2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
190
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
39 complaints
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 $2300 trade in toward a new or CPO car, and said my car would be sent to the crusher. I took the car back and installed a remote operated battery cutoff, and have been driving it ever since. Other than disturbing the engine computer, it's been running well for three years and 20,000 miles. Lovely car otherwise.
Sep 05, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TACOMA (1701-C ALEXANDER AVE E, FIFE, WA 98424) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING INFORMATION ON THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.*DT*JB*DT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A PHOTO. *TR
Oct 21, 2020
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.
May 31, 2019
BATTERY DRAINING
Aug 07, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Apr 18, 2016
+ 34 more complaints for this component
SEATS
16 complaints
SEATS CONTROL MODULE
Oct 27, 2016
THE SEAT CONTROL UNITS DO NOT SHUT OFF AND CONTINUALLY DRAIN THE BATTERY. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL CAR. *TR
Nov 04, 2014
I AM CORROBORATING WHAT WAS SUBMITTED ON CLAIM 10632020. THE FRONT POWER SEATS ON BOTH SIDES OF MY CAR HAVE FAILED. WHEN THEY FAIL THERE IS A CONSTANT BATTERY DRAIN WHILE THE CAR IS OFF THAT DRAINS THE BATTERY COMPLETELY, CAUSING IT TO BE DEAD WITHIN 8 HOURS. FIRST MY DRIVERS SIDE FAILED, THEN WITHIN THE SAME YEAR THE PASSENGER SEAT FAILED. I BOUGHT TWO NEW BATTERIES AND HAD TO ARGUE WITH THE SALESMEN ABOUT WHETHER THE BATTERIES WERE GOOD OR BAD BEFORE I REALIZED THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE SEAT CONTROLS. MB WANTED MULTIPLE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE 1 SEAT CONTROLLER. OVERALL THE ELECTRONICS ON MY CAR ARE ITS WEAKEST LINK, AND UNFORTUNATELY WHEN SOMETHING BREAKS THERE IS NO FIXING IT OTHER THAN TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY. MB SHOULD COVER THIS ON A RECALL BECAUSE IF SOMEONE'S MOTHER OR WIFE IS OUT ON THE ROAD AND THEY FIND THEIR BATTERY DEAD IN THE DARK OF THE NIGHT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Oct 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER SEAT MODULE WAS DRAINING THE BATTERY AND AS A RESULT, IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Jan 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT REGULATORS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Mar 21, 2012
+ 11 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
14 complaints
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 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.
Apr 03, 2020
SEAT CONTROL MODULE DRAINING THE BATTERY. CAR WILL NOT START IF NOT DRIVEN FOR 24 HOURS. 99% OF THE CARS WITH THE SEAT CONTROL MODULE PART NUMBER STARTING WITH "203" ARE BAD!! WHY WONT MERCEDES RECALL THEM AND REPLACE WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. ITS OBVIOUS THAT ITS A DEFECTED PART AND IT WILL CAUSE OTHER THINGS TO GO BAD. WE SPEND ENOUGH HARD EARNED MONEY ON BUYING THE CAR TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THERE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THAT'S WHY THEY ARE CALLED THE STEALER NOT THE DEALER! *TR
Sep 09, 2014
THE POWER SEAT MODULES CONTINUOUSLY DRAIN THE BATTERY CAUSING DEAD BATTERY WITHIN 24-48 HOURS. THE SEATS MUST BE UNPLUGGED TO STOP THE PROBLEM. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WANTS $100 TO DIAGNOSE AND $1,500 PER SEAT MODULE. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ONLINE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM MAKING THIS A DEFECT. *TR
Jun 10, 2014
DRIVERS POWER SEAT CONTROL MODULE DRAINS BATTERY WHEN AUTO IS PARKED. *TR
May 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C320. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THE SEAT CONTROLS FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT DRAINED THE BATTERY AND THE SEAT CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 90,904. *TR
Mar 22, 2013
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
13 complaints
I BOUGHT A CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, ITS A 2002 C230 KOMPRESSOR 2 DOOR, AND THE DEALER SAID ITS A SENSOR FROM THE SUPERCHARGER. *TR
Aug 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240 SEDAN WITH 78,000 MILES ON IT. UPON LEAVING WORK TWO WEEKS AGO DRIVING DOWN THE PARKING LOT IN SECOND GEAR THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE THE WORST ENGINE NOISE I EVER HEARD. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. IF I WAS TRAVELING DOWN AN INTERSTATE AND THIS BROKE AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS IN NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE CAR I HAVE A SERVICE FILE FULL OF PROBLEMS AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY ON THINGS LIKE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WHICH ALSO COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THEY BREAK AND I LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. *TR
Mar 03, 2008
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER 1,000 MILES AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR USED. THE CAR HAD 47,000 MILES. THE ENGINE WAS NOT PERFORMING AS WELL AS IT HAD BEEN. THE DEALER RAN A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH REVEALED SIX SENSORS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACING. UPON SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION THE DEALER FOUND THAT OIL HAD LEAKED INTO THE SENSORS WIRING HARNESS AND CONTAMINATED THE SENSORS.*AK
Mar 21, 2007
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THEN, VEHICLE RESTARTED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION NUMEROUS TIMES. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Aug 02, 2004
AFTER DRIVING THE CAR 90 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY, I WAS IN LOCAL TRAFFIC ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN THE CAR STALLED. I NEEDED TO RESTART THE CAR BEFORE IT WOULD RUN BRIEFLY AND THEN STALL AGAIN. IT KEPT STALLING IN TRAFFIC BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER AND HAVE IT TOWED IN FOR SERVICE. *JB
Apr 18, 2004
+ 8 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
8 complaints
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 21, 2025
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.
Sep 05, 2024
I JUST HAD THE CONVERSATION WITH MY MB DEALER ABOUT REPLACING A MALFUNCTIONING YAW RATE SENSOR ON MY 2000 C230K. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS IS CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE IT IS RANDOMLY ENGAGING MY BRAKES AT ALL SPEEDS WHEN IT THINKS THE CAR IS OUT OF CONTROL. *TR
Jul 06, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S55. WHILE DRIVING 95 MPH, THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUDDENLY DROPPED AND RETURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO FOUND THAT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS NOW REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,575.
Jul 16, 2007
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED ONTO THE FRONT TIRE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE SUSPENSION THE BOLT CONNECTING THE WHEEL HUB TO THE UPPER PART OF THE MCPHERSON STRUT WAS MISSING. THIS ALLOWED THE STRUT TO FLEX SIDEWAYS WHICH CAUSED THE BOTTOM BRACKET OF THE STRUT CRACK AND FAIL. THIS ALLOWED THE ENTIRE CAR TO FALL ONTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. THE PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS ALSO INSPECTED AND THE SAME BOLT WAS FOUND TO BE APPROXIMATELY 2/3 LOOSENED. BOTH FRONT STRUTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. FORTUNATELY WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER SHE WAS ONLY DOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AS SHE HAD JUST MADE A TURN. *NM
Jul 20, 2006
+ 3 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
8 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY). FLAGSHIP MOTORCARS OF LYNNFIELD (385 BROADWAY RTE. 1 NORTH, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. UPON LEAVING THE DEALER AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE SUN ROOF HOWEVER, THE SUNROOF WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER SUN ROOF WOULD BE RESET. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE MOTOR AND THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFUSED THE SERVICED AND ASKED THE MECHANIC TO SEAL THE SUN ROOF AND RETURN THE SUN ROOF TO ITS ORIGINAL FORM. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHOOK UPON CLOSING HER FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE DEALER BACK THE NEXT DAY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHAKING WAS NOT NORMAL. SHE WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, SHE WAS UNABLE TO REACH A REPRESENTATIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
Aug 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, THE SUN ROOF RATTLED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER :19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 03, 2020
THERE IS VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR BECAUSE THE MIRROR IS COMPROMISED IN SOME WAY. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD. ADDITIONALLY, FLUID FROM THE MIRROR LEAKED ONTO THE DOOR OF THE CAR AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IT HAS ALMOST DEFINITELY AFFECTED THE PAINT. APPARENTLY, THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM IN MERCEDES CARS. I WAS AMAZED TO DISCOVER THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE MIRROR, WHICH EXCEEDS $600. *TR
Jul 27, 2012
DRIVERS OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR HAS BECOME DISCOLORED AND IS NOW VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE IMAGES PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT. DEALER QUOTED $800 FOR MIRROR GLASS ONLY! *TR
Jul 03, 2009
THE SUN ROOF WILL NOT OPERATE. CAR HAS 55,000 MILES ON IT, AND I ONLY USED IT OCCASIONALLY. BEING TOLD THAT IT WASS OVER $2000 TO REPAIR. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM ,AND FOUND OVER 1000 ENTRIES OF MERCEDES OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. OBVIOUSLY, IT WAS AN INHERRENT PROBLEM WITH THIS C230. COULD YOU DO ANYTHING TO HELP?*AK
Apr 09, 2007
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
7 complaints
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
RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL #19V918, MB CAMPAIGN #2020040011, AND BROUGHT VEHICLE TO MERCEDES DEALER, ALFANO, IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA ON 8/25/2020. WAS TOLD BY DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER THAT VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MATCH THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SUCH PRODUCTION DATES WERE FROM 01/16/2006 TO 07/09/2006 INCLUSIVE. NO INSPECTION OF THE SUNROOF BONDING OR REPAIRS WERE ATTEMPTED ON THE VEHICLE. IMAGE OF SERVICE INVOICE ATTACHED TO THIS DOCUMENT.
Aug 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT CORROSION WAS DEVELOPING ON THE LOWER PANEL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENTIRE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 51,000. UPDATED 12/30/13*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS GARAGED AND WELL MAINTAINED, YET THE DOORS AND UNDER PANELS SHOWED EXTENSIVE CORROSION. THERE WERE SEVERAL PRONOUNCED PAINT BUBBLING AND RUST SPOTS THAT HAVE PERMEATED THROUGHOUT THE BODY.
Nov 29, 2013
THE INSIDE FRONT DOOR HANDLE OF C-CLASS (YEAR2002 OR SIMILAR) IS NO GOOD, IF YOU PARK THE CAR ON THE DOWN SLOPE STREET, AND CLOSE THE FRONT DOOR FROM WIDE OPEN POSITION, THE DOOR HANDLE WILL GIVE AWAY AND BROKEN APART AT THE TOP END WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE DOOR PANEL ONLY WITH A SMALL PLASTIC STUD. I SENT THE COMPLAINT LETTERS TO MERCEDES BENZ USA AS WELL AS MERCEDES BENZ OF SAN FRANCISCO, THEY NEVER RESPONSE. I BELIEVE THE FAILURE OF THE DOOR HANDLE TO PERFORM PROPERLY BECAUSE OF FAULTY DESIGN AND THE MANUFACTURE HAS TO BEAR RESPONSIBLE BY RECALLING THIS TYPE OF DOOR HANDLE. *TR
Sep 29, 2007
2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C230K ENGINE STOPPED, CAUSING EVERYTHING TO STOP FUNCTIONING. *KB THE MECHANIC FOUND WATER IN THE CONNECTOR. THE BLOCKAGE WAS CAUSING THE DRAIN TO BACK UP, WHICH WAS CAUSING WATER TO ENTER THROUGH THE ROOF. THE DRIVER SIDE DRAIN LINE WAS CLOGGED WITH LEAVES AND DEBRIS, WHICH DAMAGED SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONETS. *JB
Aug 14, 2006
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND THE INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Feb 06, 2015
OUR CAR, A 2002 C230K MANUFACTURED BY MERCEDES BENZ, HAS A KNOWN DEFECT WHERE THE TURN SIGNALS FAIL. BOTH OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS FAILED ON OUR CAR RECENTLY, REQUIRING REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER OBVIOUSLY KNOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND A SAFETY ISSUE, BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT IT HAS ISSUED AT LEAST ONE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS (P-82-10-19SC-JULY 03). RATHER THAN ISSUE INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE ITS DEALERS REPAIR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE MANUFACTURER HAS CHOSEN TO PLAY "ROULETTE" AND SEE IF THIS SAFETY ISSUE OCCURS WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THESE CARS SHOULD ALL BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED. *JB
Jul 27, 2006
INTERMITTENTLY THE LEFT HEADLIGHT FAILED TO FUNCTION. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATION WAS REDUCED. SOMETIMES THERE WAS A WARNING ON THE DASHBOARD THAT INDICATED THE LIGHT WAS OUT, EVEN IF THE LIGHT WAS ON. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES HEY REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER, CHANGED THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTION, AND ALTERED THE LIGHT BULB. TBUT FAILURE RECURRED.*AK
Aug 05, 2004
XENON HEADLAMPS BLIND ONCOMING DRIVERS. THEY SHOULD BE BANNED !!!!*AK
May 15, 2002
THESE NEW HEADLIGHTS ON NEW IMPORT CARS BLIND ME AT NIGHT. APPROACHING FROM AHEAD OF FROM THE REAR. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO ELIMINATE THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD FOR THE AFFECTED DRIVERS. PLEASE HELP US. THANKS.*AK
May 06, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
5 complaints
THIS 2002 MERCEDES C32 IS A DEATHTRAP! THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, REAR & FORWARD SAM, FUEL PUMP, ETC, FAIL AT AN UNUSUALLY HIGH RATE. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT INVOLVED A FAULT IN THE PRIMARY FUEL PUMP. THE MERCEDES DEALER IDENTIFIED THE FAULT AS A FAULTY PLASTIC POWER CONNECTOR ON THE PUMP AND A FAILED FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT MERCEDES BENZ NORTH AMERICA WOULD NOT SELL ME A REPLACEMENT PUMP; INSTEAD, THEY INSISTED THAT I PURCHASE AN ENTIRE NEW FUEL TANK AND WIRING HARNESS FOR $3200 PARTS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE FRO LABOR. MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL, YET, REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A VOLUNTARY RECALL! MOREOVER, THE DESIGN AND PLACEMENT OF THE TANK--A SADDLE TYPE, SITUATED UNDER THE REAR SEATS--ALLOWS DIRT, SMALL PEBBLES AND OTHER DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE AREA (A TYPE OF WELL) OF THE FUEL PUMP(S)--THERE ARE TWO. EVERY TIME I'VE HAD THE CAR SERVICED THE TECHNICIAN HAD TO VACUUM OUT ALL THE ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. (MY NEW YORK TITLE, WHERE I ORIGINALLY REGISTERED IT AFTER PURCHASING IT USED AT A NEW CAR DEALER, NEVER INDICATED IT HAD BEEN PART OF A LEMON LAW PROCESS.) I'VE NOTICED ON THIS SITE THAT OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS, INCLUDING SERIOUS FUEL LEAKS WITH THEIR ASSOCIATED FUEL LINE FAULTS. REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, THESE FAILURES SHOULD NEVER TAKE PLACE!!!! MOREOVER, I AM COUNTING ON YOUR OFFICE TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER THOROUGHLY. IN RECENT DAYS IT HAS COME TO LIGHT THAT THE AUTO INDUSTRY HAS BEEN CRIMINALLY NEGLECTFUL WITH RESPECT TO ADDRESSING FAULTY DESIGN ISSUES. I THINK MY CIRCUMSTANCE IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THIS PHENOMENON. MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA MUST BE HELD TO ACCOUNT FOR PLACING A SERIOUSLY FLAWED PRODUCT INTO THE MARKETPLACE! *JS
Apr 14, 2014
THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM(S) OCCURRED ON A 2002 MERCEDES C32 AMG: THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER RUNNING FINE DURING THE LAST DRIVE. I SUSPECTED THE FUEL PUMP AND PROCEEDED TO INSPECT IT. AFTER REMOVING THE WIRING FROM THE FUEL PUMP LEVEL PRESSURE SENSOR (MERCEDES P/N 2034701741) THE CAR STARTED. I THEN FILLED UP THE GAS TANK, AND GAS POURED OUT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. RE-INSPECTING THE FUEL PUMP LEVEL SENSOR SHOWED GAS POURING OUT OF IT. IT TURNS OUT THE WIRING HAD MELTED A SMALL HOLE IN THE PART AND THAT WAS THE SOURCE OF THE GAS LEAK. I REPLACED THE PART WITH AN OEM ONE ON 9/26/13 AND IT FAILED AGAIN FOR THE SAME REASON ON 10/15/13. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ACROSS THE MERCEDES LINE-UP AND OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT TO CORRECT IT. *TR
Oct 17, 2013
I CALLED MBUSA 2 WEEKS AGO REGARDING MY 2002 C320 WAGON WHICH WAS SMELLING OF PURE GASOLINE WHICH THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG IT WAS COMING INTO THE HOUSE FROM THE GARAGE GIVING US HEADACHES. I CHECKED ONLINE WITH MBUSA CLUB MEMBERS AND FOUND OUT THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND TO CALL IT IN. I CALLED MBUSA AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR BULLETINS PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE AND WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY TO CONTACT THE DEALER. I CALLED THE DEALER WHO SEEMED VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AND JUST FOR PARTS IT WAS OVER $800 AND THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY WARRANTY, RECALL ISSUES. THIS IS OUR FAMILY CAR WE USE THIS WAGON TO TRAVEL DAILY WITH THE KIDS OR OTHER LITTLE FAMILY MEMBERS SO WE DID NOT WANT TO TAKE ANY CHANCES. WE CALLED OUR INDEPENDENT MERCEDES BENZ CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HE KNEW WHAT IS WAS JUST FROM OUR CONVERSATION. HE HAD US BRING IT IN RIGHT AWAY AND HE LIFTED UP THE REAR SEAT WHERE OUR CHILDREN SIT AND SHOWED MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF A POOL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP SITTING RIGHT UNDER THE SEAT!! I WAS DISGUSTED TO KNOW THAT MBUSA DISMISSED THIS SO QUICKLY AND COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY PUT OUR CHILDREN AT RISK. PLEASE NOTE THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND HAS VISITED THE MB DEALER MORE TIMES THAN ANY CAR SHOULD EVER NEED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM EVEN THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER TOLD US THEY SEE ALOT OF THESE NEEDING REPLACED AND ALTHOUGH MB HAS UPDATED THE FAULTY PART THEY HAVE NOT NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THE POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Jul 10, 2013
