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2002 Mercedes-Benz C230Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 54 owner complaints about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.

46
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.2× the C230 median · #4 of 9 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 10%Owner complaints549 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage26kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2025. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 has problems

54 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling161
Electrical system123
Visibility50
Steering40
Service brakes, hydraulic40
Suspension41
Engine30
Power train30
Air bags21
11 other systems170

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

10%repaired · 2026 Q3

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles · 3,406 repaired

Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

34%repaired · 2025 Q4

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles · 45,331 repaired

Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other C230 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C230 median. How we score

'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 safety ratings

2002 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Kompressor w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What C230 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I BOUGHT A CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, ITS A 2002 C230 KOMPRESSOR 2 DOOR, AND THE DEALER SAID ITS A SENSOR FROM THE SUPERCHARGER. *TR
Complaint 10280485 · Aug 14, 2009 · 83,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230. ON OCTOBER 15, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED TO 15 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED AND COOLANT FLUID PENETRATED THE TRANSMISSION RESERVED FLUID. THE MECHANIC…
Complaint 10247836 · Nov 6, 2008 · 56,146 miles
I OWN A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230, WHICH HAS NOW HAD 2 SEVERE ISSUES WITH IT. THE FIRST ISSUE IS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - THE SEAT CONTROL MODULES GO FAULTY AND START DRAINING THE BATTERY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. IF YOU HAVE A BATTERY DRAIN, THIS IS THE LIKELY CULPRIT. I HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT…
Complaint 10230906 · Jun 13, 2008

Own a 2002 C230?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.