VehicleVerdict

2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median C240 year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 6 C240 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (8), engine (4), and fuel system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

39

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other C240 years?

C240 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted39 complaints2001: 11 complaints2002: 16 complaints2003: 29 complaints2004: 31 complaints2005: 39 complaints2007: 1 complaints
C240 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C240 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags821%
Fuel System410%
Engine410%
Suspension38%
Seat Belts38%
Seats38%
Steering38%
Electrical System25%
Other25%
Transmission25%
Body & Structure25%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Speed Control13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 2005 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 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS STRUCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BY A MOTORCYCLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER, STEERING WHEEL, AND REAR PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT INJURED HIS RIGHT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 22, 2017 · crash

“THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE/GEARBOX PROTECTION SWITCHED OFF THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR IS ON THE MOVE IN A HIGHWAY. THE INCIDENCE HAPPEN TWICE IN 2011 AND 2012. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER AND RESTART THE ENGINE WITHOUT ANY ADVERSE INCIDENCE. BUT, THE POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 2013

“THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE/GEARBOX PROTECTION SWITCHED OFF THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR IS ON THE MOVE IN A HIGHWAY. THE INCIDENCE HAPPEN TWICE IN 2011 AND 2012. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER AND RESTART THE ENGINE WITHOUT ANY ADVERSE INCIDENCE. BUT, THE POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2013

“THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE IS ADHERED TO THE FRAME VIA FOUR BOLTS. ON THE LEFT ONE OF THOSE BOLTS BROKE OFF DUE TO METAL FATIGUE. THAT MEANS THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE IS HELD ON BY THREE BOLTS. A SERIOUS SAFTEY HAZARD BECAUSE IF ONE MORE GAVE WHILE DRIVING IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 2, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMITTED FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHILE THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE SEAT AND FOUND THE SEAT TO BE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · November 10, 2013 · fire

2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 — common questions

Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 6 C240 years. It is one of the C240 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 C240 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (8 complaints), engine (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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.