the tank). This time the dealer performed coding to the instrument cluster - 67A glittle (see additional complaints with other dates). *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
My 2003 mercedes-benz C240 4matic was brought to the dealer for a 2ND time on 10/06/08 (2ND time problem reported) for inoperable fuel gauge (fuel tank stayed on empty even though there was gas in the tank). This time the programming was changed in the instrument cluster (see additional complaints with other dates). *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
My 2003 mercedes-benz C240 4matic was brought to the dealer on 9/23/08 (1ST time of problem reported) for inoperable fuel gauge (fuel tank stayed on empty even though there was gas in the tank). The auxiliary pump, mounting plate, and seal ring were replaced (see other complaints with list of additional dates). *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes C240. While driving 75 mph on a freeway he heard banging noises coming from the engine and then he saw smoke. after he pulled over he saw flames coming from underneath of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted. When they arrived the entire front-end…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes C240. While driving 75 mph on a freeway he heard banging noises coming from the engine and then he saw smoke. after he pulled over he saw flames coming from underneath of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted. When they arrived the entire front-end of the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The dealer was contacted and they stated that they will put n the claim and that they will give him a call back. When they called back they stated that they were not interested in inspecting the vehicle due to the year and mileage of the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 14649.
- Air bags
2003 C240 mercedes benz has a default causing my airbag and carhorn not to work was told that clockspring part IS no good which their cars are known to go bad I'm currently driving a car that IS not safe have no airbag to protect me if I have an accident I feel that mercedes should replace the prob. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz 240. the contact heard a loud clanking noise coming from underneath the rear of the vehicle. while driving 40 mph or turning, the noise worsened. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the radiator and converter; however, the noise…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz 240. the contact heard a loud clanking noise coming from underneath the rear of the vehicle. while driving 40 mph or turning, the noise worsened. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the radiator and converter; however, the noise continued. later, the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the water pump. she believes that a recall should be issued for these failures. the failure mileage was 37,011 and current mileage was 48,673. updated 062909 *bf the consumer stated the left and right water pump failed on different occassons.fluid was leaking into the radiator mixing with the anti-freeze which was causing the noise. Updated 07/01/09.*jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz C-240. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle does not engage into gear. the gear displays that the vehicle IS in third gear, but it feels as if it IS in neutral. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they determined that the radiator was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz C-240. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle does not engage into gear. the gear displays that the vehicle IS in third gear, but it feels as if it IS in neutral. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they determined that the radiator was leaking fluid into the transmission line. the vehicle IS in the process of being repaired at the cost of $1,300. the manufacturer stated that they will honor whatever the dealer declares to be the cause of the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 89,500.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Car hesitates at low speed when accelerating. *Jb
- Electrical system
I have purchased two vehicles from stadium auto, inc. @ 800 north watson rd. Arlington, texas 76011 (817) 640-1400. One being a 2005 volkswagen passat, which resulted in a crack motor 7 days later (per the volkswagen service tech that serviced the vehicle the car was involved in a bad collision.…
I have purchased two vehicles from stadium auto, inc. @ 800 north watson rd. Arlington, texas 76011 (817) 640-1400. One being a 2005 volkswagen passat, which resulted in a crack motor 7 days later (per the volkswagen service tech that serviced the vehicle the car was involved in a bad collision. Stadium auto apologized and switched me out of the volkswagen contract into a 2003 mercedes-benz 240 (what an upgrade) but for the same price. The mercedes has been in the service shop of park place motorcars @ 6113 lemon ave. Dallas, texas 75209 214-526-8701 due to my suspensions of how the car drives and sounds. The complaints are as follows: june 08, 2006 problem - license plate bulb burnt out - replaced horn inoperable fuse element - replaced june 22, 2006 problem - engine idles rough at times no determination loud ticking noise stabilizer bar repaired d r&r sway bar links. Also, vehicle courtesy inspection everything checked out except the suspension/steering. july 01, 2006 problem -thumping type noise from engine area installed purge clip/clamp. In addition, motor cars courtesy inspection performed. october 03, 2006 engine light on/car will not start at times replaced the crank sensor. october 15, 2006 engine failure need a short block- replaced . The warranty company way called and it was decided that they would pay. Now after the repairs have been done the warranty company refuse to pay full amount due only will pay . Car warranties direct, llc states that the mercedes dealer park place IS charging too much. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2003 mercedes benz c240's brakes pulsated while stopping. Upon inspection mechanic determined the brake discs had surface pitting and needed to be replaced. *Kb the disc could not be machined because they lacked he metal backing to permit resurfacing. the consumer has the disc in his possession. *nm
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Dt*: the contact stated the fuel tank gauge intermittently indicated an empty tank without warning while driving various speeds. no dash panel warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who replaced the fuel tank gauges. additionally, the dash panel instrument cluster was…
Dt*: the contact stated the fuel tank gauge intermittently indicated an empty tank without warning while driving various speeds. no dash panel warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who replaced the fuel tank gauges. additionally, the dash panel instrument cluster was replaced in regards to the fuel gauge. afterwards, the problem persisted, and the vehicle IS currently awaiting further inspection by the dealer.
