2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags821.1%
- Engine410.5%
- Fuel system410.5%
- Seat belts37.9%
- Steering37.9%
- Suspension37.9%
- Body & structure25.3%
- Interior & seats25.3%
- Electrical25.3%
- Visibility12.6%
- Heating & air conditioning12.6%
- Driver assistance12.6%
- Other / unspecified12.6%
- Powertrain (other)12.6%
- Tires & wheels12.6%
- Transmission12.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. *TT *DT *DT CONSUMER'S FIRST CONCERN IS "WHY DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY AT THE STEERING WHEEL FROM A "RIGHT-HAND" IMPACT OF THE (T-BONE) COLLISION? UPDATED 10/10/18*JB *TR
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
"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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
RESTRAINING MAIL FUNCTION DRIVE TO WORK SHOP
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE ROOF AT THE ANTENNA. THIS CAUSES CONDENSATION TO LEAK INTO THE TRUNK. THIS IN TURN CAUSES CONDENSATION TO GO THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS REPAIRED. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SET OR AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL RESET INTERMITTENTLY. THIS CAUSES SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN THE SUN IS REFLECTING ON THE WINDSHIELD IT CAUSES A GLARE, MAKING VISIBILITY TO BE IMPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED WITH NO RESPONSE. *NM UPDATED 02/27/06. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT 45 MPH THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT HEATING ELEMENT WAS ACTIVATED. IT WAS SWITCHED ON TO ITS HIGHEST SETTING. IN APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE THE FRONT SEATBACK LEFT SIDE BOLSTER CAUGHT FIRE BURNING A DIME SIZE HOLE AND BURNING THE FLEECE VEST WORN BY THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY SLOWED TO STOP ALONG THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER AND THE DRIVER EXITED AFTER TURNING OFF THE DASH SWITCH. THE SMOLDERING STOPPED. THE SWITCH HAS SINCE REMAINED IN THE OFF POSITION AND AN APPOINTMENT WITH A MECHANIC WILL BE SCHEDULED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE ROOF AT THE ANTENNA. THIS CAUSES CONDENSATION TO LEAK INTO THE TRUNK. THIS IN TURN CAUSES CONDENSATION TO GO THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS REPAIRED. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SET OR AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL RESET INTERMITTENTLY. THIS CAUSES SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN THE SUN IS REFLECTING ON THE WINDSHIELD IT CAUSES A GLARE, MAKING VISIBILITY TO BE IMPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED WITH NO RESPONSE. *NM UPDATED 02/27/06. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT I NOTICED A HUGE BUBBLE ON THE LEFT SIDE FRONT TIRE AND RIGHT FRONT DOES NOT HOLD AIR. I DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES AND DON'T DRIVE FAST AT ALL. CONTACTED DEALER AS CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY I HAVE ONLY 4600 MILES. DEALER REFUSED TO CHANGE TIRE FOR FREE AND REFUSED TO CONSIDER TIRE DEFECTIVE. TIRES ARE VERY BAD QUALITY AND / ORE DEFECTIVE AS HAVING NEW CAR WITH 4600 MILES SHOULD NOT WEAR TIRE TO SUCH EXTEND TO HAVE BUBBLES. DEALER CLAIMED THAT BUBBLES ONLY HAPPEN WHILE CAR HITS HOLE IN THE ROAD HOWEVER SUCH A NEW TIRES SHOULD WITHSTAND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. TO HAVE BUBBLE ON THE CAR POSE DANGER TO MY LIFE AS HAVING A BRAND NEW CAR I SHOULD NOT BE INSPECTING TIRES FOR DAMAGE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID, AND AIR PRESSURE WAS DEFECTIVE ALL OF THESE DEFECTS WERE DISCOVERED BY THE DEALER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IT WOULD NOT START.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .