2001 Mercedes Benz C240
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › C240 › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercedes Benz C240. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 Mercedes Benz C240. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
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 visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Owner complaints
8 complaints1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility
The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240. The contact stated that he was made aware of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 191V18000 (Visibility) after the vehicle was taken through inspection. Additionally, the contact stated that the sliding roof failed to close as designed. As a result, the contact had…
The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240. The contact stated that he was made aware of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 191V18000 (Visibility) after the vehicle was taken through inspection. Additionally, the contact stated that the sliding roof failed to close as designed. As a result, the contact had to remotely open and close the sliding sunroof repeatedly until properly closed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was denied the recall repair however, the contact stated that the vehicle had not been inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 140,000.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz C240. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz C240. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *bf consumer stated whenever sunroof IS open noise could be heard.*jb
- Engine
My 2001 mercedes-benz C240 engine cooling or suction fan runs constantly at high speed nonstop at startup until vehicle IS turned off. Vehicle was inspected by dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit / module (ecu / ecm) or cooling / suction fan was bad and needed replacement. I…
My 2001 mercedes-benz C240 engine cooling or suction fan runs constantly at high speed nonstop at startup until vehicle IS turned off. Vehicle was inspected by dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit / module (ecu / ecm) or cooling / suction fan was bad and needed replacement. I replaced the ecu 5 times and the cooling / suction fan once relying on dealer's diagnoses. My C240 would work for a while but the fan would malfunction again running constantly at high speed. I notified mercedes benz USA of multiple fan malfunctions and the dealer's inability to fix the problem. I was told to find another dealership if problem reoccurred. the problem reoccurred 4 months later which I took C240 to another dealership for repairs. this other dealership diagnosed that the ecu was bad and found a 2004 technical service bulletin (tsb) p-b-20.40/26a that addresses the specific issue with my vehicle. tsb states problem may be caused by the wiring harness between the ecu and engine fan or the engine control unit fan end stage malfunctioning. There maybe a code p2073 (004). The adapter wiring harness part number IS A209 540 56 35. The vehicle was repaired according to the tsb which says to check wire continuity, replace ecu, and install harness adapter only. My fan was also replaced although tsb did not state to replace fan. No additional test was performed to show that fan was bad. It was replaced to warrant the ecu. Mercedes-benz USA says my C240 IS not covered by tsb p-b-20.40//26a or p-b-20.40/33 and no other tsb exist that specifically address this same issue for my vehicle. I have found many C240 and c-class (W203) owners' complaints about the exact same problem beyond the models mentioned in the above 2 tsbs. Mercedes benz IS concealing that tsbs exist to address same issue with C240 and other W203 vehicles or it was aware of problem from consumer complaints.
- Air bags · Suspension
In december 2017, I was driving along a city street when the driver's front airbag suddenly deployed. my car was well-maintained, with mileage of 28,520. it appears the suspension (lower ball joint) on the right side failed, causing the right front tire to blow out and causing damage to the left…
In december 2017, I was driving along a city street when the driver's front airbag suddenly deployed. my car was well-maintained, with mileage of 28,520. it appears the suspension (lower ball joint) on the right side failed, causing the right front tire to blow out and causing damage to the left front tire as well. there was no collision, yet the airbag deployed with an extremely loud bang that seriously damaged my hearing, perhaps permanently. an online search indicates that mercedes has had problems with airbags deploying unnecessarily, but I have never received notice of a recall.*js
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Exterior lighting
Esp light, instrument cluster fading, acceleration sensor and multiple leaks in the engine, power steering, axel seal, spark plugs valve leaks, oil leaks, trans bell. the car was brought in for an esp light that turns on once the car IS in motion, a burning smell that comes through the car.…
Esp light, instrument cluster fading, acceleration sensor and multiple leaks in the engine, power steering, axel seal, spark plugs valve leaks, oil leaks, trans bell. the car was brought in for an esp light that turns on once the car IS in motion, a burning smell that comes through the car. multiple leaks discovered and the cluster lighting also fades out once the car has been running for a while making the readings unreadable. benzel and busch generated a diagnostic that discovered many problems with the car. mbusa was also notified of the concerns with the esp light, the fading of the instruments and the multiple leaks for a car that has less than 55K and has had all proper maintenance done. they refused to consider although other vehicles same year and model had had recalls for some of these items.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Normal driving conditions, then vehicle automatically slams on brakes (sometimes all 4 wheels, sometimes only 1 wheel--which causes vehicle to yaw). at first, this problem would only occur after driving for about 40 minutes. Now it can happen up to 3 minutes after starting vehicle. on 1…
Normal driving conditions, then vehicle automatically slams on brakes (sometimes all 4 wheels, sometimes only 1 wheel--which causes vehicle to yaw). at first, this problem would only occur after driving for about 40 minutes. Now it can happen up to 3 minutes after starting vehicle. on 1 occasion system caused the wheels to skid for about one second, which made me lose traction. problem happens only when vehicle IS in motion. independent of whether on highway or in a turn.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz c 240. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, the brake lights illuminated and excessive force was required in order to accelerate. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz c 240. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, the brake lights illuminated and excessive force was required in order to accelerate. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the esp control needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
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.
- 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or 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 impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186135If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10167563The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
- 10166994Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
- 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
- 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
- 10166095Noise from the front seats during load change.
- 10166087The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of OK components being removed. Possible Hall sensor faults or normalization faults can exist which can be eliminated without replacing the control unit.
- 10166085Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining
- 10166082Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame.
- 10166081Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest frame - backrest cover or - guide rail of head restraint. If the backrest frame is exposed as a result, the actions must always be performed in order to avoid follow-up repairs.
- 10164810Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10135599Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
Every Mercedes Benz C240 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.