2001 Mercedes Benz C Class
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › C Class › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
14 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Battery drain, seems to come from defect in seat controller module. see 19 pages of forum: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w203-c-class/1196568-mercedes-c320-battery-drain-11.html mercedes C240 2001, but many other models and years affected. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
2001 mercedes C240. My wife was driving under normal conditions and the accelerator failed. The engine would go full throttle when in gear. She had to call a tow truck to have it towed to mechanic. He found the car computer had said the electronic accelerator was bad. A new accelerator was put in and no more problem. *Tr
- Electrical system
Mercedez benz c 240 year 2001 has many defects that required several thousands of dollars . The dealership and the manufacturer did not provide any help.*cw
- Power train › Automatic transmission
April nov 2004, I purchased a 2001 C240 mercedes from princeton mercedes in new jersey. one month after driving the car slowed down as if it would not accelerated. I had to take it back in for repair. They told they could not find a problem. However 4/19/08 I experienced the same problem of…
April nov 2004, I purchased a 2001 C240 mercedes from princeton mercedes in new jersey. one month after driving the car slowed down as if it would not accelerated. I had to take it back in for repair. They told they could not find a problem. However 4/19/08 I experienced the same problem of deceleration while driving I was told this time that it was transmission control unit. I have been researching and I believed that this was the problem 4 years ago; however they did not was to correct the problem. I want to know was there a recall for this specific transmission control unit on these types of cars. I have been in several chat rooms and there are various complaints regarding this type of problem. The car will stop in traffic or on the freeway without notice. at the time of the incident I was able to pull over to a gas station: however what would happen if there was major traffic bumper to bumper. I want this problem researched. I believed that mercedes knew about a flaw with this transmission control unit. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz C240. the contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. the dealer stated that the failure was due to a crankshaft center and thermostat issue. the crankshaft center caused the vehicle to overheat and it would not…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz C240. the contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. the dealer stated that the failure was due to a crankshaft center and thermostat issue. the crankshaft center caused the vehicle to overheat and it would not start until the engine cooled off. the dealer stated that the repair would cost $700. a diagnostic was performed, which showed that additional repairs would also be needed. the manufacturer stated that there was no warranty; therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. the failure mileage was 72,193.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Stalling in traffic caused by failure of crankshaft position sensor. *tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
The air conditioning system failed in the C-240, 2006. I called for an appointment for diagnosis, and was given a date that put the car just out of extended warranty coverage. I discovered this after the fact. I had assumed that the air conditioner just needed charging again, and would not be…
The air conditioning system failed in the C-240, 2006. I called for an appointment for diagnosis, and was given a date that put the car just out of extended warranty coverage. I discovered this after the fact. I had assumed that the air conditioner just needed charging again, and would not be covered. If I had any idea that it was going to be a $3,000.00 for repairs. I would have rushed back in december 2005 when the problem started with fogged windows.*ak
- Unknown or other
2001 C240 ceiling fabric sags. *ts the fabric in the consuemr's daughter in laws 2002 C240 also sags ans IS only being help up by the interior light***nar***
- Air bags · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Power train › Clutch assembly · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Various problems with 2001 mercedes C240. *mr the keyless entry remote failed intermittently. the windshield washer aimed too high. the fm radio reception was poor. the clutch was rubbing. the srs light illuminated on the dash.
- Exterior lighting · Service brakes, hydraulic
After leaving my 2001 clk320 mercedes at the dealership I was notified that my brake system was defective requiring pads/rotors and other related items along with the fact that every 1000 miles or so, a light bulb or something electrical will fail and I usually find the nearest dealership and get…
After leaving my 2001 clk320 mercedes at the dealership I was notified that my brake system was defective requiring pads/rotors and other related items along with the fact that every 1000 miles or so, a light bulb or something electrical will fail and I usually find the nearest dealership and get the problem fixed. The brake system (which IS not under warranty) was the last straw! We are talking about a 50,000 dollar automobile with only a little over 17,000 miles on it.
- Electrical system
Steering wheel loose and making noise when turning right or left, dealer found power steering pump leaking and was replaced. Next day engine light on,abs system fails, esp elec,stability,program fails, bas brake assist system fails, the car does not change gear and would not pick up speed…
Steering wheel loose and making noise when turning right or left, dealer found power steering pump leaking and was replaced. Next day engine light on,abs system fails, esp elec,stability,program fails, bas brake assist system fails, the car does not change gear and would not pick up speed eventhough I'm pressing hard on the gas pedal. Dealer attempted fixing the problem 4X and still there for the 5TH time. Each time they find different causes like cracked thrust arms and was replaced. Then they said there's an open circuit at the right speed censor and they replaced right rear speed sensor.another cause found crankshaft position sensor open circuit.. Ignition system replaced. *ak
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Horn · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Exterior lighting · Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Vehicle breakdowns. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle has stopped on the highway twice. Once he had it towed to the dealer and was told that it was a grounding problem. the second time he had it towed, he was told that they could not find any problem. then he begun to have problems opening the vehicle with the key, then once the vehicle was…
Vehicle has stopped on the highway twice. Once he had it towed to the dealer and was told that it was a grounding problem. the second time he had it towed, he was told that they could not find any problem. then he begun to have problems opening the vehicle with the key, then once the vehicle was open then it would not enter the ignition to start the auto. he thinks this car IS a lemon. vehicle IS a mercedes C20, 2001. ts
- Suspension · Wheels › Rim
C240 model. There IS vibration and a slapping noise while driving at speeds of 35-70 mph. the steering wheel shakes excessively as well. tires were replaced, wheel alignment was performed and camber / caster were adjusted however problem still exist. consumer was then told that his driving habits and the variable weather changes caused the problem. *tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Transmission malfunction
The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi…
The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi has subsequently received nine more complaints alleging fluid contamination of the transmission shifter since the investigation was closed, none of which report crashes or injuries.these nine complainants mainly expressed dissatisfaction with the design of the cup holder and the cost of replacing the contaminated electronic selector module.similarly, in petitioner?s case she was able to operate the vehicle to a place where it could be safety stopped after the liquid spillage.the petitioner has not provided any evidence of a safety-related defect.in view of the foregoing and the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Sudden engine shut down
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.
- 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- 10028147Mercedes: replacing the longitudinal member (left and right) below the main floor panel on all my 204 up to 12/31/07. (C300, C350, C300 4-matic, C63 ame).
- 10025642Model 203 (c) series from production 8/1/01 to 2/1/03 and model 209 (CLK) series up to production 2/1/03; esp visit workshop with fault code c1185.
- 10007612Air mass sensors.
- 627173Subject regarding popping or thumping in the speakers.
- 621570On some vehicles, upon release of the brake pedal and / or application of the accelerator pedal, there IS a 1-2 second delay until the actuator moves to the new accelerator pedal input position. This delay IS integrated in the engine management system as a safety feature and IS not subject to modification in the field.
- 616275Some vehicles may exhibit a hard to start condition (starter IS turning but engine won't start). Engine starts but will not run and / or poor engine performance.
- 616251Mercedes-benz launches tonights first course and adds an exciting appetizer to the menus of restaurants throughout the country - a test drive in an all new 2001 c-class. Guests will have the opportunity to drive the spirited new c-class and then enjoy a fabulous appetizer as the first course of their meal, compliments of mercedes-benz.
Every Mercedes Benz C Class model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.