I PURCHASED A 2002 C240 MERCEDES IN 2006. THE CAR HAS NEVER GIVEN ME ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS UNTIL HERE RECENTLY. THE CAR BEGAN TO NOT START AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED THREE TIMES TO THE MECHANICS (DON ALLEN SERVICE CENTER ON ALLENTOWN ROAD, FORT WASHINGTON, MD). WAS TOLD I NEEDED A FUEL PUMP. I PAID $1,500 TO HAVE A NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT HESITATES FOR ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE IT TURNS OVER. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANICS AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED TO FUEL FILTER CHANGED AGAIN. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. NOW THE CAR MAKES THIS LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. NOW I HAVE TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM WORK TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE MECHANICS TO HAVE HIM TO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER AGAIN. THIS IS WHAT I'M BEING TOLD IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THE FUEL FILTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME IN ONE WEEK THAT THE FUEL FILTER HAD TO BE CHANGED. I WAS TOLD THAT ONCE THE FUEL PUMP GOES BAD, THE CAR WILL NEVER RUN THE SAME AGAIN. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE CONSIDERING THE PROBLEMS I'VE ENCOUNTERED AFTER HAVING THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED ON MY CAR. HAVING A MERCEDES HAS BEEN A HEADACHE WITH THE COST OF JUST MAINTAINING THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WHICH IS COSTLY. I PLAN ON GOING BACK TO A LEXUS AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE! THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH MERCEDES. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED TO FIX THE FAULTY FUEL SYSTEM/PUMP/FILTER. I PLAN ON REPORTING THIS COMPLAINT TO MY STATES ATTORNEY OFFICE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND, PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY. *TR
Jan 07, 2011
THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND THEN STALL, DEALER REPLACED BOTH FUEL LEVEL SENSORS, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER IT USED TO EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED ALL THE WAY. *SLC
Aug 29, 2002
TIRES
5 complaints
WE PURCHASED A NEW SET OF MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 2 TIRES AT COSTCO IN POWAY, CA ON 10/8/07 FOR MY WIFE'S MERCEDES. AFTER JUST LESS THAN SIX MONTHS AND UNDER 6,800 MILES, WE NOTICED HER LEFT TIRE WAS LOW. SUSPECTING SHE HAD PICKED UP A NAIL OR SUCH, WE FULLY INFLATED THE TIRE AND DROVE THE THREE MILES TO COSTCO. THE REPRESENTATIVE THERE, PATRICK, CALLED ME TO SAY IT WAS A NAIL BUT IT HAD DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL AND THE TIRE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE TIRE CENTER, PATRICK'S SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM KENNISON, INSISTED THAT SIX MONTHS AND 6800 MILES WERE PERFECTLY NORMAL LIFE EXPECTANCY NUMBERS FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES. HE INFORMED ME THERE WAS OVER 75% OF THE TREAD ON THE FRONT TIRES (DIFFERENT SIZE THAN THE REARS 225/45R17 VS. 245/40R17) BUT ONLY 38% ON THE LEFT REAR AND 0% ON THE RIGHT REAR. I NEVER SAW THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. HIS MANAGER, HERB, WAS OFF DUTY BUT WAS SUPPOSED TO CALL ME ON MONDAY TO DISCUSS MY DISSATISFACTION. HE NEVER CALLED. I PAID $379 AND CHANGE AND LEFT WITH A NEW PAIR OF REAR TIRES. MY WIFE WILL BE 56 NEXT WEEK. SHE IS A NURSE PRACTITIONER AND PRIMARILY DRIVES THIS CAR TO WORK AND OUR DAUGHTER'S SCHOOL. IT HAS BEEN ON THREE ROAD TRIPS TO UCLA FROM SAN DIEGO SINCE WE BOUGHT NEW TIRES IN OCTOBER. THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL OR AGGRESSIVE IN MY WIFE'S DRIVING STYLE AND THE FACTORY TIRES LASTED 40,075 MILES. CLEARLY, THESE TIRES CAME FROM A BAD BATCH AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. HAD WE NOT HAD A LOW TIRE THE CONSEQUENCES MIGHT HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I HAVE NOTIFIED COSTCO AND MICHELIN. COSTCO INVOICE #007750053220 DATED 10/08/2007. MEMBERSHIP #111760783421. BARRY LOVELL. *TR
Apr 08, 2008
I HAVE MERCEDES C230 2002, WITH OEM MICHELIN MXV4 PLUS 205/55 R16. ONE TIRE WAS BLOWN AND REPLACED 3 YEARS AGO. NOW ALL TIRES DEVELOP HUGE CRACKS ON THE EDGE OF TREAD AND SIDEWALL AS WELL AS INSIDE OF TREAD. TIRES ARE IN BETWEEN 5/32ND AND 7/32ND TREAD WITH 40K MILES, AND WOULD BE GOOD TO GO FOR ANOTHER 2 YEARS EASILY. BUT, ACCORDING TO MERCEDES AND MICHELIN DEALERS (LES SCHWAB) TIRES UNSAFE TO DRIVE! I CALLED MICHELIN 866-866-6605 NOVEMBER 03-07, AFTER 30 MIN CONVERSATION WITH LES SCHWAB MANAGER INVOLVED, MICHELIN ADMIT MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AND OFFERED 45% OFF NEW TIRES PURCHASE. HERE IS WHAT MICHELIN OFFER ACTUALLY MEANS: 1) 45% DISCOUNT APPLY ONLY TO MICHELIN AND SAME MXV4 PLUS IS $205/EA AND IT MEANS $820 X0.55 = $451 TO PAY. 2) I MUST PAY DISMOUNT + MOUNT + BALANCE + DISPOSAL FEES, WHICH IS $20 PER TIRE X4 = $80, SO TOTAL OUT OF MY POCKET BECOMES $531 +TAX! *JB
Nov 04, 2007
I PURCHASED GOODYEAR AMERICAN EAGLE TIRES FROM WALMART IN BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN ON 11-18-04. THE TIRES WERE SIZE P20555R16BW AND INSTALLED ON MY 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240 SEDAN. ON 10/2/05 I NOTICED A FLAT TIRE ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT BECAME APPARENT THERE WAS A CRACK AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE ABOUT AN INCH AWAY FROM THE RIM ON THE INSIDE SIDEWALL. THE DEPTH OF THE CRACK WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE STEEL BELTS. AFTER INSPECTING THE REMAINING THREE TIRES I DISCOVERED THEY WERE ALL CRACKED IN THIS MANNER. TWO WERE AS BAD AS THE FIRST TIRE AND A FOURTH WAS BEGINNING TO CRACK. I TOOK THE TIRES TO WALMART IN GARNER, MA WHERE I NOW RESIDE. THE MANAGER WAS VERY HELPFUL AND REPLACED THE TIRES WITHOUT QUESTION. HOWEVER, AFTER CALLING THE COMPLAINT IN TO GOODYEAR, IT BECAME APPARENT THEY REALLY DON'T CARE. I'M CONCERNED THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WILL BE KILLED OR INJURED DUE TO THESE TIRES. IT'S APPARENT THERE IS A DEFECT BECAUSE MY TIRES EXPERIENCED 100% FAILURE RATE AND WERE PRODUCED IN TWO SEPARATE LOTS. THE DOT NUMBERS ARE DOT PJT2 4AHR 1604 (3 TIRES) AND DOT PJT2 4AHR 3704 (1 TIRE). GOODYEAR CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND THAT LESS THAN 1% OF TIRES ARE BAD. THIS IS NOT A STATISTIC WORTH BRAGGING ABOUT SINCE MILLIONS OF TIRES ARE PRODUCED. THE TIRES I PURCHASED CRACKED DUE TO DRY ROT AND THEY WERE LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD. GOODYEAR IS UNCONCERNED ABOUT HIGHWAY SAFETY. THEIR ATTITUDE AT THE COMPLAINT CENTER WAS PATHETIC. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE NEW TIRES WILL ALSO BE DEFECTIVE AND I NEED ASSURANCE FROM SOMEONE THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ONGOING QUALITY ISSUE. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRES AND THE WALMART MANAGER IN GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS IS HOLDING THE DEFECTIVES UNTIL GOODYEAR VISITS HIM AGAIN. *NM
Oct 05, 2005
IN OCTOBER OF 2001, I PURCHASED A NEW (2002) MERCEDES BENZ C-240. IT CAME EQUIPPED WITH GERMAN MADE CONTINENTAL CONTOURING TIRES. IT IS WITH THESE TIRES THAT I AM EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM. I HAVE 19,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND ALREADY HAVE HAD TWO SLOW LEAKS IN TWO DIFFERENT TIRES (PASSENGER SIDE FRONT/REAR). THE FIRST TIRE LEAKED (AT ABOUT 17,000 MILES) BUT ABLE TO BE PATCHED. WHEN I BROUGHT THE SECOND TIRE INTO AN STS TIRE DEALER, I NOTICED THAT THEY SOLD CONTINENTAL TIRES. SINCE I HAD THE TWO PROBLEMS, I ASKED THE MANAGER IF THEY SOLD MANY CONTINENTAL TIRES AND EXPLAINED MY EXPERIENCES (IN BOTH CASES THE TIRES HAD NAILS, OR SIMILAR METAL, EMBEDDED IN THEIR TREAD). AGAIN, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THE TIRE WAS REPAIRED. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE, THE DAMAGE WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE TIRE AND COULD NOT BE PROPERLY PATCHED. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE. HERE IS MY CONCERN. THE STS MANAGER, ASKED ME IF MY TIRES WERE FACTORY TIRES. I INDICATED THAT THEY WERE THE ONES THAT CAME WITH THE (NEW) CAR. HE INDICATED THAT FACTORY TIRES ARE TYPICALLY MADE TO THE SPECIFICATION OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER, NOT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. HE EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE THE AUTO MAKER ORDERS TIRES IN SUCH QUANTITY, THEY CAN SET THEIR PRICE. IN MOST CASES, FOR THE TIRE MANUFACTURER TO BE ABLE TO MEET THAT PRICE, THEY NEED TO ADJUST THE COMPOSITE FORMULA OF THE TIRE -- ESSENTIALLY MANUFACTURING INFERIOR TIRES. THIS WAS HIS EXPLANATION OF WHY I MIGHT BE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY FACTORY TIRES. HE FURTHER INDICATED THAT TIRES SOLD TO TIRE RETAILERS ARE MANUFACTURED TO THE TIRE MAKERS' STANDARDS AND WILL PROVIDE A MUCH LONGER USEFUL LIFE (HE INDICATED 60,000 + THOUSAND MILES FOR THE CONTINENTAL CONTOURING TIRE I JUST PURCHASED TO REPLACE MY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRE). THE KICKER IS THAT CONTINENTAL DOES NOT WARRANTY THEIR TIRES AGAINST ROAD HAZARDS! IF HIS EXPLANATION ABOUT FACTORY TIRES IS TRUE, THIS IS VERY DISTURBING AND I BELIEVE THAT CONSUMERS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW.
