2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Recalls

No recalls on record Updated July 2026

No NHTSA recalls on record for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2
AIR BAGS
1
1crashes1injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
1
SEAT BELTS
1
1crashes1injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1
Total complaints12

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz c240. The contact stated the coolant was leaking from the radiator into the transmission. The dealer was contacted and informed her that she had to flush the radiator and the transmission or replace the torque converter. If the failure was not repaired by…”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · reported 2011-06-08

“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz c240. The contact stated while driving 15 mph the vehicle in front of him suddenly stopped causing him to crash into the rear of the vehicle. The passenger seat belt did not hold the passenger in the front seat which caused her head to hit the windshield.…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2009-07-28

“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz c240. The contact stated while driving 15 mph the vehicle in front of him suddenly stopped causing him to crash into the rear of the vehicle. The passenger seat belt did not hold the passenger in the front seat which caused her head to hit the windshield.…”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2009-07-28

“2003 mercedes c240 stalls immediately after prolonged turnpike travel ( 1.5 hours) at exit ramp to an arterial roadway. This increases rearend accident potential. Mercedes checked vehicle but no report codes indicated. Suggested that it may be computer of sensor related. Mercedes suggested pulling…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2008-12-17

“2003 mercedes c240 stalls immediately after prolonged turnpike travel ( 1.5 hours) at exit ramp to an arterial roadway. This increases rearend accident potential. Mercedes checked vehicle but no report codes indicated. Suggested that it may be computer of sensor related. Mercedes suggested pulling…”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM · reported 2008-12-17

“My 2003 c240 mercedes pilot bushing is experiencing heavy oil leak - there is a current re-call on same issue with other models. The dealer I use to service my care, refuse to repair because they said my model is not included in the re-call. 2nd issue - my driver side door handle is broken because…”

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER · reported 2008-11-01

“I own a 2003 mercedes c240 station wagon with about 42000 miles, a few days ago I observed some messages on dash which seem to indicate alternator problem. My vehicle has not been heavily used and I am surprised to learn that a new alternator may be needed, this because a friend with c class sedan…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR · reported 2007-08-01

“While driving with a/c set on "auto" the a/c system would suddenly turn off by itself and would turn of repeatedly when started again. During such episodes the a/c would act erratic with fans turning on and off at different outlets, cycles between heating and cooling, and makes hissing sounds.…”

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER · reported 2006-09-18
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.