VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 sits mid-pack among C240 years: 31 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 22, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (5), visibility & wipers (5), and brakes (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

31

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other C240 years?

C240 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted39 complaints2001: 11 complaints2002: 16 complaints2003: 29 complaints2004: 31 complaints2005: 39 complaints2007: 1 complaints
C240 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C240 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers516%
Other516%
Electrical System310%
Brakes310%
Engine26%
Latches & Locks26%
Airbags26%
Seat Belts26%
Seats26%
Fuel System26%
Transmission26%
Suspension13%

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

Defect

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

Consequence

A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 18, 2020

“AFTER DRIVING 1 MILE FROM HOME, THE AIR CONDITIONED SYSTEM SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE DRIVER'S VENT INTO THE CABIN. I LEFT THE CAR UNINJURED AND CALLED 911. FIREMEN CAME 10 MINUTES LATER AND I COULD SEE FLAMES COMING THROUGH THE LEFT VENT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 27, 2014 · fire

“PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN USING THE SEAT HEATER. FIRE PROTRUDED THROUGH THE SIDE SEAT PANEL AND BURNED DRIVER AND CLOTHING. THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES ON A CITY STREET AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. PORTIONS OF THE SEAT MELTED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 11, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SINK INTO THE FLOOR CREATING AN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. THE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 13, 2014

“ I WAS DRIVING TO WORK FROM PARKVILLE TO BALTIMORE CITY AND MY CAR BEGAN AGGRESSIVELY JERKING. I DROVE MY CAR ON FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH THE TUNNEL AND THE JERKING WAS NOT AS AGGRESSIVE. I DROVE HOME ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON FROM WORK AND I COULD TELL THAT SOMETHING WAS STILL JERKING BUT CONTINUOUSLY.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 21, 2015

2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 reliable?

It is close to typical for the C240: 31 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 C240 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz C240 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C240 years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among C240 years belongs to 2007.

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.