Model year record

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 recalls & problems

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 has 2 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (16 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints54filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

VisibilityNov 19, 2024

Sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 24V87400033,456 vehicles

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.

VisibilityDec 23, 2022

Sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 22V954000131,653 vehicles

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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2002 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Kompressor w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

C230 Kompressor

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

C230 Kompressor

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	16	0	1	0	25,500 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Alternator/generator/regulator	12	1	1	1	48,660 mi
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly; Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior	6	0	0	0	1,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	4	1	0	0	54,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Pads	4	0	0	0	—
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	4	0	0	0	67,507 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	3	0	0	0	56,146 mi
Engine	3	0	0	0	—
TiresTread/belt	2	0	0	0	—
Unknown or other	2	0	1	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	2	1	1	1	—
Latches/locks/linkagesTrunk lid › Lock	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Suspension
The rear subframe rusted out and failed at the driver side trailing arm mount. It is available for inspection. My pregnant wife was driving it when it failed, luckily it failed an 1/8th mile from our house on a 25mph back road. The problem with these subframes has been well documented in later models and the subject of a class action lawsuit. Nobody has inspected it. There were no symptoms prior to the failure.
Oct 19, 2025
Structure › Body
Recall ID: 24V874 on Sliding Roof Bonding was issued. Mercedes-Benz of Nashville was not able to open the Roof and asked for $219.88 to determine cause of sunroof being inoperative. Recall letter stated that: "vehicle repair will be provided at no cost to you" "If dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge.. you may submit a complaint to the NHTSA.." Hence I am submitting this complaint that my sliding roof was not checked nor repaired.
Jan 28, 2025
Engine
There is an old recall campaign for the Camshaft Seal, # 2009100001. This car is among those affected by this problem and should be covered for issues and repairs.
Jul 8, 2021
Electrical system
TAKATA RECALL ESL (ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK) COMPONENTS THE MOTOR FAILS TO UNLOCK THE STEERING THE FIRST TIME, BUT WORK IN FOLLOWING ATTEMPTS. SOME TIMES IT TAKES 1 TO 4 HOURS FOR ESL TO UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WEATHER OVERNIGHT OR JUST COMING OUT OF THE STORE SHOPPING.
Apr 15, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C230. WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. ..UPDATED 09/25/17 *BF .. .UPDATED 10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE STEERING LOCK FAILURE THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES FREELY WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. *JS
Aug 15, 2017 · 163,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C230. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000.
Mar 2, 2017 · 12,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
STRONG ORDER OF GAS COMING FROM BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. PULLED BACK SEAT OFF AND THERE IS A POOL OF GAS UNDER THERE. APPEARS ONE OF THE PLASTIC OVERS HAS CRACKS IN IT.
Aug 1, 2016
Seat belts
ON JUNE 9, 2011 I DROVE TO SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA TO VISIT MY COUSIN WHEN I GOT THERE I WENT TO LOCK MY DOORS BUT THE LOCK KEPT JUMPING UP AND DOWN. IT FINALLY LOCKED AFTER 12 ATTEMPTS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $3500.00 TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JULY 18, 2011 WITH MY BRAKES.THE BREAK WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND $795.00 THEY CLAIMED I NEEDED FOR BOTH BRAKES AND ROTORS WHICH I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND SINCE 6 MONTHS PRIOR THE ROTORS HAD BEEN REPLACED. I AGAIN HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS AND BREAKS REPLACED IN JULY 2012 AS WELL AS THE BACK BREAKS BUT THIS TIME I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER PLACE OTHER THAN THE DEALER AND HERE IT…
Jun 9, 2011 · 79,231 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.