2002 Mercedes Benz C320

○ Not enough data
2002 Mercedes Benz C320
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:41:14.368Z

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
68
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

56% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 63 complaints 2001 2002: 68 complaints 2002 68 2003: 22 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005 2006: 2 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007
2001: 63 complaints 2001 2002: 68 complaints 2002 68 2003: 22 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005 2006: 2 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007
2001: 63 complaints 2001 2002: 68 complaints 2002 68 2003: 22 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005 2006: 2 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007

2002: 68 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200163
200268
200322
200415
200515
20062
20072

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

56% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving at undetermined speed brake line low light illuminated on the digital dashboard. Consumer pulled over, and exited the vehicle. Front end of the vehicle caught on fire 5 minutes later.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-11

Drivers side and passenger side airbags failed to delpoy during a fourty-five per hour front collision, dealer has yet to be contacted.*ak consumer stated the tel-aid also failed to operate, in which it was unable to brake the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-07

Also filed under Air bags

Battery drains after being parked overnight, 58,000 miles, dealer maintained since new. Driven by a little old lady until I bought it. Took it to the dealer and they replaced one of the seat modules. Soon afterward, the problem recurred.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-05

Seats

34% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing power adjust.

Show complaint excerpts

The drivers seat fails to return to the preset memory position. When inserting the key into the ignition, consumer noticed that the seat would not stop at the preset setting.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-06

Electronic stability control (esc)

7% · 5 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz C320. The contact stated that the electronic stability control light illuminated on the instrument panel and smoke started to emit from under the hood. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-03

Exterior lighting

7% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Power train

7% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2020-07-10Visibility19V918000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  2. 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.

  3. R
    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 C320 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 38 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Electronic stability control (esc): 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
  • Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
  • Recall 24V874000 · Visibility

FAQ

Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz C320 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 C320?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz C320 have?
3 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.