Jan 15, 2004
HAVE 2002 MERCEDES C 230 COUPE, 18000 MILES, ORIGINAL OWNER. HAD FLAT TIRE, RIGHT REAR, NO PUNCTURE NOTED BY TIRE REPAIR SHOP. SHOP STATED TIRES ALMOST TOTALLY WORN, WITH 2/32 TREAD ON RIGHT REAR AND 4/32 ON LEFT REAR, BOTH CENTER TREAD MEASUREMENT. FRONT TIRES A LITTLE BETTER. MICHELIN TIRES. BUT FOR INCIDENTAL FLAT TIRE WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 18000 MILES OR PROBABLY MUCH SOONER THAN THAT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, DEALERSHIP STATES NO WARRANTY ON TIRES. HAD ROUTINE SERVICE AND NOTED VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS PULLED TO RIGHT AND HAS HAD HARD POUNDING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER SLIGHTEST BUMP. DEALER STATED NO PROBLEMS NOTED IN PULLING TO RIGHT OR IN THE POUNDING NOISE. SINCE FLAT TIRE, VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP AND HAS HAD STABILIZER BAR CONNECTING LINKS, TORSION ROD REPLACED. PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED LONG AGO. QUESTION WHETHER DEFECTIVE STABILIZER BARS CAUSED TIRES TO WEAR MUCH FASTER. NO INDICATION FROM DEALERSHIP. BELIEVE MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD BE PLACED ON NOTICE OF CONDITION. CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. MERCEDES BENZ AND/OR MICHELIN SHOULD ADVISE OF POTENTIAL LOW LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THEIR TIRES. TIRE SIZE, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT 225/45 ZR 17 91Y. *AK
Sep 10, 2003
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
MERCEDES-BENZ C240 OF 2002 YEAR. WATER LEAKAGE WAS DETECTED NEAR THE ENGINE AND THE FUSE BOX. THE FUSE BOX AND THE EXTERNAL LIGHT SWITCH WERE DAMAGED AND REQUIRED TO REPLACE. THE WATER WAS COMING FROM THE EXTERNAL SUCH AS RAIN.
Jul 21, 2006
I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP FOR WELL OVER 40+ DAYS REGARDING A VIBRATION THAT CAUSES ME TO BELIEVE IT COULD BE SAFETY RELATED. I'M ALMOST AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DEALER CAN NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND HAS NO IDEA OF WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 MERCEDES C240. AT THE PRESENT TIME I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE GOING ON 6 WEEKS, THIS IS THE 6TH OR 7TH TIME IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER. *JB
Apr 22, 2006
BOUGHT A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ 320 NEW FROM A DEALER. THE PAINT IS PEELING AND RUST IS SETTING IN. SO FAR THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE HOOD AND THE ROOF. NOW THERE IS MORE PAINT PEELING ON THE RIGHT REAR PANEL AND THE GAS TANK FLAP. WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT TRADING THE CAR IN, THE DEALER GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $16,500 -- BECAUSE THE APPRAISER SAW NEW PAINT ON THE CAR, HE PRESUMED IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAD HIDDEN DAMAGED. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN HIT. I PAID ABOUT $50,000 FOR IT, WITH ALL THE UPS AND EXTRAS INCLUDING AN ONBOARD NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE CAR ONLY HAS 14,475 MILES ON IT AND IS JUST NOW QUALIFYING FOR SERVICE B. MY FRIENDS TELL ME MERCEDES ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE. IT IS NOW DEFINITELY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. INCLUDING THIS CAR,I HAVE PURCHASED SIX NEW MERCEDES SINCE 1985. I WILL NOT EVER BUY ANOTHER ONE. *NM
Oct 25, 2005
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320.*MR *BF *NM *JB
Apr 12, 2005
VEHICLE FIRE WITH 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230.*MR CONSUMER NOTED FOUR FACTUAL ERRORS WITH THE REPORT PROVIDED TO MERCEDES-BENZ CORPORATE OFFICE. THE CONSUMER CORRECTED THE FACT THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE BENEATH THE CARPET AREA AND THE IDLE TEST THAT WAS PERFORMED WAS IRRELEVANT. THE CONSUMER STATED EXCESS HEAT CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRE IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. *PH *JB
Oct 15, 2003
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C320. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED ON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE POLICE AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *DT*JB
Nov 09, 2018
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230. ON 4/10/07 WITH THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF 38,525 THE SRS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SRS CONTROL UNIT #206-820-64-85 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING PREMATURELY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,525. *AK UPDATE 05/04/07*TR
Apr 12, 2007
2002 MERCEDES C320 AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE. *TS *** NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT HAD THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED NEITHER HE NOR HIS WIFE WOULD HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE GOING TO SEND A FACTORY INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *NM *NM
Jan 30, 2006
SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, LOST POWER THAT CONTROLLED THE , BRAKES , STEERING, ETC. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WENT INTO TRAFFIC AND STRUCK OTHER VEHICLES AT 25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
Mar 30, 2005
STEERING
4 complaints
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 30, 2017
AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, I PULLED THE STEERING WHEEL LEVER LOCK, (RED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON), AND ADJUSTED THE HEIGHT AND DEPTH OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I THEN PUSHED THE STEERING WHEEL LEVER LOCK BACK IN (RED WARNING LIGHT DISAPPEARED). I STARTED DRIVING AND WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT ON A CURVE THE STEERING WHEEL SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO ANOTHER LANE. I PULLED OVER ATTEMPTED TO REENGAGE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT POSITIONS, BUT IT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. THE RED WARNING LIGHT ONLY COMES ON WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK LEVER IS PULLED OUT, BUT IT DOES NOT SHOW THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS DISENGAGED WHEN THE LEVER IS PUSHED IN EVEN THOUGH THE LOCKING MECHANISM DOES NOT FUNCTION. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND A FORUM WITH SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ON A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT VEHICLES OF DIFFERENT YEARS. I FEEL IT IS DANGEROUS TO OPERATE MY VEHICLE. *TR
Aug 14, 2012
(1) NORMAL DRIVING IN SLOW TRAFFIC; (2) NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING; FEELING OF COLLAPSE OF RIGHT FRONT LIKE FLAT TIRE;CONTINUED TO DRIVE SLOWLY; COMPUTER MESSAGE-ELECTRIC DE-STABILIZER NOT LOCATED; PARKED AND CALLED TOW COMPANY; TOW TRUCK DRIVER PUT CAR IN REVERSE TO ENABLE TOWING; RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED WITH TIE ROD PROJECTING OUT; (3) A. STEERING ANGLE SENSOR,R&R; B. FSSB SERVICE; C. TIE ROD ENDS LEFT AND RIGHT REPLACED; D. FRONT STABILIZER BAR RUBBER BUSCHING AND LINKS AND THREAD HOLD FOR STABILIZER BAR BOLTS REPLACED. *JB
Jun 17, 2004
THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES AND ALIGN 3 TIMES ALSO TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND ROTATED. OTHER 3 CARS OF THE SAME KIND HAVE BEEN TESTED AND ALL THREE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK(TIRESIZE: 205/55/16)
Apr 25, 2002
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
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 15, 2016
I WOULD LIKE THE FOLLOWING ADDED TO MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT ODI#10579532. THE FOLLOWING LETTER WAS SENT TO ME BY DAIMLER BENZ CORPORATE OFFICE IN GERMANY: [XXX] MAY 15 (1 DAY AGO) TO ME REF: [XXX] DEAR [XXX], THANK YOU FOR YOUR MOST RECENT EMAIL. WE CAN ASSURE YOU THAT ALL AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ WORKSHOPS WORLDWIDE ARE COMMITTED TO WORKING WITHIN THE GUIDELINES AND WORK INSTRUCTIONS OF THE MANUFACTURER. IN THIS CASE, MERCEDES-BENZ RECOMMENDS THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY, RATHER THAN THE INDIVIDUAL AFFECTED PART. WE REGRET THAT YOU FEEL WE ARE PUSHING YOU AWAY HOWEVER, AS YOUR VEHICLE IS REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WE MUST INVOLVE THE RESPONSIBLE ENTITY, WHICH IS MERCEDES-BENZ USA. WE HOPE YOU CAN APPRECIATE THAT DUE TO THE VARYING LEGISLATIONS WORLDWIDE, WE MUST ENSURE THAT EACH CUSTOMER IS DEALT WITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CORRECT PROCEDURES. MERCEDES-BENZ USA WILL ADDRESS THIS MATTER IN FULL FOR YOU AND SHALL INFORM US OF THE OUTCOME. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CONTACT US BUT REGRETTABLY WE ARE UNABLE TO ADD ANY FURTHER COMMENTS. YOURS SINCERELY [XXX] DAIMLER TEAM FOR THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT / DAIMLER KUNDENBETREUUNGSTEAM FR DEN VORSTAND DAIMLER AG SITZ UND REGISTERGERICHT/DOMICILE AND COURT OF REGISTRY:STUTTGART INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 16, 2014
THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO COMPLAINT #10579528. SPOKE TO ROBIN, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE REAR SIGNAL ACTUATOR MODULE AS THE BASIS FOR THE FUEL DELIVERY FAILING WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. THE EXPLANATION THEY OFFERED IS THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IN FUEL DELIVERY TO THE ENGINE, WHILE DRIVING, IS THE FUEL PUMP, MERCEDES PART# 203 470 3794. HOWEVER, THEY FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REPLACE A FAULTY FUEL PUMP IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK, FUEL DELIVERY UNIT, FUEL SENDING UNIT AND WIRING HARNESS ...THE ENTIRE FUEL STORAGE TANK AND FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM! NO ONE I KNOW HAS EVER HEARD OF A SITUATION WHERE AN ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A FAILED IN-TANK FUEL PUMP. THIS POINTS TO YET ANOTHER DESIGN FLAW FOR WHICH MERCEDES BENZ, THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER,HOLD ITSELF ACCOUNTABLE. WHAT POSSIBLE ENGINEERING REASON CAN THEY OFFER OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THE FUEL AND ELECTRICAL FUEL DELIVERY COMPONENTS SYSTEM WERE SERIOUSLY FLAWED FROM THE BEGINNING OF PRODUCTION? *JS
Apr 30, 2014
FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILURE CAUSING GAS TANK TO LEAK. FUMES SO STRONG IN GARAGE RISK OF EXPLOSION. FUMES PERMEATING HOME. *TR
Dec 09, 2013
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
4 complaints
DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION - WHILE DRIVING, I HEARD SOMETHING COME FROM THE LEFT/DRIVER SIDE...IT SOUNDED LIKE A BOX OR SOMETHING FELL FROM MY REAR SEAT, ONTO THE FLOOR AND UNDER MY SEAT. *TR I SAT IN THE CAR, UNLOCKING/LOCKING, AND IT CONTINUED TO GO NUTS...EVEN THE CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON ON THE DASH FAILED TO WORK A FEW TIMES... LOOKS LIKE A DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR PROBLEM THAT COSTS ABOUT $400 TO FIX. *TR
Nov 13, 2008
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DOOR LATCHES ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE MALFUNCTIONED TRAPPING THE OCCUPANTS INSIDE. THE CONTACT ESCAPED THE VEHICLE BY USING A CROWBAR TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THEY ADJUSTED THE LOCKS AND REPLACED THE REGULATOR HOWEVER THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.*AK
Mar 22, 2006
I OWN A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320 WITH LESS THAN 55,000 MILES. ON SAT. AUG. 20, 2005 WHILE OPENING MY TRUNK WITH THE REMOTE I HEARD A STRANGE SOUND COMING FROM THE TRUNK ASSEMBLY. THE VERY NEXT DAY I WENT SHOPPING AND WENT TO PLACE MY ITEMS IN THE TRUNK AND HEARD THE SAME SOUND AGAIN. THIS TIME WHEN I GO TO CLOSE THE TRUNK IT WOULD NOT LATCH. I CALL MB 1-800 SERVICE, HOWEVER, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO COME BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT SURE THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO REPAIR IT AND STILL HAVE TO CHARGE ME FOR COMING. SO I THEN HAD TO TRY TO HOLD THE TRUNK DOWN WITH WHAT I HAD IN THE TRUNK WHICH WASN'T MUCH. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY THE TRUNK LID SPRUNG OPEN WHICH TO ME WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I HAD TO TRY TO MANEUVER MY WAY ACROSS LANES OF TRAFFIC WITH A TRUNK LID UP BLOCKING MY VIEW. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE GUY HIMSELF SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHY THE ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE TRUNK IS NOT SOMETHING ONE USES EVERYDAY SO I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT BROKE ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT THE CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD. THIS SIMPLY SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. ALSO, I CHECKED THE DIFFERENT MB FORUMS AND IT APPEARS THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD SOME FORM OF PROBLEM WITH THEIR TRUNKS ALONG WITH A LAUNDRY LIST OF OTHER MALFUNCTIONS. I NOW HAVE TO PAY $ 350.00 PARTS AND LABOR FOR SOMETHING I BELIEVE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
Aug 23, 2005
1. FAILURE OF DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR TO LOCK OR UNLOCK. 2. FAILURE OF DEALERSHIP TO PERMANENTLY FIX PROBLEM. IT GETS FIXED BUT IT BREAKS DOWN AGAIN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR MAY WORK; THEN IT MAY NOT WORK; THEN IT MAY WORK. 2. FAILURE OF DEALERSHIP TO PERMANENTLY FIX PROBLEM. IT IS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED WHEN I LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP - BUT IT FAILS AGAIN. IT HAS NOW FAILED AGAIN FOR THE DOOR TO BE UNLOCKED. 3. THE DEALERSHIP CORRECTS THE PROBLEM BUT IT AGAIN FAILS; NOW IT HAS FAILED TO GET DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AGAIN AND I HAVE TO PHYSICALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR FOR IT TO OPEN. AND SOMETIME WHEN I AUTOMATICALLY LOCK THE DOOR BY THE TRANSMITTER; ALL THE DOORS EXCEPT MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK. THIS IS DANGEROUS SINCE IF I ENTER THE VEHICLE WITH THE ONE DOOR LEFT UNLACHED - SOMEONE CAN HIDE IN THE BACK OR ALSO IN A CRASH MY DOOR MAY OPEN UP SINCE I CANNOT LOCK THE DOOR. *JB
Jan 17, 2005
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
I HAVE A MERCEDES BENZ C-230 KOMPRESSOR EARLY THIS MONTH IT STARTED TO LURCH AFTER STOPPING THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WE THOUGHT A VEHICLE HAD RUN INTO US BUT COULD FIND NO MARKS, THEN IT STARTED DOING IT AFTER ALMOST EVERY STOP, THE DEALER, CHANDLER MERCEDES BENZ HAS THE CAR NOW BUT CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM, AND YES IT HAS DONE IT WHILE THEY DROVE IT. *JB
Jun 26, 2006
I LEASED A 2002 MERCEDES C32 IN DECEMBER OF 2002. ITS A DOCUMENTED FACT MERCEDES HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A HIGH NUMBER OF DEFECT COMPLAINTS WITH THIS MODEL CAR. RECENTLY FOR ME WAS THE MOST SERIOUS.. ON DECEMBER 26TH 2004, WHILE MERGING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY(I95) MY CAR'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IN THE DRIVE POSITION. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY PUT THE CAR INTO PARK THEN BACK TO DRIVE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I NOTIFIED MERCEDES ON 12/27, AT AN APPOINTMENT I HAD PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR OTHER PROBLEMS. MERCEDES AFTER HOLDING THE CAR FOR A WEEK DIAGNOSED IT AS A TRANSMISSION CONTROL ISSUE. I HAD TO WAIT FOUR WEEKS FOR A REPLACEMENT TO ARRIVE FROM GERMANY. IN JANUARY 2005, WHILE WAITING FOR THIS PART TO ARRIVE THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE MERGING ONTO THE SAME HIGHWAY THE CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I AGAIN FOUND MYSELF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD RESOLVING THE PROBLEM.AT THE END OF JANUARY MY CAR WAS FINALLY FIXED BY MERCEDES, I RECEIVED THE CAR ON A TUESDAY. ON THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT, PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. MY CAR JUMPED A 10 INCH HIGH CURB AND WHEN I TRIED TO GET THE IGNITION IT DID NOT RESPOND. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MERCEDES WHO DIAGNOSED A BROKEN TRANSMISSION PIN. I DROVE THE CAR FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHICH THE FEAR OF THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM RECURRING. I EVENTUALLY STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR AND CONTACTED MERCEDES. I ASKED THEM TO CONSIDER TAKING THE CAR BACK, ITS HAS 8 MONTHS REMAINING ON A 3 YEAR LEASE. THEY IN TURN TOOK THE CAR FOR A WEEK DROVE IT FOR 60 MILES THEN DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. IN MY RIGHT MIND I CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF KILLING MYSELF AND OTHERS. MERCEDES HAS WASHED THEIR HANDS OF THIS SITUATION. *JB
Mar 28, 2005
WHILE DRIVING MY C-240 BETWEEN 30 & 60 MPH I CAN FEEL A VIBRATION ON THE SHIFT LEVER & THE STEERING WHEEL & IF PUT MY HAND ON TOP OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. YOU CAN SENSE THE VIBRATION AROUND YOU. IT SEEMS TO COME FROM THE POWER TRAIN, VIA DRIVE SHAFT, TRANS. OR DIFFERENTIAL, THE DEALER REPLACED & BALANCED ALL FOUR TIRES, AND IT I THUOGHT IT WAS CORRECTED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSITS SOMETIMES IT IS MORE NOTICIBLE THAN OTHERS, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT BUT ON A TEST DRIVE THE SERVICE MAN SAID HE CAN'T FEEL ANYTHING WRONG & THAT IT MIGHT BE ME....
