repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2004 Mercedes-Benz C240Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 has problems
16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Power train
2Seat belts
2Seats1 crash/fire/injury
2Service brakes, hydraulic
2Air bags
2Engine and engine cooling
54 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2004 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2004 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN USING THE SEAT HEATER. FIRE PROTRUDED THROUGH THE SIDE SEAT PANEL AND BURNED DRIVER AND CLOTHING. THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES ON A CITY STREET AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. PORTIONS OF THE SEAT MELTED.
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…
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…
Own a 2004 C240?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.