2002 Mercedes Benz C Class

○ Not enough data
2002 Mercedes Benz C Class
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:58:52.310Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
31
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 15 complaints 1995: 49 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2001: 14 complaints 2002: 31 complaints 2002 31 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 15 complaints 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 9 complaints
1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 15 complaints 1994 1995: 49 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 3 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 14 complaints 2001 2002: 31 complaints 2002 31 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 9 complaints 2006
1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 15 complaints 1994 1995: 49 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 3 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 14 complaints 2001 2002: 31 complaints 2002 31 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 9 complaints 2006

2002: 31 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19911
199415
199549
19966
19973
19986
19997
20008
200114
200231
20039
200415
20055
20069

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

32% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and alternator/generator/regulator.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

My wife drove the car in the morning, no problem. Early afternoon, she left to pick up our child, while leaving the neighborhood. The vehicle starting sending warning signs came on the dash that had never been seen before.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-30

When driving 15 MPH vehicle was involved in a collision. 15 seconds later, vehicle caught on fire. Due to severe fire damage vehicle was a total loss.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-02

Drivers power seat control module drains battery when auto is parked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-20

Also filed under Seats

Seats

16% · 5 reports

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 5 reports

Suspension

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing front.

Show complaint excerpts

While starting vehicle there is constant vibration until vehicle has heated up approximately 20 minutes. Dealer has been notified, mechanic has not found what was causing the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-05

Vehicle would wander to right when driven. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-03

Fuel system, gasoline

13% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-10

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Mercedes Benz C Class — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.

FAQ

Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz C Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes Benz C Class?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz C Class have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.