Jan 29, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE IN THE REAR, AND THERES A WHISTLING NOISE. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL TO STOP THE WHISTLING. SHAKING IS STILL OCCURING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Dec 02, 2002
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
Feb 03, 2015
DRIVING FROM SAN FRANCISCO (SEA LEVEL) AND EVENTUALLY DESCENDING FROM ECHO PASS AT 7200 FEET ELEV TO LAKE TAHOE (6200 FEET ELEV) ON HIWAY 50, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE DISPLAY SHOWED AN ESP WARNING LIGHT WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY THE ENGINE WENT INTO 'IDLE' MODE (ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING) AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL COULD SUMMON NO POWER. PULLED OVER AND TURNED CAR OFF COMPLETELY TO PONDER. TURNED CAR BACK ON AND THE ESP WARNING LIGHT WAS GONE. THERE WAS FULL ACCELERATOR POWER AGAIN. CONTINUING THE DRIVE INTO SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, WE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT THING AGAIN TWO MORE TIMES IN ONLY ABOUT 15 MILES HAVING TO DO THE SAME RESTARTING & CLEARING THE ESP WARNING TO GET TO OUR DESTINATION. IT CONTINUED TO OCCUR SEVERAL MORE TIMES IN THE 2 DAYS WE WERE AT TAHOE. WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT MAKING IT BACK TO SF. WE DECIDED TO TRY IT AND WE LEFT ECHO LAKE (7200 FEET) AND DESCENDED TO SF (SEA LEVEL) BUT THE ESP WARNING DID NOT COME ON AGAIN AT ALL FOR THE NEXT THREE WEEKS. ONLY LAST WEEKEND, WE HEADED BACK UP TO THE EXACT SAME LOCATION AT ECHO LAKE AND BEHOLD, THE ESP WARNING CAME BACK ON. BY RESTARTING THE CAR AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES ALL THE WAY LEFT TO RIGHT OVER AND OVER, DID THE ESP FINALLY GO OUT AND WE THEN DROVE ALL TYHE WAY HOME AGAIN TO SF. THE ESP WARNING HAS SINCE NOT COME BACK ON, NOR HAS THE CAR STOPPED OR SWITCHED INTO AN 'IDLE' MODE. IT IS A NUISANCE AND CLEARLY ELECTRONIC......FAULTY SWITCHES/SENSORS ?
Aug 30, 2013
UNPREDICTABLE APPLICATION OF ESP IN 2002 MERCEDES C-320 RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND UNPREDICTABLE BRAKING AND ENGINE THROTTLE DOWN. *TR
Dec 09, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
PROBLEMS WITH DEFECTIVE ABS ON 2002 MERCEDES C320.*MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A NEW VEHICLE AND $5000. *NM *JB
Aug 16, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ABS LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Jun 20, 2003
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STUCK. *JB
May 20, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING FLUID IN SIX DIFFERENT PLACES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Jan 04, 2016
THE TRANSMISSION HAS REPEATEDLY LOCKED IN 2ND GEAR. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHOWS CONSTANT LIGHT, COOLANT AND AIR BAG FAILURES. THE MEMORY FOR SEATS, MIRRORS AND THE STEERING WHEEL DEFAULTS ABOUT 30% OF THE TIME. I BOUGHT THIS CAR THROUGH M-B DIPLOMATIC SALES PROGRAM WHILE SERVING IN CANADA AND BROUGHT IT TO THE USA ON RETIREMENT. M-B CANADA WON'T HELP BECAUSE THE CAR IS IN THE US. M-B USA WON'T HELP BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN CANADA. M-B CORPORATE IN GERMANY SIMPLY REFERRED MY CASE BACK TO M-B USA. I AM NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. I WANT M-B TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ANOTHER 4 YEARS OR 50K MILES. THE CAR IS A DISASTER. *JB
May 18, 2006
INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), ALTHOUGH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Jul 02, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AFTER FINDING NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000. *TR
Apr 17, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230. ON OCTOBER 15, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED TO 15 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED AND COOLANT FLUID PENETRATED THE TRANSMISSION RESERVED FLUID. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND CLEANED THE TRANSMISSION AT THE COST OF $5,000. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL EVENTUALLY ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,146 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,000. UPDATED 02/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 02/25/09. *JB
Nov 06, 2008
MERCEDES BENZ C320 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR, AND A FLUID LEAK.*MR ANSWERING 10118894 AAE 4-27-05 THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A VALVE NOISE, A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVESHAFT, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEAK CAUSED SOME WIRES TO BECOME LOOSE WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVESHAFT TO NOISY. THE CONSUMER HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE WHEN HE ACCELERATED, BUT THE NOISE DECREASED WHEN HE DECELERATED, SECONDS LATER THE ACCELERATOR DID NOT RESPOND AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN NEUTRAL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *JB
Mar 23, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
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.
Oct 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Nov 06, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Aug 08, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY). THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE (2025 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134 (206) 331-4312) WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FROM CANADA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Aug 25, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
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 29, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN ESP, BAS AND ABS LIGHTS SHOW UP, AND SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY STOPS WORKING - SPEED READING GOES TO ZERO, THOUGH THERE IS NO REDUCTION IN SPEED. GET TO DESTINATION. ON RETURN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS TIME I GO TO REST AREA, STOP THE CAR, REMOVE THE KEY AND RESTART. THE CAR REFUSES TO MOVE OUT OF PARK. CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND GET INSTRUCTION TO OVERRIDE PARK, DRIVE HOME WITH FLASHERS ON - VERY ROUGH RIDE QUALITY. TOW TO DEALER NEXT DAY, THEY ARE NOT SURE IF NEW PART WILL FIX IT, EVEN IF $1850 PART IS REPLACED. LOTS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OVER THE YEARS. TURN LIGHTS GO OUT ROUTINELY. CHANGED CD CHANGER. SEAT DRAINS BATTERY,HAD TO DISCONNECT IT. POOR ELECTRICAL SENSORS ALL AROUND. NOW IT ALSO HAS RUST DAMAGE, ALL OF A SUDDEN, AT THE BOTTOM OF DOORS.
Aug 07, 2015
SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
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 IS 2014 AND THEY ARE STILL HOLDING AND THE COST WAS $495.00 FOR BOTH FRONT AND BACK AS WELL 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE ME $495.00 FOR THE BACK ALONE. THE THIRD INCIDENT OCCURRED IN LAS VEGAS I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. IT STARTED BACK RIGHT AWAY BUT I HAD A TEN HOUR DRIVE TO MAKE IT HOME AND THIS WORRIED ME. THE FOURTH INCIDENT WAS WITH THE SUNROOF I WENT TO THE CAR WASH AND THE WAX THAT WAS USED CAUSED THE SUNROOF TO STICK AFTER IT DRIED AND LATER THE MOTOR WENT OUT BECAUSE OF MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE ROOF, THE DEALER QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $5000.00 TO REPAIR IT. LAST BUT NOT LEAST THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVERS SEATBELT AND BACK SEATBELT ON DRIVERS SIDE WERE DEFECTIVE AND IF I HAD AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS MIGHT NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELTS MIGHT NOT HOLD, THIS WILL COST ME $700.00 TO HAVE FIXED. I DON'T HAVE A MONEY TREE GROWING IN MY YARD. ALSO MY REAR TAILLIGHT KEPT GOING OUT AND WHAT WE FOUND WAS THAT THE ENTIRE CASING HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. THE ENTIRE UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE PAID MORE IN REPAIRS ON THIS CARS THAN I PAID IN GROCERIES OVER THE PASS FIVE YEARS. *TR
Oct 16, 2014
ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C32 AMG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
May 02, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS 2002 MERCEDES C32 IS A DEATHTRAP! THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, REAR & FORWARD SAM, FUEL PUMP, ETC, FAIL AT AN UNUSUALLY HIGH RATE. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT INVOLVED A FAULT IN THE PRIMARY FUEL PUMP. THE MERCEDES DEALER IDENTIFIED THE FAULT AS A FAULTY PLASTIC POWER CONNECTOR ON THE PUMP AND A FAILED FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT MERCEDES BENZ NORTH AMERICA WOULD NOT SELL ME A REPLACEMENT PUMP; INSTEAD, THEY INSISTED THAT I PURCHASE AN ENTIRE NEW FUEL TANK AND WIRING HARNESS FOR $3200 PARTS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE FRO LABOR. MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL, YET, REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A VOLUNTARY RECALL. MOREOVER, THE DESIGN AND PLACEMENT OF THE TANK--A SADDLE TYPE, SITUATED UNDER THE REAR SEATS--ALLOWS DIRT, SMALL PEBBLES AND OTHER DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE AREA (A TYPE OF WELL) OF THE FUEL PUMP(S)--THERE ARE TWO. EVERY TIME I'VE HAD THE CAR SERVICED THE TECHNICIAN HAD TO VACUUM OUT ALL THE ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. I'VE NOTICED ON THIS SITE THAT OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS, INCLUDING SERIOUS FUEL LEAKS WITH THEIR ASSOCIATED FUEL LINE FAULTS. REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, THESE FAILURES SHOULD NEVER TAKE PLACE! MOREOVER, I AM COUNTING ON YOUR OFFICE TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER THOROUGHLY. IN RECENT DAYS IT HAS COME TO LIGHT THAT THE AUTO INDUSTRY HAS BEEN CRIMINALLY NEGLECTFUL WITH RESPECT TO ADDRESSING FAULTY DESIGN ISSUES. I THINK MY CIRCUMSTANCE IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THIS PHENOMENON. MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA MUST BE HELD TO ACCOUNT FOR PLACING A SERIOUSLY FLAWED PRODUCT INTO THE MARKETPLACE! *JS
