2003 Mercedes-Benz 240 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 34.0 times the median 240 year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 13 240 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (6), electrical system (6), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
34
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other 240 years?
What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 6 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 12% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 9% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“COMPLAINT FILED WITH MERCEDES BENZ. THOSE 17-INCH WHEELS GET BENT EASILY THIS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WOBBLE. SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR FEW MONTHS AGO, I HAVE BEEN TOLD TWICE BY MERCEDEZ THAT I NEED TO CHANGE THOSE RIMS. HERE IS A COMPLAINT, WHICH I FILED WITH MERCEDES BENZ:*AK I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT…”
2003 Mercedes-Benz 240 — common questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 13 240 years. It is one of the 240 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 240 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (6 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Which Mercedes-Benz 240 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 240 years to avoid are 2002, 2003. The cleanest record among 240 years belongs to 1988.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.