U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Mercedes Benz 240 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

22 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

48,541 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Structure is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 22 complaints (13.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	4	18.2%
Braking behavior	3	13.6%
Electrical and battery issues	3	13.6%
Steering behavior	3	13.6%
Fuel system concerns	1	4.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Structure

Vehicle Speed Control

Air Bags:Frontal

Electrical System

Suspension

Unknown Or Other

Air Bags:Side/Window

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

Structure: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Air Bags:Frontal: 2; Electrical System: 2; Suspension: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 11 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2008

2010

2011

2012

2013

2001: 3; 2002: 6; 2003: 1; 2004: 3; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2008: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2013: 1

Pattern summary

Structure leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10164152 · 2006-08-02 (August 2, 2006)

AT SEVERAL POINTS DURING A ROAD TRIP THIS PAST WEEKEND, MY 2001 MERCEDES C240 SUDDENLY DIED WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IN THE MONTHS LEADING UP TO THIS INCIDENCE. HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IT, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AT THAT TIME BUT NEVER TOOK ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION. IN THE LATEST INCIDENCES THIS PAST WEEK THE STALLING PUT ME IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF BEING HIT BECAUSE THEY HAPPENED ON A MOUNTAIN ROA…

Owner-reported narrative. 54,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10164152 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 744786 · 2001-05-01 (May 1, 2001)

THREE EPISODES ON UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. VEHICLE BEGINS TO STALL AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATES. DEALER STATES PROBLEM ON EARLIER VEHICLES, BUT SOLVED WITH REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP. I HAVE REPLACEMENT PUMP BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME ON THESE OCCASIONS.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 744786 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10237355 · 2008-08-07 (August 7, 2008)

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 MERCEDES C240 AT FREEWAY SPEED. THE AUTOMATIC "EASY EXIT" FEATURE SHORTED OUT CAUSING MY SEAT TO AUTOMATICALLY MOVE ALL THE WAY BACKWARDS SO THAT I COULD NO LONGER REACH MY CLUTCH, BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL. IN ADDITION TO THIS MY STEERING WHEEL MOVED ITSELF UPWARDS AS FAR AS IT COULD GO. I NEARLY WRECKED MY CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED, HOWEVER I WAS ABLE TO REACH MY BRAKE PEDAL BY SCOOTING WAY FORWARD IN THE SEAT, AND I ALSO WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE STICKSHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, AND PULL TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE D…

Owner-reported narrative. 97,850 miles reported. Look up ODI 10237355 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10477345 · 2012-09-27 (September 27, 2012)

WHILE DRIVING ON 101 FREEWAY AT FULL SPEED, THE MERCEDES SUDDENLY SELF-INITIATED CONTINUOUS BRAKE ACTION. THIS WAS UNCOMMANDED -- WITHOUT ME PRESSING THE BRAKES OR TAKING ANY OTHER ACTION. THE CONSOLE DISPLAYED AN "ESP" ERROR MESSAGE. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD COULD HAVE VERY EASILY CAUSED DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH. CAR WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALABASAS. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS ESP UNCONTROLLED AUTO-BRAKING ON FREEWAY ISSUE IS FROM THE YAW SENSOR. CALABASAS REPLACED IT TODAY -- TOTAL COST OVER…

Owner-reported narrative. 48,541 miles reported. Look up ODI 10477345 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10141839 · 2005-11-05 (November 5, 2005)

I HAVE A 2001 C-240 MERCEDES BENZ, THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT KEEP BLOWING AND I GET A MESSAGE THAT I'M USING THE SUBSTITUTE LIGHT, I TOOK IT THE REPAIR SHOP (MERCEDES BENZ) AND THEY CHANGED THE BULB, NOW THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN IN LESS THAN A YEAR. THERE IS A SHORTEST SOMEWHERE AND IT ALSO CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START ONLY AFTER A DAY OF SITTING, I HAVE TO JUMP IT TO GET IT TO START. I CALLED ROADSIDE SERVICE THE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND SAID SOMETHING IS DRAINING THE BATTERY, BUT WHEN I TAKE IT IN THE REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. A COUP…

Owner-reported narrative. 27,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10141839 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10148626 · 2006-01-04 (January 4, 2006)

2001 MERCEDES BENZ LEAKED WATER UNDER DRIVER SEAT AND BACK SEAT, ENGINE MADE A CLICKING NOISE, COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONED. *TS THE HEADLIGHTS NEVER LASTED MORE THAN 2-3 MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A HUGE EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. WHILE WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A HUGE OIL LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. HE OPENED THE HOOD, AND A SMELL OF ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE EMITTED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ENGINE RODS HAD FAILED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 6,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10148626 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10000990 · 2003-01-13 (January 13, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AS PASSENGER THE STEERING FROZE. UNABLE TO TURN WHEEL. VEHICLE PUSHED TO SAFETY OFF ROAD WITH A LOT OF EFFORT TO STEER. VEHICLE REMAINS AT DEALER # 2 IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. MILEAGE WAS OVER 30, 000 AT TIME OF FAILURE ON 11/11/02.

Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000990 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

22 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

50.0%Usable mileage11 / 22 records

81.8%Valid incident date18 / 22 records

100.0%Valid filing date22 / 22 records

81.8%Ordered incident and filing dates18 / 22 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1995	1999	2001	2002	2003
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	29.1% ODI 10141839 · 27,000 mi I HAVE A 2001 C-240 MERCEDES BENZ, THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT KEEP BLOWING AND I GET A MESSAGE THAT I'M USING THE SUBSTITUTE LIGHT, I TOOK IT THE REPAIR SHOP (MERCEDES BENZ) AND THEY CHANGED THE BULB, NOW THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN IN LESS THAN A YEAR. THERE IS A SHORTEST SOMEWHERE AND IT ALSO CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START ONLY AFTER A DAY OF SITTING, I HAVE TO JUMP IT TO GET IT TO START. I CALLED ROADSIDE SERVICE THE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND SAID SOMETHING IS DRAINING THE BATTERY, BUT WHEN I TAKE IT IN THE REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. A COUP… Look up ODI 10141839 at NHTSA ↗	519.2% ODI 10082492 (1) EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE ARE UNKNOWN. THE CAR IS BRAND NEW AND HAS ABOUT 25,000 MILES. THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS STARTING TO RAIN. (2) ON THE HIGHWAY, A BAS AND ESP MALFUNCTION ERROR OCCURRED. THE CAR THEN 10 SECS LATER SPUNG OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT THE GAURD RAIL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN THE REAR, FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. (3) CURRENTLY, THE CAR IS WORKING. NO MALFUNTION ERRORS ARE OCCURRING. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS STILL UNKNOWN. NO PARTS WERE REPAIRED OR REPLACED THAT DEAL WITH THE BAS AND ESP SYSTEM IN T… Look up ODI 10082492 at NHTSA ↗	414.8% ODI 10049480 · 17,001 mi WARNING LIGHT STATING ESP-BAS THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE FIRST THE CAR WAS 2 MONTHS OLD AS A NEW CAR AND THE DEALER FOUND CORROTED WIRES.*AK Look up ODI 10049480 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	313.6% ODI 10499803 · 135,000 mi THE PROBLEM OCCURRED INITIALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF A DRIVE. THE VEHICLE PERFORMED FINE BUT WHEN IT REACHED 40MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CAR STARTS UP IT IMMEDIATELY THROTTLE UP TO ABOUT 5000 RPM REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR. WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE THE CAR ACCELERATES AT ALL SPEEDS ENDLESSLY. HOWEVER WHEN THE BRAKE IS PRESSED THE ACCELERATING STOPS, BUT UPON ITS RELEASE THE CAR IMMEDIATELY THROTTLES UP AGAIN. THE ACCELERATION PEDAL DOES NOT JAM AND THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE NO RESPONSE TO I… Look up ODI 10499803 at NHTSA ↗	311.5% ODI 10191974 · 34,075 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ 240. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 2 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE DROVE OVER THE CURB THROUGH A NINE FOOT HIGH FENCE, SPED DOWN A THREE FOOT EMBANKMENT, DROVE ACROSS AN ABANDONED RAIL ROAD TRACK, AND INTO A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. SHE THEN CRASHED INTO A POST WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE PARAMEDIC AND POLICE WERE CALLED. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND SUNNY. A SEPARATE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON APRIL 8, 2007. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT 2 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. … Look up ODI 10191974 at NHTSA ↗	13.7% ODI 10030972 · 2,320 mi PIN CHEN, MY FATHER, WAS MAKING A SLOW U-TURN ON A SMALL STREET ABOUT 11 FEET WIDE (VICKIE STREET IN CERRITOS) ON JULY 29, 2003. WHILE HE WAS SLOWLY MARKING A U-TURN, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO THE CURB. I CONTACTED THE MERCEDES ROADSIDE ASSISTANT AND A MECHANIC, CHRIS FROM HOUSE OF IMPORT BUNEA PARK, CAME TO SCENE AND CHANGED THE FLAT TIRE. PIN CHEN DESCRIBED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED TO CHRIS. CHRIS RECOMMENDED HIM TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER CHECKUP. PIN DROVE THE CAR BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL DEALERS… Look up ODI 10030972 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.8% ODI 10290261 · 190,000 mi INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) MY MERCEDES C240 (VIN: [XXX]) BURNED UP ITS FUEL PUMP WIRING, AND THE DEALER THAT REPAIRED IT, SAYS THEY HAVE SEEN THIS MANY TIMES BEFORE . I REPLACED A FAULTY FUEL PUMP AS DIAGNOSED BY MY MECHANIC. CAR STILL DID NOT WORK SO I HAD THE CAR SENT TO DEALER (EURO MOTORCARS OF GERMANTOWN MD [phone removed]). DEALER SAID THE WIRES TO FUEL PUMP MELTED AND CHARGED $460 TO REPAIR THEM (NOT A SIMPLE EFFORT I WAS TOLD). THE DEALER SAYS THIS NOT UNCOMMON, BUT IT… Look up ODI 10290261 at NHTSA ↗	414.8% ODI 10341093 · 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 Look up ODI 10341093 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	311.5% ODI 10175658 · 60,100 mi 1. FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. 2. TRANSMISSIONS WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. MY FAMILY (4 MONTH BABY AND WIFE) WERE LEFT STRANDED ON THE ROADWAY. 