MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mercedes Benz C230

● Typical for this model
2002 Mercedes Benz C230
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:51:00.211Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz C230 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2002: 54 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 31 complaints 2005: 85 complaints 2005 2006: 116 complaints 2007: 212 complaints 2007
2002: 54 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19977
199839
199929
200029
20014
200254
200351
200431
200585
2006116
2007212

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 30%

30% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IGNITED AND CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO CONTENTS NEXT TO VEHICLE IGNITING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030724

VEHICLE STALLS AND HESITATES AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP. BUT, IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST REVEALED ITSELF IT WOULD ONLY STALL WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020808

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THROUGH A PUDDLE, THAT WAS ABOUT 3-5 INCHES HIGH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20010911

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING ONTO A RAMP, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM HAD FUNCTION ERRATICALLY. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE INTO THE CURB.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030114

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20221106

Also filed under ENGINE

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190531

VISIBILITY 11%

11% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and interior.

Show complaint excerpts

THERE IS A BLIND SPOT IN REARVIEW MIRROR. WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE BLIND SPOT HAS NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20010919

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SUSPENSION 7%

7% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN ONTO A RAMP. THE VEHICLE SLID WHICH CAUSED THE ESP (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM)TO ENGAGE WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE HITTING INTO THE CURVE AND DAMAGING THE FRONT AND REAR LEFT VEHICLE SUSPENSION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021125

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20251021

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20230203 — visibility

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918.

Campaign 22V954000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250110 — visibility

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2004 ▲ 1998 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ■ 2006 ◆ 2005

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz C230 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mercedes Benz C230 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes Benz C230?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz C230 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.