2005 Mercedes Benz C240

Routine

Owners filed 30 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags8
202
Suspension2
000
Steering2
000
Seats2
010
Seat Belts2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Engine2
000
Unknown or Other1
100
Tires › Sidewall1
000
Suspension › Rear › Springs1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly24V874000
Filed Nov 19, 202433,456 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

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.

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly22V954000
Filed Dec 23, 2022131,653 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

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.

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly19V918000
Filed Dec 20, 2019747,928 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

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

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Other/I Am Not Sure
Filed Sep 27, 2025CA

Just recently while driving with my front windows opened on my Mercedes 2005 C 320, I heard a Big thump on the passenger side of vehicle. At first, I thought it was a bird that flew in to Car. So, stopped and parked by the side of road to discover that the Passenger Head Rest on passenger side just broke off for NO REASON! I complained to local Mercedes Dealership in Palm Springs, CA. and they told me there was No RECALL and nothing they could do. This is upsetting because it cannot get fixed and I would have to phone Mercedes back East for old parts that match. Please help me.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 23, 2021FL

The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240. The contact stated that rainwater had entered the vehicle through the sunroof and damaged the computer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility) after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 2, 2018MA

"TAKATA RECALL" THE CAR HAS A GAS SMELL ESPECIALLY WHEN WE TURN THE HEATERS ON/ IT IS VERY STRONG FUMES & THE WINDOWS HAVE TO BE ROLLED DOWN WHEN DRIVING/ HAS A GAS LEAK

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 7, 201827,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF HER SPOUSE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT AN ENTRANCE TO A FUEL STATION, A MOTORCYCLIST DRIVING 40 MPH T-BONED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CRASH DAMAGED THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND PART OF THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG AND FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY AND AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE EMITTED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO GAG AND HAVE SHORTNESS OF BREATH. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SUFFERED FROM FLUID TO THE LUNGS AND CUTS ON HIS ARMS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER ALSO RETAINED FLUID TO THE LUNGS AND HAD TO HAVE A PLEUREX CATHETER CERVICAL IMPLANT IN ORDER TO DRAIN THE FLUID ON A DAILY BASIS. THE DRIVER OF THE MOTORCYCLE ALSO SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO AN IMPOUND LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE THEY DECLINED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO BROOKS MOTOR CARS (9829 BIGGE ST, OAKLAND, CA 94603); HOWEVER, THE DEALER DECLINED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO TWO OTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND ESTIMATES WERE COMPLETED, BUT THE REPAIRS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM TK HOLDINGS REGARDING THE TAKATA AIR BAGS. T

Steering
Filed May 21, 2018149,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN MOVED UP AND DOWN AS WELL AS VIBRATED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (CAR CITY IN LOUISA, KY) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. *TT

Air Bags
Filed Jan 30, 2018144,503 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHARLESTON (5 DUDLEY FARMS LANE, CHARLESTON, WV) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,503.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 22, 201722,000 milesCA

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 VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND RECOVERED FROM A SALVAGE YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2017100,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE AIR BAG ACTUATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 6, 2017180,000 milesTX

A MODERATE GAS SMELL COMES FROM DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL. HESITATION UPON START UP. THE RESULT IS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL PUMP THAT CAUSES A LEAK THROUGH CRACK LINES IN THE FUEL PUMP. THE SMELL OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY AND ON THE STREET WHICH THE FUEL SMELL IS ALSO APPARENT INSIDE THE CABIN.

Seats
Filed Feb 3, 2017MA

WHEN USING MY CAR SEAT HEAT IT BURNED A BIG HOLE IN MY SEAT AND MELTED MY JACKET. I'M AFRAID I CAN'T USE MY CAR SEAT HEAT ANY SO NO FIRE WILL HAPPEN

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 20, 2016130,000 milesMA

RESTRAINING MAIL FUNCTION DRIVE TO WORK SHOP

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 6, 201620,000 milesMD

THE GEAR SHIFT DOES NOT STAY MOUNTED IN THE CAR. IT CONSTANTLY COMES OUT OF THE BOARD. IT COMES UP WHEN I AM CHANGING GEARS.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Mar 2, 2016TX

GFDGFDG FG DGF

Air Bags
Filed Feb 23, 201695,632 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT BELT CONNECTION FAILED AND DISABLED THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,632.

Suspension
Filed Oct 5, 2015163,000 milesNY

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.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 2, 201573,560 milesMN

THE ELECTRONIC WARNING SIGN FOR UNLOCKED SEAT BELT COMES ON WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING, INCLUDING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAYS. UNLOCKING AND RE-LOCKING THE SEAT-BELT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING ON AND OFF FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY APPROPRIATELY IN CASE AN ACCIDENT/COLLISION.

Engine
Filed Aug 2, 201573,560 milesMN

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 INJURY AS A RESULT OF SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IN A HIGHWAY CONCERNS ME.

Suspension
Filed Sep 11, 2014MA

THE BACK COIL SPRING BROKE AT THE SAME TIME FEW MONTHS AGO ON THE SAME SPOTE THE POWER TRAIN DRIVE ACTING UP. THE SECTION WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND BLINKER IS MOUNTED ON IS LOSE THE WHOLE SECTION BUT MERCEDES SAID THEY COULDN'T MAKE SCREWED CLOSER TOGETHER STEERING GEARBOX). *TR

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Nov 21, 201374,000 milesSD

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 MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 18, 201358,995 milesCO

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WE HAD JUST LEFT HOME ABOUT TWO MINUTES BEFORE. WITH EXTREME DIFFICULTY IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, WE DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE, ONCE HAVING JUST REVERSED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND THEN DRIVING FORWARD OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT VERY SLOW SPEED AND THEN AGAIN WHEN REVERSING OUT OF THE GARAGE. AT OTHER TIMES, WHEN FIRST STARTING UP THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND TURNING THE KEY, THERE HAS BEEN NO IGNITION INITIALLY. *TR

20 of 30 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20071000Routine
2005 — this page30320Routine
200416320Routine
200320310Routine
200213300Routine
20018300Routine

Compare every C240 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 19, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.