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U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes Benz 240 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

27 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

37,011 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 19 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 27 complaints (14.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns518.5%
Engine operation311.1%
Transmission and shifting27.4%
Braking behavior27.4%
Electrical and battery issues13.7%
Steering behavior13.7%

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.

Electrical System
4
Fuel System, Gasoline
4
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Power Train
2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2
Wheels:Rim
2
Air Bags
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Power Train2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Wheels:Rim2
Air Bags1

Electrical System: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Power Train: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 2; Wheels:Rim: 2; Air Bags: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
8
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0008
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 2

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 8 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.

2002
1
2003
5
2004
5
2006
3
2007
1
2009
4
2010
6
2012
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20021
20035
20045
20063
20071
20094
20106
20122

2002: 1; 2003: 5; 2004: 5; 2006: 3; 2007: 1; 2009: 4; 2010: 6; 2012: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 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 10159716 · 2006-06-13 (June 13, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY INDICATED AN EMPTY TANK WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. NO DASH PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FUEL TANK GAUGES. ADDITIONALLY, THE DASH PANEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED IN REGARDS TO THE FUEL GAUGE. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION BY THE DEALER.

Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10159716 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10341093 · 2010-07-02 (July 2, 2010)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 70,684 miles reported. Look up ODI 10341093 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10043969 · 2003-10-15 (October 15, 2003)

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10043969 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10067583 · 2004-04-21 (April 21, 2004)

VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A BROKEN WIRE? LUCKY DID NOT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 10,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10067583 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10269085 · 2009-05-18 (May 18, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C-240. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE INTO GEAR. THE GEAR DISPLAYS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN THIRD GEAR, BUT IT FEELS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION LINE. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $1,300. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WILL HONOR WHATEVER THE DEALER DECLARES TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE M…

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10269085 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10452045 · 2012-03-17 (March 17, 2012)

AFTER PURCHASING CAR IN 2007 USED WITH 60K MILES, TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, DRIIVNG ONLY 40K OVER 4 YEARS,THE VEHECLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10452045 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10050113 · 2004-01-16 (January 16, 2004)

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN $7500.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. MERCEDES WANTED TO GIVE THE OWNER A NEW VEHICLE BUT WANTED $4000.00 DOLLARS IN EXCHANGE BECAUSE OF TIME OWNED. *PH THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE UPON BRAKING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGED FORWARD WHEN STOPPING, THE REAR BRAKE LAMPLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE, HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION, THE SUN ROOF DID NOT CLOSE AND WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, AND THERE WAS A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. *SC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 10,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10050113 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10169063 · 2006-09-12 (September 12, 2006)

2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240'S BRAKES PULSATED WHILE STOPPING. UPON INSPECTION MECHANIC DETERMINED THE BRAKE DISCS HAD SURFACE PITTING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *KB THE DISC COULD NOT BE MACHINED BECAUSE THEY LACKED HE METAL BACKING TO PERMIT RESURFACING. THE CONSUMER HAS THE DISC IN HIS POSSESSION. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10169063 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10173952 · 2006-11-21 (November 21, 2006)

I HAVE PURCHASED TWO VEHICLES FROM STADIUM AUTO, INC. @ 800 NORTH WATSON RD. ARLINGTON, TEXAS 7601[phone removed]. ONE BEING A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, WHICH RESULTED IN A CRACK MOTOR 7 DAYS LATER (PER THE VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE TECH THAT SERVICED THE VEHICLE THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A BAD COLLISION. STADIUM AUTO APOLOGIZED AND SWITCHED ME OUT OF THE VOLKSWAGEN CONTRACT INTO A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ 240 (WHAT AN UPGRADE) BUT FOR THE SAME PRICE. THE MERCEDES HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE SHOP OF PARK PLACE MOTORCARS @ 6113 LEMON AVE. DALLAS, TEXAS 75209 [phone …

Owner-reported narrative. 540,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10173952 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

70.4%Usable mileage19 / 27 records
92.6%Valid incident date25 / 27 records
100.0%Valid filing date27 / 27 records
92.6%Ordered incident and filing dates25 / 27 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19951999200120022003
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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range13,751 mi4 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10050113 · 10,200 mi

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN $7500.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. MERCEDES WANTED TO GIVE THE OWNER A NEW VEHICLE BUT WANTED $4000.00 DOLLARS IN EXCHANGE BECAUSE OF TIME OWNED. *PH THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE UPON BRAKING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGED FORWARD WHEN STOPPING, THE REAR BRAKE LAMPLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE, HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION, THE SUN ROOF DID NOT CLOSE AND WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, AND THERE WAS A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10050113 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10067583 · 10,500 mi

VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A BROKEN WIRE? LUCKY DID NOT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. *AK

Look up ODI 10067583 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range72,616 mi4 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10341094 · 70,992 mi

MY 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 4MATIC WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR A 2ND TIME ON 10/06/08 (2ND TIME PROBLEM REPORTED) FOR INOPERABLE FUEL GAUGE (FUEL TANK STAYED ON EMPTY EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS GAS IN THE TANK). THIS TIME THE PROGRAMMING WAS CHANGED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (SEE ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS WITH OTHER DATES). *TR