Apr 14, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING TO GET ON THE FREEWAY FROM ON RAMP, MISS JUDGE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL, VEHICLE FLIP FROM FRONT TO BACK ON THE DITCH SIDE OF THE ROAD, DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT BUT GOT THROWN OUT DUE TO SEATBELT MALFUNCTION. FRONT AIRBAG ON STEERING AND PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT DEPLOYED, DRIVER SUSTAINED BROKEN SPINAL (NECK), TRAUMA BRAIN INJURY, BROKEN COLLAR BONES, BRUISED LUNGS, TWO BROKEN ARMS TWO BROKEN LEGS. *TR
Sep 17, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THERE HAVE BEEN TWO WARNING LIGHTS FOR REAR LIGHTS AND AFTER DRIVING FOR 4 HOURS, A WARNING CAME ON FOR ELECTRICAL STABILITY AND MY CAR QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL AND I HAD TO RESTART IT. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. *TR
Jul 18, 2013
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THIS IS A C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THEN LOCKED UP AFTER BEING DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A SHOP. IT WAS LATER LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE EARLY 2002 C CLASS CARS BUT AS USUAL, THERE IS NO RECALL. I CONTACTED MBUSA AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THIS CAR HAS ALSO RECENTLY SHOWN EVIDENCE OF RUSTING. I CONTACTED MBUSA ABOUT THAT AND LEARNED THAT THE MB CORROSION PROTECTION IN THE U.S. IS MERELY FOUR YEARS. I ALSO FOUND THAT MOST OF THE OTHER GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKERS HAVE USED GALVINIZED STEEL FOR DECADES, UNLIKE THE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES OF MB. OVERALL, BETWEEN BUILT-IN MECHANICAL FAILURES AND THE RUST, AND THE FACT THAT MBUSA DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES, I WILL CERTAINLY STEER CLEAR OF MERCEDES IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Dec 12, 2011
WHEELS
1 complaint
ON JAN 2, 2010, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A MOVIE IN MY 2002 MERCEDES C230, THE CAR SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I FIRST THOUGHT I HAD A BLOW OUT. I WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY AND AM NOT AWARE OF HITTING ANY THING THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. WHEN I STOPPED, I FOUND THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. THE FOLLOWING DAY I TOOK THE FLAT TO MY TIRE SHOP WHO INFORMED ME THE RIM HAD A CRACK IN IT, AND THAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO DEFLATE. I ORDERED A NEW WHEEL FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER, WHO TOLD ME IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR WHEELS ON THIS MODEL TO FAIL. MERCEDES REFUSED WARRANTY. I CONSIDER THIS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY FAILURE AND ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER WITH THE LOCAL DEALER, KIMBALL MOTORS, TO PRESENT IT TO MERCEDES FOR WARRANTY AND/OR SAFETY REPLACEMENT. THE CAR IS BEYOND THE NORMAL WARRANTY PERIOD. MERCEDES REFUSED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. BOTH THE PEOPLE WHO REPLACED THE TIRE, BIG BRAND TIRE, AND THE PARTS PEOPLE AT THE DEALER, KIMBALL MOTORS, TOLD ME THEY SEE "SEVERAL FAILURES LIKE THIS" EACH YEAR. IN MY 50 PLUS YEARS OF DRIVING FOR PLEASURE AND COMMERCIALLY, I NEVER EXPERIENCED A CRACKED WHEEL AND SUBSEQUENT TIRE FAILURE. I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT MERCEDES FAILED TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE FAILURE. I HAVE THE WHEEL, AND HAVE A DIGITAL PHOTO OF THE FAILURE IF THAT WILL BE OF ASSISTANCE. *TR
Mar 01, 2010
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEATS,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
MERCEDES BENZ 2002, C320 *STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION *SRS WARNING *SEATS MALFUNCTION *BRAKE AND OIL FLUID MISLEADING INFO *BATTERY DRAIN *TURNING SIGNALS REQUIRING NEW HARNESS THAT COST A LOT $$$. *TR
Dec 27, 2009
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AS WELL THE POWER SEAT MODULE DRAINING THE BATTERY WITH NUMEROUS JUMP STARTS. THIS OCCURRED JUST TWO WEEKS AFTER GLADLY PURCHASING MY "FIVE POINT CERTIFIED" 2002 C320 WAGON. MERCEDES BENZ OF GREENSBORO ALSO WOULD NOT FIX CHIPPING ON THE FRONT BUMPER. STATES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS LOW PROFILE THE BUMPER SUSTAINED THIS EXTENSIVE PEELING AS A RESULT. PEELING IS LOCATED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT TOP TO BOTTOM. SERVICE DEPT MANAGER ACKNOWLEDGED THE FACT THAT DEALERSHIP DID A POOR JOB AT REPAIRING THE PRE-EXISTING DAMAGE PRIOR TO SELLING. AFTER ONE CARWASH THE CHIPPING WAS VERY NOTICEABLE AND INCREASED WITH EACH WASH. THE SALEMANS WOULD NOT AGREE. PAINT STILL PEELING AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. I HAVE REFUSED TO PAY FOR A PRE-EXISTING PROBLEM, BUT WILL PROBABLY INCUR THIS EXPENSE JUST TO TRADE THE CAR. THE TRUNK MAKES A HORRIBLE RATTLING NOISE WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW OR HIGH SPEED. NUMEROUS LIGHTS REPLACED OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS. REAR VIEW MIRROR WILL NOT LOCK INTO POSITION WHEN INTERIOR OF CAR EXCEED 60-70 DEGREES BECAUSE RUBBER SEAL BECOMES TOO HOT. ALSO AT STATED TEMPERATURE THE DIGITAL MESSAGE BOARD BECOMES OBSCURE AND UNREADABLE. TIRES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED OFTEN. EMISSIONS PROBLEMS, TRULY THE LIST GOES ON. IN FACT, THE REASON I'M POSTING THIS COMPLAINT IS BECAUSE I HAVE THE TIME TO. MY CAR IS SITTING OUTSIDE AND WILL NOT START. POSSIBLY FUEL PUMP/SENSOR- A $700 REPAIR. I'M TIRED AND HAVE REACHED MY LIMIT WITH THE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, TRULY. PERSONALLY FEEL INJURED AFTER SUSTAINING SUCH UNFAIR TREATMENT AND INCONVENIENCE AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO NEGOTIATE REPAIRS. PRAYERFULLY EXPECTING RECALLS AND FULL RESTITUTION FOR THE MONEY TIED UP IN THIS VEHICLE, BE IT FROM THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALERSHIP. ALL DOCUMENTATION OF SERVICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. THE INTEGRITY OF MB ALONG WITH ITS REPUTATION HAS PROVEN NOT TO BE ONE OF IT LONG STATED HISTORY. SADLY, I AM DISAPPOINTED. *TR
May 20, 2009
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OR HIGHER, THE ESP INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED ONCE BEFORE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT ORDER THE PARTS AND MAKE THE REPAIR AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 09/23/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED IN BRAKING MODE.
Aug 26, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS
1 complaint
I OWN A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230, WHICH HAS NOW HAD 2 SEVERE ISSUES WITH IT. THE FIRST ISSUE IS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - THE SEAT CONTROL MODULES GO FAULTY AND START DRAINING THE BATTERY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. IF YOU HAVE A BATTERY DRAIN, THIS IS THE LIKELY CULPRIT. I HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT CONTROL MODULES A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO INTERNET BOARDS. THE 2ND PROBLEM IS THAT OIL STARTED TO LEAK ALL OVER THE WIRES. AGAIN ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET BOARDS. *TR
Jun 13, 2008
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C-230. THE CONTACT'S CHILD WRAPPED THE NEAREST REAR SEAT BELT AROUND HER NECK, WHILE SEATED IN HER CHILD SEAT. WHILE THE SEAT BELT WAS AROUND THE CHILD'S NECK, IT WOULD NOT LOOSEN AND WAS EXTENDED TO THE POINT THAT THE SEAT BELT COULD ONLY RETRACT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE POLICE AND THEY CUT THE SEAT BELT FROM AROUND THE CHILD'S NECK. SHE WAS UNINJURED FROM THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
May 28, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BOTH INTERNAL SEAT CONTROL MODULES HAVE ELECTRICAL FAULT. TEST CODE 8E3L-K8NNQ. FOUND 1.66 AMP OF DRAW (OUT OF SPEC. RANGE) AMP DROP WHEN DISCONNECTED: PASSENGER SIDE TO: .1114 AND DRIVER SIDE: 0.59 MILLIAMPS. 1/13 ALARM SOUNDS AND BATTERY DIES. TECHNICIAN REPLACES BATTERY, BUT WARNS LIKELY TO HAPPEN AGAIN-MANY CASES. 1/16 SAME PROBLEM. CAR TAKEN TO OTHER M-B DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED AS ABOVE. REPLACED BOTH MODULES 1/25. DEALERSHIP HAD TROUBLE GETTING PART DUE TO UNUSUALLY HIGH VOLUME FOR THIS REPAIR. 18 MODULES GONE OR ON RESERVE IN ONE WEEK IN SANTA MONICA ALONE. MERCEDES CORPORATE OFFICE UNRESPONSIVE. CARMAX DENIES KNOWN FAULT, BUT REPORTS CUSTOMER WITH SAME COMPLAINT PREVIOUS WEEK. *NM
Feb 02, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2002 C320 MERCEDES BENZ WAGON CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING IN CENTER LANE ON BUSY STREET -- AND WOULD NOT RESTART LEAVING CAR AND OCCUPANT VULNERABLE TO CRASH-- DUE TO FAILURE OF CRANK POSITION SENSOR. *JB
Dec 13, 2006
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
I LEASED A MERCEDES BENZ C230 COMPRESSOR FOR MY DAUGHTER IN 2001. THE SUN ROOF DIDN'T SLIDE BACK ON THE EXTERIOR OR THE INTERIOR. THE DEALER DISMANTLED THE SUN ROOF. MERCEDES REFUNDED THE FIRST MONTH'S LEASE PAYMENT SINCE SHE DID NOT HAVE USE OF THE VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST MONTH. AFTER ONE YEAR THE SUN ROOF NEEDED ADDITIONAL REPAIR. AT 31,000 MILES - THE POWER STEERING FAILED THE BRAKES FAILED AND WERE REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL BROKE THE SUN ROOF ONCE AGAIN WASN'T WORKING... THE INTERIOR SLIDING MECHANISM FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 2 AND 1/2 YEARS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BECAUSE THE COOLANT SENSOR FAILED, THE CAR OVERHEATED BUT THE SENSOR REGISTERED COOL. CURRENTLY AT 37,000 MILES - THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE TAKEN APART BECAUSE IT WASN'T SHIFTING GEARS. THE MOTOR ON THE DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE LEFT TURN HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE FLASHER BROKE. WHILE THEY WERE FIXING THE TRANSMISSION THEY SOMEHOW DAMAGED THE REAR WINDOW AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD IS NOW BEING REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL COMING ON OCCASIONALLY. MERCEDES CEASED TO MANUFACTURE THIS VEHICLE IN 2005. MY DAUGHTER SPOKE TO THE REGIONAL REP., HE WAS UNRESPONSIVE, RUDE AND HUNG UP ON HER. I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO BREAK DOWN AND JEOPARDIZE MY DAUGHTER'S SAFETY. THE ENGINE COULD BREAK DOWN BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE SENSOR THAT THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIX. THE INCIDENT DATE THAT FOLLOWS IS THE DATE OF THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM .. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE REAR WINDOW. *NM