- Wheels › Rim
Poorly designed tire/rim. *Jb
- Electrical system
Vehicle without any warning stalled in the middle of the road, and noticed all warning lights were on. dealer claims it was a broken wire? lucky did not happened on freeway while driving 70 mph. *ak
- Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems · Wheels › Rim
Complaint filed with mercedes benz. Those 17-inch wheels get bent easily this causing the vehicle to wobble. Since I bought the car few months ago, I have been told twice by mercedez that I need to change those rims. Here IS a complaint, which I filed with mercedes benz:*ak I have to tell you…
Complaint filed with mercedes benz. Those 17-inch wheels get bent easily this causing the vehicle to wobble. Since I bought the car few months ago, I have been told twice by mercedez that I need to change those rims. Here IS a complaint, which I filed with mercedes benz:*ak I have to tell you that I have been terribly disappointed with the mercedes car which I bought a few months ago. Ever since I bought it, I have been told that I have to change my tire rims twice as they have been bent. When I tried to make additional enquiries, I am told that these cars which come with the 17 inch rims are susceptible to get bent easily. I have been advised to change my rims (all 4 wheels) as an option to avoid my problems. It IS extremely, extremely frustrating, that I was not sufficiently advised of the issues relating to these 17-inch rims when I bought this car.*ak I have driven a 10-year old mazda prior to this, and have never once faced this situation while driving on the roads of nj. And when I enquired about as to why a $30 k mercedes, should give me such problems, I have been redirected between the sales and service managers at the morristown mercedes benz dealership. I have already spent $500 about three months ago, to change a damaged rim and tire, and now, I am being told that I need to spend an additional $500 to change another rim and realign the wheels. if 17-inch wheels are not deemed suitable for the roads of nj, then you should stop selling them in nj. To my best knowledge, other than the normal irregularities which I drive through on the roads, I am not aware of any specific potholes which I have run into. I seek your sincere guidance and time in advising me what my options are. My car IS currently sitting in the service centre of the morristown mercedes benz centre. yours, in exasperation, frustrated customer. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Noise from engine area , was told that the engine mount was cracked.*ak
- Electrical system
Warning light stating esp-bas this IS the second time the first the car was 2 months old as a new car and the dealer found corroted wires.*ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle experienced brake problems, electrical issues, and catalytic converter. Vehicle was in an accident resulting in $7500.00 dollars in damages. Mercedes wanted to give the owner a new vehicle but wanted $4000.00 dollars in exchange because of time owned. *ph there was a grinding noise upon…
Vehicle experienced brake problems, electrical issues, and catalytic converter. Vehicle was in an accident resulting in $7500.00 dollars in damages. Mercedes wanted to give the owner a new vehicle but wanted $4000.00 dollars in exchange because of time owned. *ph there was a grinding noise upon braking, the vehicle would surged forward when stopping, the rear brake lamplight was defective, hesitation upon acceleration, the sun roof did not close and would not close properly, and there was a vibration when braking. *sc *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
When trying to stop vehicle experienced extended stopping distance which caused a rear end collision. Upon impact, both front air bags did not deploy. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Consumer stated while driving at 55 mph and with no warning vehicle stalled, causing consumer to pull off the road. *Ak
- Unknown or other
Serious design flaw and safety hazard in 2003 mercedes benz c240.*mr the vehicle full size spare IS mounted on a wheel of a different material than the wheel in the vehicle. when the spare tire was mounted with the bolts removed from the tire being replaced, severe damage occurred to the wheel…
Serious design flaw and safety hazard in 2003 mercedes benz c240.*mr the vehicle full size spare IS mounted on a wheel of a different material than the wheel in the vehicle. when the spare tire was mounted with the bolts removed from the tire being replaced, severe damage occurred to the wheel and rim. the tire specifications in the owners manual indicated that different rims were used for the mounted tires and spare in the us, but there was no warning that different bolts were required. *nlm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10034306Mercedes: airbag durability and reliability. Air bag srs control module (N2/2) does not have a set shelf life and will normally be reliable for the life of a vehicle. With 164, 216 221, 251 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset five times. With modes 202, 210 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset three times. Earlier models would have to have their airbag control unit and triggered restrain components changed only after an accident. No models or model years listed.
- 10025644Model 240; head lamps/ fog lamps fogged.
- 10019907Srs lamp illuminated and dtc 9021 and/or 9027 stored.
Every Mercedes Benz 240 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.