Menu

2003 Mercedes-Benz C240Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 10%Owner complaints202 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage134kFuel/propulsion system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 has problems

20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel/propulsion system81
Air bags51
Electrical system42
Tires20
Visibility20
Exterior lighting22
Engine20
Structure20
Seat belts10
1 other systems10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

10%repaired · 2026 Q3

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles · 3,406 repaired

Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

34%repaired · 2025 Q4

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles · 45,331 repaired

Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

24%repaired · 2026 Q1

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 19V-918 · Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles · 177,202 repaired

Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other C240 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C240 median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What C240 owners report

Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10927575 · Nov 22, 2016 · 196,000 miles
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.
Complaint 10914366 · Oct 6, 2016 · 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…
Complaint 10852305 · Mar 29, 2016 · 168,000 miles

Own a 2003 C240?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.