Sep 14, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED A LEMON. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP 4-5 TIMES AND EACH TIME AT LEAST A MONTH. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF AND DID NOT COME BACK ON, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE AIR CONDITIONER MALFUNCTIONED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *AK THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS PROBLEMATIC, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTERS IN THE REAR DOORS WERE INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS A HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION, THE LEFT FRONT LOW BEAM LIGHT WOULD COME ON THE DISPLAY, THE VOICE OPERATION WAS HARD TO HEAR ON BOTH RECEIVING AND ANSWERING, THE BRAKES FELT SOFT, THE TRUNK SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY, THE CELL PHONE WAS INOPERATIVE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON. (MODEL/S500) *SC *JB
Jun 29, 2004
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE PROBLEM: WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL, NO RESPONSE IS EXPERIENCED IN THE CAR INITIALLY. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO GET THE CAR TO RESPOND. WHEN IT DOES RESPOND, IT ACCELERATES EXTREMELY FAST. I HAVE HAD TWO NEAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION. AS A DRIVER, YOU MUST THROTTLE THE CAR AGGRESSIVELY TO FEEL CONFIDENT THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE TO GET MOVING. THE STATED PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE PURCHASING THIS CAR NEW IN JULY 2002. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER (PARK PLACE MOTOR CARS) AND ASKED THAT IT BE CORRECTED ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I'VE HAD NO POSITIVE RESPONSE AND CONSEQUENTLY THE CONDITION EXISTS TODAY. *LA
May 10, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
THE 1ST INCIDENT; MY MERCEDES C240 WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS NEW. 2ND INCIDENT AT 10.5 MOS, 3RD: EXACLTY 1 YEAR, 4TH: 1 YR/3 WKS, 5TH: 13 MOS. ALL 5 TIMES THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT DYING OUT OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, & BRAKES. 3 OF THE 5 INCIDENTS THE CAR WOULD NOT START & REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALER, HAVING THE DEALERS WORK ON THE CAR ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR DIE OUT AGAIN. BIGGEST COMPLAINT BESIDES MINE, MY CHILDREN, & OTHER FELLOW FREEWAY TRAVELERS LIVES BEING IN DANGER IS THE LACK AND DISRESPCTFUL ATTITUDE OF THAT FROM MERCEDES BENZ'S CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THE CAR STALLED ON ME TWICE. ONE TIME ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 M/H. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND CAME BACK ON. THE SECOND TIME ON A STREET ROAD GOING 25M/H. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED IT BOTH TIMES AND THEY SAID THE COMPUTER SHOWS NO MALFUNCTIONS AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE.
May 23, 2003
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
DEPLOYED AIRBAGS INJURE 2 PA. FIREFIGHTERS DAVE SOMMERS, STAFF WRITER APRIL 24, 2003 EDGELY, PA. FIREFIGHTERS FACE A LOT OF HAZARDS EVERY TIME THEY SUIT UP. BUT THEY DON'T EXPECT TO BE STRUCK BY AUTOMOBILE AIRBAGS SUCH AS WHAT OCCURRED ON TUESDAY WHEN EDGELY FIRE COMPANY FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDED TO A CAR FIRE IN THE 3M INDUSTRIAL PARK IN BRISTOL TOWNSHIP. IN FACT, OFFICIALS SAID ANDY TAGGART, 25, WAS KNOCKED OUT WHEN THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG ON A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ INEXPLICABLY DEPLOYED AS THE VETERAN FIREFIGHTER WAS CHECKING THE DASH FOR DAMAGE. A SECOND FIREFIGHTER, RYAN FLANAGAN, 18, WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED WHEN HE WAS STRUCK IN THE HEAD BY A PARTIALLY DEPLOYING AIRBAG AS HE WAS CHECKING THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT DASH, OFFICIALS SAID. BOTH WERE RUSHED TO ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER IN LANGHORNE WHERE THEY WERE KEPT FOR OBSERVATION AND THEN RELEASED EARLY YESTERDAY. FLANAGAN SAID EDGELY RESPONDED TO THE FIRE SCENE AROUND 9:38 P.M. AFTER LEARNING THAT A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ WAS ON FIRE IN FRONT OF A&Z AUTOMOTIVE ON MANNING BOULEVARD. WHEN FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED, THEY SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH AND BEGAN TO GET THE SITUATION UNDER CONTROL. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG BLEW WITH SUCH FORCE IT KNOCKED TAGGART UNCONSCIOUS WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE BAG, WHICH ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED, STRUCK A GLANCING BLOW OFF THE SIDE OF RYAN FLANAGAN'S HEAD. BOTH FIREFIGHTERS WERE WEARING HELMETS, WHICH LIKELY SAVED THEM FROM FURTHER INJURY. AEROSTAR, THE SECURITY COMPANY WHICH ELECTRONICALLY MONITORS LUXURY CARS SUCH AS THE MERCEDES, HAD AUTOMATICALLY CALLED 911 WHEN IT DETECTED A FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE AEROSTAR SYSTEM ALSO AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKED THE CARS DOORS AND CONTACTED THE OWNER, WHO WAS NOT WITH THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. THE FIRE INSIDE THE MERCEDES WAS EXTINGUISHED BEFORE IT COULD CAUSE MUCH DAMAGE. *NLM
Apr 26, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A SAFETY FEATURE WHICH AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE TO 20-30 MPH WHEN VARIOUS SENSORS DETECT SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL DIFFICULTY. WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH THE SAFETY FEATURE ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS REDUCED. THE DRIVER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TOT HE DEALER. I WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT A FAULTY ESP CONTROL MODULE SENT A FALSE WARNING TO THE SYSTEM THAT MADE THE VEHICLE REDUCE SPEED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS FEATURE WAS DESIGNED POORLY AND THAT IT SHOULD BE DESIGNED SO IT COULD BE MANUALLY OVERRIDDEN (MERCEDES BENZ S430 2002). *MR *SCC *NLM
Apr 22, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
3/03 WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY 2002 C-240, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING, FUEL GAUGE FAILED, HEADLIGHT WASHER BROKE, AND ONE OF THE VENTS ON THE DASH FELL APART. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 2002 C-240, AND WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER CAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, IT BEGAN DOWN SHIFTING ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO POWER. CAR WOULD COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND THEN WOULD START MOVING AGAIN. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. MERCEDES DEALER THOUGHT WAS ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FELT IT WAS VERY SERIOUS AS I WAS ON INTERSTATE WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY STOP IN TRAFFIC. COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. 4/03 AIR CONDITIONING NOT WORKING AGAIN. *NLM
Apr 14, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
INITIALLY THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE CAR LOST POWER, IN TRAFFIC, DURING A TURN. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY, AND THE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER INDICATED THERE WAS "NO MALFUNCTION" OCCURRING. UPON ARRIVAL AT MY DESTINATION THE ENGINE FAILED AFTER BEING PLACED IN PARK, AS I CONSIDERED BACKING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE CAR AT LEAST 4 TIMES ON 3 DIFFERENT DAYS, AND CAN OFFER NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PERFORMANCE.*AK
Aug 29, 2002
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED ONE FLAT TIRE AND ONE BLOWOUT, NO TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN DRIVING OVER 60 MPH. *SLC
Aug 29, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLS AND HESITATES AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP. BUT, IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST REVEALED ITSELF IT WOULD ONLY STALL WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. IT PROGRESSED TO THE ENGINE STOPPING COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS OF 25 MPH OR MORE. THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE SUNROOF SHADE IS NOT OPENING PROPERLY. THE TRIM WAS REPAIRED. *JG
Aug 08, 2002
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES THE CUP HOLDER IN THE CENTER CONSOLE WILL NOT RETRACT.*JB
Apr 04, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DELPOY DURING A FOURTY-FIVE PER HOUR FRONT COLLISION, DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE TEL-AID ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE, IN WHICH IT WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE.*SLC
Feb 07, 2002
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class have?
The 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class currently has 190 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class?
The most common problems reported for the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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