2002 Mercedes Benz C230
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 39 |
| 1999 | 29 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 85 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 212 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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
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
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 electrical system, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz C230 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.