Mercedes-Benz 240 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz 240 model year from 2001–2003 using 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. No 240 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2001.

3model years
75complaints
0recalls
—worst years
2001best years

Complaints by model year

200120022003222627
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz 240. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2003271.2×—Fuel SystemAverage
200226typical—ElectricalAverage
200122−26%—AccelerationAverage

* Complaints compared with the median 240 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz 240 problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2002
    1621%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2003
    1216%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2003
    1216%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2001
    811%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2002
    811%
  • Air bagsworst: 2002
    79%
  • Body & structureworst: 2001
    68%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    68%
  • Suspensionworst: 2001
    57%
  • Other / not specified
    45%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2002
    34%
  • Seatsworst: 2001
    23%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2001
    23%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2002
    23%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2002
    23%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2003
    23%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2001
    11%
  • Steeringworst: 2001
    11%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2002
    11%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2002
    11%
  • Lightsworst: 2002
    11%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz 240 should you avoid?

None of the Mercedes-Benz 240 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz 240?

2001 has the fewest complaints compared with other 240 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz 240 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (16), engine & cooling (12) and fuel & propulsion system (12). Electrical complaints peak in the 2002 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz 240 had?

0 recalls across 2001–2003.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.