2003 Mercedes Benz 240 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Fuel System, Gasoline (4) · Electrical System (3) · Wheels:rim (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz 240 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (3)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Air Bags 2010-06-11 · SB-91-60-193 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes: 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 cont
Exterior Lighting:headlights 2008-02-04 · PMAYB 8210610 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
model 240; head lamps/ fog lamps fogged. *pe
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/Control Module-Inactive 2006-04-27 · 9160111 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
srs lamp illuminated and dtc 9021 and/or 9027 stored. *tt
What owners report
2012-03-28 · Suspension · 163,000 mi“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 …”
2012-03-17 · Power Train · 100,000 mi“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…”
2010-08-31 · Suspension:front · 108,782 mi“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…”
2010-07-02 · 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…”
2010-07-02 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 70,684 mi“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…”
2010-07-02 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 78,132 mi“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 i…”
2010-07-02 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 74,239 mi“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…”
2010-07-02 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 70,992 mi“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…”
2009-12-17 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 14,649 mi · 🔥 fire“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…”
2009-07-28 · 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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.