2003 Mercedes-Benz 240 problems & reliability
27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | 22% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 19% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 19% |
| Power Train | 4 | 15% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 7% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 7% |
| Suspension | 2 | 7% |
| Wheels | 2 | 7% |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 4% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 14 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz c240. While driving approximately 5 mph, the contact attempted to make a turn and suddenly the front driver's side of the vehicle collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the three wheel assembly bolts fractured. The parts were…”
Suspension · filed Mar 28, 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”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Mar 17, 2012
“Right front axle assembly fell apart. We had just got off of I-90 when I pulled into mcdonald's and the front wheel disengaged as the axle completely fell apart. *tr”
Suspension · filed Aug 31, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
3 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Mercedes: airbag durability and reliability. Air bag srs control module (n2/2) does not have a set shelf life and will normally be reliable for the life of a vehicle. With 164, 216 221, 251 and newer, the airbag control…
SB-91-60-193 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 11, 2010
Model 240; head lamps/ fog lamps fogged. *pe
PMAYB 8210610 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 4, 2008
Srs lamp illuminated and dtc 9021 and/or 9027 stored. *tt
9160111 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 27, 2006
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.