2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 184 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 23 C-Class model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 8 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 10 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
184 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Oct 21, 2025
The rear subframe rusted out and failed at the driver side trailing arm mount. It is available for inspection. My pregnant wife was driving it when it failed, luckily it failed an 1/8th mile from our house on a 25mph back road. The problem with these subframes has been well documented in later models and the subject of a class action lawsuit. Nobody has inspected it. There were no symptoms prior to the failure.
Structure, Jan 28, 2025
Recall ID: 24V874 on Sliding Roof Bonding was issued. Mercedes-Benz of Nashville was not able to open the Roof and asked for $219.88 to determine cause of sunroof being inoperative. Recall letter stated that: "vehicle repair will be provided at no cost to you" "If dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge.. you may submit a complaint to the NHTSA.." Hence I am submitting this complaint that my sliding roof was not checked nor repaired.
Suspension, Sep 5, 2024
Suddenly started driving badly on the highway. It would swerve side to side after hitting a bump. The rear sits about two inches lower than the front. My trusty independent mechanic said I should check the rear subframe and refrain from driving the car. KBB lists a safety recall for this issue, stating that the rear subframe wasn't sufficiently rustproofed. Mercedes and NHTSA do not list this recall, and my local dealer says the repair will cost around $3,000. May have to scrap the car with 81,000 miles on it.
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2024
Battery drains after being parked overnight, 58,000 miles, dealer maintained since new. Driven by a little old lady until I bought it. Took it to the dealer and they replaced one of the seat modules. Soon afterward, the problem recurred. Took it back to the dealer and they said it was a defective fuse box and replaced it for $650. Went to pick up the car and the battery was dead again. After some complaining, they refunded the bill. They looked at it again and said the problem was somewhere in the dashboard and it would cost $2300 just to take it apart and look for a bad module. They offered $2300 trade in toward a new or CPO car, and said my car would be sent to the crusher. I took the car back and installed a remote operated battery cutoff, and have been driving it ever since. Other than disturbing the engine computer, it's been running well for three years and 20,000 miles. Lovely car otherwise.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 14, 2023
While changing one of the lights in the headlight housing, I found the wiring's insulation rotting off all the wires, exposing the bare copper presenting a fire hazard.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 6, 2022
There is an old recall campaign for the Camshaft Seal, # 2009100001. This car is among those affected by this problem and should be covered for issues and repairs.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2021
Vehicle constantly smells like gas inside the cabin, it makes me dizzy and affects my head overall health inhaling vapors. At first I thought I could handle it, but it just gives me nonstop headaches and I'm afraid one spark will ignite/ explode my entire vehicle. This happens everytime I fill the gas tank. I heard their was a warranty extension but don't believe me vehicle was included which is unfortunate. Their is a check engine light informing of a EVAP Leak.
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TACOMA (1701-C ALEXANDER AVE E, FIFE, WA 98424) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING INFORMATION ON THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.*DT*JB*DT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A PHOTO. *TR
Structure, Aug 25, 2020
RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL #19V918, MB CAMPAIGN #2020040011, AND BROUGHT VEHICLE TO MERCEDES DEALER, ALFANO, IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA ON 8/25/2020. WAS TOLD BY DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER THAT VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MATCH THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SUCH PRODUCTION DATES WERE FROM 01/16/2006 TO 07/09/2006 INCLUSIVE. NO INSPECTION OF THE SUNROOF BONDING OR REPAIRS WERE ATTEMPTED ON THE VEHICLE. IMAGE OF SERVICE INVOICE ATTACHED TO THIS DOCUMENT.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY). THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE (2025 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134 (206) 331-4312) WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FROM CANADA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Visibility, Aug 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY). FLAGSHIP MOTORCARS OF LYNNFIELD (385 BROADWAY RTE. 1 NORTH, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. UPON LEAVING THE DEALER AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE SUN ROOF HOWEVER, THE SUNROOF WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER SUN ROOF WOULD BE RESET. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE MOTOR AND THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFUSED THE SERVICED AND ASKED THE MECHANIC TO SEAL THE SUN ROOF AND RETURN THE SUN ROOF TO ITS ORIGINAL FORM. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHOOK UPON CLOSING HER FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE DEALER BACK THE NEXT DAY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHAKING WAS NOT NORMAL. SHE WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, SHE WAS UNABLE TO REACH A REPRESENTATIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
Visibility, Jun 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, THE SUN ROOF RATTLED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER :19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Seats, Apr 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE WHICH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE MODULE WAS UNPLUGGED TO PREVENT THE BATTERY FROM BEING DRAINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Electrical system, May 31, 2019
TAKATA RECALL ESL (ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK) COMPONENTS THE MOTOR FAILS TO UNLOCK THE STEERING THE FIRST TIME, BUT WORK IN FOLLOWING ATTEMPTS. SOME TIMES IT TAKES 1 TO 4 HOURS FOR ESL TO UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WEATHER OVERNIGHT OR JUST COMING OUT OF THE STORE SHOPPING.
Air bags, Nov 9, 2018, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C320. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED ON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE POLICE AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *DT*JB
Steering, Aug 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C230. WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. ..UPDATED 09/25/17 *BF .. .UPDATED 10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE STEERING LOCK FAILURE THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES FREELY WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. *JS
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2017
BATTERY DRAINING
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 29, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C230. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000.
Seats, Oct 27, 2016
SEATS CONTROL MODULE
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2016
STRONG ORDER OF GAS COMING FROM BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. PULLED BACK SEAT OFF AND THERE IS A POOL OF GAS UNDER THERE. APPEARS ONE OF THE PLASTIC OVERS HAS CRACKS IN IT.
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING FLUID IN SIX DIFFERENT PLACES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 7, 2015
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN ESP, BAS AND ABS LIGHTS SHOW UP, AND SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY STOPS WORKING - SPEED READING GOES TO ZERO, THOUGH THERE IS NO REDUCTION IN SPEED. GET TO DESTINATION. ON RETURN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS TIME I GO TO REST AREA, STOP THE CAR, REMOVE THE KEY AND RESTART. THE CAR REFUSES TO MOVE OUT OF PARK. CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND GET INSTRUCTION TO OVERRIDE PARK, DRIVE HOME WITH FLASHERS ON - VERY ROUGH RIDE QUALITY. TOW TO DEALER NEXT DAY, THEY ARE NOT SURE IF NEW PART WILL FIX IT, EVEN IF $1850 PART IS REPLACED. LOTS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OVER THE YEARS. TURN LIGHTS GO OUT ROUTINELY. CHANGED CD CHANGER. SEAT DRAINS BATTERY,HAD TO DISCONNECT IT. POOR ELECTRICAL SENSORS ALL AROUND. NOW IT ALSO HAS RUST DAMAGE, ALL OF A SUDDEN, AT THE BOTTOM OF DOORS.
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER AN HOUR, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,384.
Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND THE INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.