Mercedes Benz / C320 / 2002
2002 Mercedes Benz C320 problems
Owners have filed 102 complaints about the 2002 Mercedes Benz C320 with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 37.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of seats at 22.5%.
Complaints102
Crashes4
Fires3
Injuries6
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 37.3% · 38
Seats 22.5% · 23
Electronic stability control (ESC) 4.9% · 5
Power train 4.9% · 5
Exterior lighting 4.9% · 5
Air bags 3.9% · 4
Unknown or other 2.9% · 3
Structure 2.0% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 4 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire, 6 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Filings are rising — 7 in the last three years against 4 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,750 miles.
In owners' own words
Car stalled in the middle of the road and almost caused an accident. After 15 minutes, car started back. I had it diagnosed and a module was replaced. 2 Months later, the battery started draining. I had the alternator replaced and the battery twice. Car will work for a day or two and dies again. So many other mercedes owners of C320 are having the same problem. Battery dying and car stalling. Electrical system · reported at 74,500 miles
While driving at undetermined speed brake line low light illuminated on the digital dashboard. Consumer pulled over, and exited the vehicle. Front end of the vehicle caught on fire 5 minutes later. After inspection of the vehicle by the manufacturer/dealership, they were unable to locate where the fire originated from. Electrical system · reported at 12,000 miles
2002 Mercedes Benz C320 station wagon: failure to keep a charge in the battery, and apparently the solution is to disconnect the power seats and then recharge the battery. But then the power seats are inoperable, unless you get these replaced. Apparently, this is a common problem. Electrical system · reported at 96,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…