Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz C240 complaints by model year
Best C240 years: 2001, 2002, 2003. Years to avoid: 2005. Compare all years →
2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 recalls (3)
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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
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
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.
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
I own a a 2003 Mercedes Benz C240. The following day after the vehicle was refueled, there was a strong fuel odor. It has happen suddenly out of nowhere after my other electrical failures of showing up in my malfunction panel, in which I have a complaint. The SRS then the ESP now. Then the fuel smell. I seem to notice it more when I would idle heating up the car in the winter, then when I just turn it on and drive. I notice it at stop lights as well. If there is any recall on any Mercedes that has something to do with this or any issue, it should fall across the line of other years and models as well. Safety is the issue and quality is why we choose a certain make.
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. Thank you for your assistance.
Air bags
Takata recall. Cars with this issue should be part of the recall. I have same exact problem as the 7th complainer.case #10574681. SRS light came on with 1 malfunction. The restraint system. I took it to the workshop to have the scan codes checked. The code reader said that there is a problem with one of the airbags. The mechanic thinks that the airbags are disabled. But the owners manual says there is a possibility that an airbag could go off while driving. I just read that Mercedes included 814000 vehicles in the recall. My car is not included. I think that this car might not be safe to drive. Would you please help out and have an investigation. Thanks in advance.
Takata recall. Cars with this issue should be part of the recall. I have same exact problem as the 7th complainer.case #10574681. SRS light came on with 1 malfunction. The restraint system. I took it to the workshop to have the scan codes checked. The code reader said that there is a problem with one of the airbags. The mechanic thinks that the airbags are disabled. But the owners manual says there is a possibility that an airbag could go off while driving. I just read that Mercedes included 814000 vehicles in the recall. My car is not included. I think that this car might not be safe to drive. Would you please help out and have an investigation. Thanks in advance. (this I copies and pasted from a recent consumer) I didn't think anything about checking on my Mercedes until I got a recall letter from BMW 2 days ago and thought wow. I need to check no the Benz. …
Electrical system
Takata recall. Cars with this issue should be part of the recall. I have same exact problem as the 7th complainer.case #10574681. SRS light came on with 1 malfunction. The restraint system. I took it to the workshop to have the scan codes checked. The code reader said that there is a problem with one of the airbags. The mechanic thinks that the airbags are disabled. But the owners manual says there is a possibility that an airbag could go off while driving. I just read that Mercedes included 814000 vehicles in the recall. My car is not included. I think that this car might not be safe to drive. Would you please help out and have an investigation. Thanks in advance.
I bought the car yesterday, and today realized the car is leaking fuel, pooling under the back seat and spilling out under the car. The passenger headlight will not work; we tried 3 bulbs. The panel displays a message stating one of the tag lights is out, but it actually works.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 2.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240?
The fuel & propulsion system — 8 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (5) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 126,000 miles; 0% 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.