2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 has 3 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
20
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-954: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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

Fix: 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.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Air Bags5
Electrical System4
Exterior Lighting2
Engine2
Tires2
Structure2
Visibility2
Seat Belts1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 126,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported Mar 28, 2024
The PRINX tires and the dealer - Mavis Tires, Auburn Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, are equally to blame for the flat I had in traffic endangering myself and other motorists with Brand New Prinx Tires, and also the skid I had at an intersection in Columbus Georgia. It's the old story of Chinese aftermarket parts that do not fit causing accidents. Prinx pushes Mavis to make sales of their 205/55/16 even though my Mercedes C240 door panel sticker shows the brands Mercedes lists for safety as in climates averaging 39 degrees and above for traction size 225/50/16 has to be placed in the rear (205 only…
Visibility · reported Oct 6, 2020
2003 mercedes benz c240. Consumer writes in regards to sunroof glass bonding safety recall. The consumer stated the roof contiuously became rusted due to a water leak.
Structure · reported May 27, 2020
As a time my vehicle needs to be renewal with california dmv , the recall part has not been available from mercedes manufacture. Mercedes benz does not provide any future time frame for the recall part that will effects on my vehicle registration renewal with dmv (It also means my renewal with dmv will be on hold and I don not have any other vehicle to drive if it happens by the time the current vehicle registration expired). I already contacted with local mercedes dealer and mercedes benz us but they can not do anything with the recall any time soon before my current registration ends. My…
Engine · reported Jul 25, 2017
Harmonic balancer /crank pulley wobbling very bad . Afraid it will come apart and cause catastrophic damage while my kids are driving. Mercedes covered this part under same engine family but only from model years 1998-2001. Would like them to take responsibility for the same faulty part as the others.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 196,000 miles · reported Nov 22, 2016
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 with similar design or the same problem. The fumes are so strong I AM afraid any spark could ignite the vapors. I really need your help! If mercedes benz acknowledged problems with my year (2003), it should include my c class unless they can establish the issues are totally unrelated in nature.…

Other Mercedes-Benz C240 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz C240 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (8 reports), followed by air bags (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 126,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.