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2001 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class is electrical system. Its complaint count is close to a typical C Class model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
72/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
8
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
19-20mpg

The worst 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Transmission malfunctionOpened November 7, 2005, closed March 27, 2006

The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi has subsequently received nine more complaints alleging fluid contamination of the transmission shifter since the investigation was closed, none of which report crashes or injuries.these nine complainants mainly expressed dissatisfaction with the design of the cup holder and the cost of replacing the contaminated electronic selector module.similarly, in petitioner?s case she was able to operate the vehicle to a place where it could be safety stopped after the liquid spillage.the petitioner has not provided any evidence of a safety-related defect.in view of the foregoing and the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied.

DP05007

Sudden engine shut downOpened September 25, 2001, closed February 4, 2002

SQ01010

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class 8

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

2001 Mercedes Benz C Class fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.6L 6‑cylRWD16-1824-2519-20

What 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 20, 2010 · Electrical · 93,100 miles · CA

Battery drain, seems to come from defect in seat controller module. See 19 pages of forum: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w203-c-class/1196568-mercedes-c320-battery-drain-11.html mercedes c240 2001, but many other models and years affected.

Filed Jul 7, 2010 · Acceleration · FL

2001 mercedes c240. My wife was driving under normal conditions and the accelerator failed. The engine would go full throttle when in gear. She had to call a tow truck to have it towed to mechanic. He found the car computer had said the electronic accelerator was bad. A new accelerator was put in and no more problem.

Filed Jan 28, 2010 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · NC

Mercedez benz c 240 year 2001 has many defects that required several thousands of dollars . The dealership and the manufacturer did not provide any help.

Filed Apr 20, 2009 · Transmission · 11,400 miles · TX

April nov 2004, I purchased a 2001 c240 mercedes from princeton mercedes in new jersey. One month after driving the car slowed down as if it would not accelerated. I had to take it back in for repair. They told they could not find a problem. However 4/19/08 I experienced the same problem of deceleration while driving I was told this time that it was transmission control unit. I have been researching and I believed that this was the problem 4 years ago; however they did not was to correct the problem. I want to know was there a recall for this specific transmission control unit on these types of cars. I have been in several chat rooms and there are various complaints regarding this type of problem. The car will stop in traffic or on the freeway without notice. At the time of the incident I was able to pull over to a gas station: however what would happen if there was major traffic bumper to bumper. I want this problem researched. I believed that mercedes knew about a flaw with this transmission control unit.

Filed Apr 15, 2009 · Engine · 72,193 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz c240. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the failure was due to a crankshaft center and thermostat issue. The crankshaft center caused the vehicle to overheat and it would not start until the engine cooled off. The dealer stated that the repair would cost $700. A diagnostic was performed, which showed that additional repairs would also be needed. The manufacturer stated that there was no warranty; therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 72,193.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MD

Stalling in traffic caused by failure of crankshaft position sensor.

Filed May 16, 2007 · 75,000 miles · WA

The air conditioning system failed in the c-240, 2006. I called for an appointment for diagnosis, and was given a date that put the car just out of extended warranty coverage. I discovered this after the fact. I had assumed that the air conditioner just needed charging again, and would not be covered. If I had any idea that it was going to be a $3,000.00 for repairs. I would have rushed back in december 2005 when the problem started with fogged windows.

Filed May 23, 2006 · FL

2001 c240 ceiling fabric sags. *ts the fabric in the consuemr's daughter in laws 2002 c240 also sags ans is only being help up by the interior light***nar***

Filed May 11, 2004 · Airbags, Transmission · 10,168 miles · NJ

Various problems with 2001 mercedes c240. *mr the keyless entry remote failed intermittently. The windshield washer aimed too high. The fm radio reception was poor. The clutch was rubbing. The SRS light illuminated on the dash.

Filed Mar 29, 2004 · Electrical · 31,384 miles · CA

Steering wheel loose and making noise when turning right or left, dealer found power steering pump leaking and was replaced. Next day engine light on,ABS system fails, esp elec,stability,program fails, bas brake assist system fails, the car does not change gear and would not pick up speed eventhough I'm pressing hard on the gas pedal. Dealer attempted fixing the problem 4x and still there for the 5th time. Each time they find different causes like cracked thrust arms and was replaced. Then they said there's an open circuit at the right speed censor and they replaced right rear speed sensor.another cause found crankshaft position sensor open circuit.. Ignition system replaced.

Compare the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class

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Questions about the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class

Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class, close to a typical C Class model year.

What is the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class year score?

The 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz C Class: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class?

Electrical system, with 4 complaints. Next is engine (3).

How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Mercedes Benz C Class have the most electrical problems?

The Mercedes Benz C Class model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (45 complaints) and 1994 (10 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Mercedes Benz C Class range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.6L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16-18 city and 24-25 highway.

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