2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 Problems & Complaints

Few complaints50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C240 at the same age

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. The most reported problem area is the stability & traction control (2 complaints, typically around 107,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

8complaints
3recalls
0crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems

  • Stability & traction control~107,000 miles
    225%
  • Engine & cooling~0 miles
    225%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~140,000 miles
    225%
  • Electrical system~170,000 miles
    113%
  • Lights~0 miles
    113%
  • Air bags~29,000 miles
    113%
  • Suspension~29,000 miles
    113%
  • Body & structure~87,000 miles
    113%

Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz C240 complaints by model year

20012002200320042005813201630
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz C240. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best C240 years: 2001, 2002, 2003. Years to avoid: 2005. Compare all years →

2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 recalls (3)

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 19V-918 · Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles

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

Remedy: 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.

2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.6L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD18 / 24 / 20
2.6L 6-cyl6-speed manualRWD16 / 25 / 19

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 a good car?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 C240 rates few complaints: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C240 at the same age. It is one of the best C240 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240?

The stability & traction control — 2 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and windows, wipers & sunroof (2).

How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240, the most recent from November 19, 2024 (sun/moon roof assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz C240?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2002 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005. See the full Mercedes-Benz C240 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 107,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.