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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 63 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 15 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.*SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20020207
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, 20240905
While changing one of the lights in the headlight housing, I found the wiring's insulation rotting off all the wires, exposing the bare copper presenting a fire hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231014
31% of complaints: seats — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200403
I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES C320. MY BATTERY IS DEAD AFTER SEATING OVERNIGHT. TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUSTIN MB DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE POWER SEAT MOTOR IS DRAINING MY BATTERY. BOTH SEATS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120426
7% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20150203
6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
While changing one of the lights in the headlight housing, I found the wiring's insulation rotting off all the wires, exposing the bare copper presenting a fire hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231014
6% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V918000 — 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 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 C320 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
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 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz C320 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.