2002 Mercedes Benz C Class
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
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
None on file
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 31 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 49 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 31 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
32% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and alternator/generator/regulator.
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 reportsEngine and engine cooling
16% · 5 reportsSuspension
16% · 5 reportsMost 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 reportsShow 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.