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2002 Mercedes-Benz M ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints50 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Air bags

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 5, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class has problems

5 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
Air bags10
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
Engine and engine cooling10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Steering10

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

5 recalls

2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class 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.

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: cruise control

Recall 11V-208 · Mar 31, 2011 · 136,751 vehicles

Risk. DIFFICULTY OR DELAY IN DISENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 08V-465 · Sep 17, 2008 · 125,228 vehicles

Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 03V-121 · Mar 27, 2003 · 211,000 vehicles

Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: warning light/devices

Recall 02V-203 · Jul 26, 2002 · 3,603 vehicles

Risk. IF THE DRIVER BUCKLES HIS SEAT BELT PRIOR TO STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHIME WILL NOT SOUND AT ALL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

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 M Class 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 M Class median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'06'07'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE LINE CHAFEEA08009 · closed Dec 16, 2009
    No recall
  2. Brake lamp switch failure.PE10050 · closed May 4, 2011
    Led to recall 11V-208
  3. POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKRQ08002 · closed Sep 17, 2008
    Led to recall 08V-465
In owners' words

What M Class owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED TO REPORT THAT THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SAYS THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF IN HER 2002 MERCEDES M CLASS. THERE IS A LIGHT NEXT TO THE AIRBAG THAT SAYS SRS WHICH IS ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADJUSTED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND…
Complaint 10176796 · Dec 22, 2006

Own a 2002 M Class?

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