repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 68 owner complaints about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 has problems
68 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
36Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
23Seats
5Exterior lighting
5Electronic stability control (ESC)
5Power train
4Air bags
2Steering
2Structure
2Fuel/propulsion system
1310 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 36 | 2 |
| Seats | 23 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 5 | 1 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 3 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 13 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
76kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 24 electrical system complaints. 88% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles21under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other C320 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 C320 median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What C320 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. Took it back to the dealer and they said it was a defective…
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.
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. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MODULE…
Own a 2002 C320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.