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
- 54
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 54 complaints
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
30% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
The consumer's vehicle ignited and caught fire due to contents next to vehicle igniting.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-24
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, 2002-08-08
While driving vehicle through a puddle, that was about 3-5 inches high, vehicle suddenly stalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-09-11
Electrical system
22% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
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, 2003-01-14
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, 2022-11-06
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, 2019-05-31
Visibility
11% · 6 reportsMost 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-09-19
Service brakes
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
7% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing front and rear.
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, 2002-11-25
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, 2025-10-21
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2023-02-03Visibility22V954000 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.
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2025-01-10Visibility24V874000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
- Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.