Look up ODI 10341094 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10341098 · 74,239 mi

MY 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 4MATIC WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR A 3RD TIME ON 1/27/09 FOR INOPERABLE FUEL GAUGE (FUEL TANK STAYED ON EMPTY EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS GAS IN THE TANK). THIS TIME THE DEALER PERFORMED CODING TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - 67A GLITTLE (SEE ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS WITH OTHER DATES). *TR

Look up ODI 10341098 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range68,506 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10452045 · 100,000 mi

AFTER PURCHASING CAR IN 2007 USED WITH 60K MILES, TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, DRIIVNG ONLY 40K OVER 4 YEARS,THE VEHECLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

Look up ODI 10452045 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range51,160 mi2 (sparse)
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…

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ODI 10452045 · 100,000 mi

AFTER PURCHASING CAR IN 2007 USED WITH 60K MILES, TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, DRIIVNG ONLY 40K OVER 4 YEARS,THE VEHECLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

Look up ODI 10452045 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range45,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10181548 · 2,000 mi

CAR HESITATES AT LOW SPEED WHEN ACCELERATING. *JB

Look up ODI 10181548 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10269085 · 89,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C-240. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE INTO GEAR. THE GEAR DISPLAYS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN THIRD GEAR, BUT IT FEELS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION LINE. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $1,300. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WILL HONOR WHATEVER THE DEALER DECLARES TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE M…

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Service Brakes, HydraulicToo few reports for a range10,200 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10050113 · 10,200 mi

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN $7500.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. MERCEDES WANTED TO GIVE THE OWNER A NEW VEHICLE BUT WANTED $4000.00 DOLLARS IN EXCHANGE BECAUSE OF TIME OWNED. *PH THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE UPON BRAKING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGED FORWARD WHEN STOPPING, THE REAR BRAKE LAMPLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE, HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION, THE SUN ROOF DID NOT CLOSE AND WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, AND THERE WAS A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10050113 at NHTSA ↗

Wheels:RimToo few reports for a range10 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10078891 · 10 mi

POORLY DESIGNED TIRE/RIM. *JB

Look up ODI 10078891 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 214 reports

2002: 14 complaints · 2003: 10 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
200271114
200361010
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20022123
20032421

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
ComponentElectrical SystemFuel System, GasolineEngine And Engine CoolingPower TrainPower Train:Automatic TransmissionService Brakes, HydraulicWheels:RimAir Bags
Electrical System—0000
1
ODI 10050113 · 10,200 mi

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN $7500.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. MERCEDES WANTED TO GIVE THE OWNER A NEW VEHICLE BUT WANTED $4000.00 DOLLARS IN EXCHANGE BECAUSE OF TIME OWNED. *PH THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE UPON BRAKING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGED FORWARD WHEN STOPPING, THE REAR BRAKE LAMPLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE, HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION, THE SUN ROOF DID NOT CLOSE AND WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, AND THERE WAS A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10050113 at NHTSA ↗

00
Fuel System, Gasoline0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling00—
1
ODI 10452045 · 100,000 mi

AFTER PURCHASING CAR IN 2007 USED WITH 60K MILES, TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, DRIIVNG ONLY 40K OVER 4 YEARS,THE VEHECLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

Look up ODI 10452045 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Power Train00
1
ODI 10452045 · 100,000 mi

AFTER PURCHASING CAR IN 2007 USED WITH 60K MILES, TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, DRIIVNG ONLY 40K OVER 4 YEARS,THE VEHECLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

Look up ODI 10452045 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission0000—000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1
ODI 10050113 · 10,200 mi

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN $7500.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. MERCEDES WANTED TO GIVE THE OWNER A NEW VEHICLE BUT WANTED $4000.00 DOLLARS IN EXCHANGE BECAUSE OF TIME OWNED. *PH THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE UPON BRAKING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGED FORWARD WHEN STOPPING, THE REAR BRAKE LAMPLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE, HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION, THE SUN ROOF DID NOT CLOSE AND WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, AND THERE WAS A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10050113 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Wheels:Rim000000—0
Air Bags0000000—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 10,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10043969

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. *AK

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ODI 10067583 · 10,500 mi

VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A BROKEN WIRE? LUCKY DID NOT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. *AK

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ODI 768896

AFTER BRINGING TO THE ATTENTION OF MERCEDES BENZ OF TAMPA A PROBLEM/CONCERN WITH HESITATION ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASE OF MY C240, I WAS TOLD TO START THE CAR OUT IN SECOND OR THIRD GEAR. APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF WEEKS LATER MY ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, AS A RESULT THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. I THEN IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER COULD NOT FIND A CODE/PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHANGED OUT THE FUEL PUMPS IN THE CAR AFTER STATI…

Look up ODI 768896 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 17,001 mi (3 usable records).

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

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ODI 10067583 · 10,500 mi

VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A BROKEN WIRE? LUCKY DID NOT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. *AK

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ODI 10159716 · 30,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY INDICATED AN EMPTY TANK WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. NO DASH PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FUEL TANK GAUGES. ADDITIONALLY, THE DASH PANEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED IN REGARDS TO THE FUEL GAUGE. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION BY THE DEALER.

Look up ODI 10159716 at NHTSA ↗

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