2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls and problems

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 has 3 safety recalls and 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
68
Crashes / fires
3 / 3
Injuries / deaths
4 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Recall 22V-954: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System38
Seats23
Power Train5
Exterior Lighting5
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)5
Air Bags4
Unknown or Other3
Steering2
Visibility2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Structure2

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust — 2
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
  • Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Sep 5, 2024
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 fuse box and replaced it for $650. Went to pick up the car and the battery was dead again. After some complaining, they refunded the bill. They looked at it again and said the problem was somewhere in the dashboard and it would cost $2300 just to take it apart and look for a bad module. They offered…
Suspension · reported Sep 5, 2024
Suddenly started driving badly on the highway. It would swerve side to side after hitting a bump. The rear sits about two inches lower than the front. My trusty independent mechanic said I should check the rear subframe and refrain from driving the car. KBB lists a safety recall for this issue, stating that the rear subframe wasn't sufficiently rustproofed. Mercedes and NHTSA do not list this recall, and my local dealer says the repair will cost around $3,000. May have to scrap the car with 81,000 miles on it.
Electrical System · reported Oct 14, 2023
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Aug 8, 2021
Vehicle constantly smells like gas inside the cabin, it makes me dizzy and affects my head overall health inhaling vapors. At first I thought I could handle it, but it just gives me nonstop headaches and I'm afraid one spark will ignite/ explode my entire vehicle. This happens everytime I fill the gas tank. I heard their was a warranty extension but don't believe me vehicle was included which is unfortunate. Their is a check engine light informing of a EVAP Leak.
Electrical System · at 114,000 miles · reported Apr 3, 2020
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 was defective which caused the battery to drain. The module was unplugged to prevent the battery from being drained. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Other Mercedes-Benz C320 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz C320 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (38 reports), followed by seats (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.