3. MERCEDES-BENZ CANNOT CORRECTLY FIX THE PROBLEM. UNKNOWN CAUSE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS WITHOUT A SOLUTION IN SIGHT. *NM Look up ODI 10175658 at NHTSA ↗	27.4% ODI 10181548 · 2,000 mi CAR HESITATES AT LOW SPEED WHEN ACCELERATING. *JB Look up ODI 10181548 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	29.1% ODI 10054420 · 24,000 mi ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHEN ACCELERATING. 3 OCCURRENCES IN 10 MONTHS. LOSES ALL POWER AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. ALMOST REAR-ENDED. DEALERSHIP SAID IT INSTALLED MISMATCHED SPARK PLUGS BUT APPEARS TO BE FALSE. *CB Look up ODI 10054420 at NHTSA ↗	13.8% ODI 10048979 I HAVE HAD A STRING OF PROBLEMS EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2002 MERCEDES C240. I HAVE HAD THE PANIC ALARM FAIL IN A PARKING LOT (FORTUNATELY I HAD PEPPER SPRAY), I HAVE HAD MY SEAT RETRACT ALL THE WAY BACK AND GET STUCK (I HAVE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER WITH PILLOWS AND BLANKETS BEHIND ME) AND HAVE HAD TO TURN OFF THAT CAR FEATURE SO IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN! MY KEY STOPPED UNLOCKING MY DOOR DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE KEY SO I WAS HAVING TO LEAVE MY DOORS UNLOCKED. MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FOR DOORS, SUNROOF, ETC. COMES UNSYNCED ABOUT ONCE EVERY OTHER … Look up ODI 10048979 at NHTSA ↗	13.7% ODI 10042175 SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND SAFETY HAZARD IN 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240.MR THE VEHICLE FULL SIZE SPARE IS MOUNTED ON A WHEEL OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL THAN THE WHEEL IN THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE SPARE TIRE WAS MOUNTED WITH THE BOLTS REMOVED FROM THE TIRE BEING REPLACED, SEVERE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE WHEEL AND RIM. THE TIRE SPECIFICATIONS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL INDICATED THAT DIFFERENT RIMS WERE USED FOR THE MOUNTED TIRES AND SPARE IN THE US, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT DIFFERENT BOLTS WERE REQUIRED. NLM Look up ODI 10042175 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 10308098 · 120,000 mi THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. WE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER WE COASTED TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, WE WERE 1 HOUR INTO A 3 HR ROAD TRIP. A MERCEDES BENZ CERTIFIED MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG I.E., NO FAULT CODES APPEARED WHEN THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS RUN. THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED 2 HRS INTO ANOTHER 4 HR. ROAD TRIP AND AGAIN ON THE LOCAL HIGHWAY AFTER 1/2 HR OF DRIVING. EACH TIME WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN RESTART THE CAR. AFTER EACH … Look up ODI 10308098 at NHTSA ↗	13.8% ODI 10075851 PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE SURGING AND STALLING. *MR THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED VAPOR LOCK. THE FUEL IN THE FUEL LINES TO THE ENGINE VAPORIZED DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND OR SURGE. MERCEDES CLAIMED THAT THE FUEL IN MINNESOTA WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY DIE, INTERMITTENTLY RESTART AND STALL AGAIN. ACCIDENTS HAD ALMOST BEEN CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. ANOTHER SERVICE DEALER FOUND A CODE FOR MISFIRE… Look up ODI 10075851 at NHTSA ↗	27.4% ODI 10273612 · 37,011 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ 240. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR TURNING, THE NOISE WORSENED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND CONVERTER; HOWEVER, THE NOISE CONTINUED. LATER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP. SHE BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THESE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,011 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,673. UPDATED… Look up ODI 10273612 at NHTSA ↗
Structure	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	313.6% ODI 10074074 WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ODOMETER. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AK THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE DISPLAY. (CLOCK) THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TO GET HER WINDOWS TINTED. SC *JB Look up ODI 10074074 at NHTSA ↗	13.8% ODI 10023709 · 2,145 mi I HAVE HAD MY C230 COUPE IN THE SHOP AT ED POTTER MERCEDES COLUMBUS, OH SEVERAL TIMES. FOUR WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR THE WHEELS WERE SO OUT OF ALIGNMENT THAT THE CARS JUMPED LANES, REPEATEDLY I WAS ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THE TERRIBLE 'PULL' EVEN WITH MR. POTTER IN THE CAR - NEVER COULD THEY FIX IT. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE STRUT WAS REPLACED, I HAD TO BUY NEW TIRES ($1,277) AFTER 20K MILES, RIGHT NOW IT'S IN THE SHOP, THE SEAL AROUND THE ROOF HAS TO BE REPLACED, THE FRONT SWAY BARS WERE REPLACED, THE RUBBER BUSHINGS ARE BEING RE… Look up ODI 10023709 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	27.7% ODI 10002676 · 8,000 mi DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY - FRONT END COLLISION AT A SPEED OF BETWEEN 40 AND 45 MILES PER HOUR. CAR HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE TOTALLED. Look up ODI 10002676 at NHTSA ↗	13.7% ODI 10278565 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 Look up ODI 10278565 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Structure	Too few reports for a range	52,125 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10148626 · 6,400 mi 2001 MERCEDES BENZ LEAKED WATER UNDER DRIVER SEAT AND BACK SEAT, ENGINE MADE A CLICKING NOISE, COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONED. TS THE HEADLIGHTS NEVER LASTED MORE THAN 2-3 MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A HUGE EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. WHILE WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A HUGE OIL LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. HE OPENED THE HOOD, AND A SMELL OF ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE EMITTED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ENGINE RODS HAD FAILED. JB Look up ODI 10148626 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10237355 · 97,850 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 MERCEDES C240 AT FREEWAY SPEED. THE AUTOMATIC "EASY EXIT" FEATURE SHORTED OUT CAUSING MY SEAT TO AUTOMATICALLY MOVE ALL THE WAY BACKWARDS SO THAT I COULD NO LONGER REACH MY CLUTCH, BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL. IN ADDITION TO THIS MY STEERING WHEEL MOVED ITSELF UPWARDS AS FAR AS IT COULD GO. I NEARLY WRECKED MY CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED, HOWEVER I WAS ABLE TO REACH MY BRAKE PEDAL BY SCOOTING WAY FORWARD IN THE SEAT, AND I ALSO WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE STICKSHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, AND PULL TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE D… Look up ODI 10237355 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	135,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10499803 · 135,000 mi THE PROBLEM OCCURRED INITIALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF A DRIVE. THE VEHICLE PERFORMED FINE BUT WHEN IT REACHED 40MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CAR STARTS UP IT IMMEDIATELY THROTTLE UP TO ABOUT 5000 RPM REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR. WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE THE CAR ACCELERATES AT ALL SPEEDS ENDLESSLY. HOWEVER WHEN THE BRAKE IS PRESSED THE ACCELERATING STOPS, BUT UPON ITS RELEASE THE CAR IMMEDIATELY THROTTLES UP AGAIN. THE ACCELERATION PEDAL DOES NOT JAM AND THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE NO RESPONSE TO I… Look up ODI 10499803 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	40,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10141839 · 27,000 mi I HAVE A 2001 C-240 MERCEDES BENZ, THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT KEEP BLOWING AND I GET A MESSAGE THAT I'M USING THE SUBSTITUTE LIGHT, I TOOK IT THE REPAIR SHOP (MERCEDES BENZ) AND THEY CHANGED THE BULB, NOW THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN IN LESS THAN A YEAR. THERE IS A SHORTEST SOMEWHERE AND IT ALSO CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START ONLY AFTER A DAY OF SITTING, I HAVE TO JUMP IT TO GET IT TO START. I CALLED ROADSIDE SERVICE THE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND SAID SOMETHING IS DRAINING THE BATTERY, BUT WHEN I TAKE IT IN THE REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. A COUP… Look up ODI 10141839 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10164152 · 54,000 mi AT SEVERAL POINTS DURING A ROAD TRIP THIS PAST WEEKEND, MY 2001 MERCEDES C240 SUDDENLY DIED WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IN THE MONTHS LEADING UP TO THIS INCIDENCE. HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IT, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AT THAT TIME BUT NEVER TOOK ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION. IN THE LATEST INCIDENCES THIS PAST WEEK THE STALLING PUT ME IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF BEING HIT BECAUSE THEY HAPPENED ON A MOUNTAIN ROA… Look up ODI 10164152 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	74,510 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10404414 · 74,510 mi I HAVE HAD TWO COIL SPRINGS, FRONT AND REAR, BREAK ON THIS CAR WITHIN 4 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A CORROSION PROBLEM, WHICH I DO NOT BELIEVE. THE MB SHOP REPLACED THE OLD SUSPENSION PARTS WITH NEW PARTS FOR ALL FOUR WHEELS. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR CONSEQUENCES AS THE COIL BROKE AT THE END WHERE IT SITS WITHIN THE CUP. IF IT BROKE IN THE MIDDLE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I BELIEVE THERE MAY BE A TEMPERING PROBLEM WITH SPRINGS, WHICH WOULD BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I HAVE THE OLD PARTS IF SOMEONE WISHES TO E… Look up ODI 10404414 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	12,080 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10054420 · 24,000 mi ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHEN ACCELERATING. 3 OCCURRENCES IN 10 MONTHS. LOSES ALL POWER AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. ALMOST REAR-ENDED. DEALERSHIP SAID IT INSTALLED MISMATCHED SPARK PLUGS BUT APPEARS TO BE FALSE. CB Look up ODI 10054420 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10059417 · 160 mi ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) FAILED TO ENGAGE, WHICH AFFECTED VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION. DEALER SUGGESTED TO PLACE TWO 50 POUND BAGS DUE TO SNOW TIRES WAS THE CAUSE, BUT DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. (NAR) LA *CB Look up ODI 10059417 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2002: 14 complaints · 2003: 10 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2002	7	11	14
2003	6	10	10

