2002 Mercedes Benz C320
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
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
56% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 68 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 63 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 15 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
56% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.
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 reportsMost 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 reportsShow 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 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Power train
7% · 5 reportsMost 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 →
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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.
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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 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.