There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class, but owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | |
| Seats | 5 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Tires › Sidewall — 1
- Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 1
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 136,000 miles · reported Jul 10, 2013
I called mbusa 2 weeks ago regarding my 2002 c320 wagon which was smelling of pure gasoline which the odor was so strong it was coming into the house from the garage giving us headaches. I checked online with mbusa club members and found out this could be a dangerous situation and to call it in. I called mbusa and was told there were no recalls or bulletins pertaining to this issue and we were out of warranty to contact the dealer. I called the dealer who seemed very familiar with this issue and just for parts it was over $800 and they were not aware of any warranty, recall issues. This is our…
Suspension · at 65,000 miles · reported Dec 12, 2011
This is a c230 kompressor coupe. The rear differential made a loud noise and then locked up after being driven slowly to a shop. It was later learned that this is a very common occurrence with the early 2002 c class cars but as usual, there is no recall. I contacted mbusa and they offered no assistance. This car has also recently shown evidence of rusting. I contacted mbusa about that and learned that the mb corrosion protection in the U.S. Is merely four years. I also found that most of the other german luxury automakers have used galvinized steel for decades, unlike the manufacturing…
Electrical System · at 90,000 miles · reported Jun 2, 2011
Mercedes benz c240 ECU failure. Also the transmission shifts are sometimes random at best and sometimes shuts off. The cars instrument cluster also sometimes doesn't work, the power steering leaks intermittently the rear coil spring broke on left side of vehicle . The alternator was replaced so was the coil pack and other items by mercedes but they always tried to justify that problem was normal wear and tear which is not true.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 104,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2011
I purchased a 2002 c240 mercedes in 2006. The car has never given me any major problems until here recently. The car began to not start and completely shut down. I had to have the car towed three times to the mechanics (Don allen service center on allentown road, fort washington, md). Was told I needed a fuel pump. I paid $1,500 to have a new fuel pump installed. Problem not solved. When I tried to start the car. It hesitates for about 10-15 seconds before it turns over. I took it back to the mechanics and was told it needed to fuel filter changed again. Problem not solved. Now the car makes…
Seats · at 115,000 miles · reported Mar 1, 2009
Defective seat controller modules ( Driver and passenger ) cause the battery to drain completely within 24 hours. This leaves me stranded and unable to drive my vehicle. A search online reveals multiple other with the same issues...indicating an obvious safety issue that is well known to the manufacturer with no resolution to this problem from the manufacturer other than paying $1000 for a known defective issue/part.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (10 reports), followed by suspension (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.
Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.