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2002	21	2	3
2003	24	2	1

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Structure	Vehicle Speed Control	Air Bags:Frontal	Electrical System	Suspension	Unknown Or Other	Air Bags:Side/Window	Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
Structure	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 8014591 VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WITH NO WARNING. WHILE AT DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC REPLACED BATTERY, FUEL INJECTORS, AND FUEL RELATED COMPONENTS , AND SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL PARTS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF FAILURE. CURRENTLY VEHICLE WAS SURGING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 8014591 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	0	0	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 8015517 WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM FRONT AND SIDE IN A COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT.CONTACTED DEALER.*AK Look up ODI 8015517 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Air Bags:Side/Window	0	0	1 ODI 8015517 WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM FRONT AND SIDE IN A COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT.CONTACTED DEALER.*AK Look up ODI 8015517 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	0	1 ODI 8014591 VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WITH NO WARNING. WHILE AT DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC REPLACED BATTERY, FUEL INJECTORS, AND FUEL RELATED COMPONENTS , AND SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL PARTS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF FAILURE. CURRENTLY VEHICLE WAS SURGING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 8014591 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 18.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10164152 · 54,000 mi

Look up ODI 10164152 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 744786

Look up ODI 744786 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 755949

REPEATED EPISODES OF ALMOST STALLING FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *AK

Look up ODI 755949 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 97,850 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10237355 · 97,850 mi

Look up ODI 10237355 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 24,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10054420 · 24,000 mi

ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHEN ACCELERATING. 3 OCCURRENCES IN 10 MONTHS. LOSES ALL POWER AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. ALMOST REAR-ENDED. DEALERSHIP SAID IT INSTALLED MISMATCHED SPARK PLUGS BUT APPEARS TO BE FALSE. *CB

Look up ODI 10054420 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b