2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class Problems

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Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

INSTRUMENT PANEL DIED COMPLETELY .BETWEEN USES.

Apr 21, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX AND THE COMPUTER BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Dec 22, 2015

Fire: 1

I REITERATE ....THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP! MERCEDES BENZ INSTALLED POWER SEAT CONTROLLERS IN THIS CAR THAT FAIL VERY FREQUENTLY. THIS DESIGN FLAW CAUSES THE UNIT TO RUN POWER SEAT COMPONENTS CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, KEY REMOVED AND THE CAR IS LOCKED. WITHIN 2-11 HOURS, THE ACTIVITY OF THIS FAULT SEAT CONTROLLER UNIT DRAINS THE CAR BATTERY! WHEN YOU TRY TO JUMP START THE CAR AS PER MERCEDES BENZ OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS, THE PROCESS CAUSES THE REAR LEFT SAM (SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ACTUATOR MODULE DRIVER SIDE) TO LOSE PARTIAL OR FULL MEMORY. THIS AFFECTS A WHOLE HOST OF SYSTEMS INCLUDING FUEL DELIVERY, TAIL & HEAD LIGHTS. ITEMS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO OPERATING A VEHICLE ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SAFELY! THE OTHER DAY, APRIL 25TH, 2014, THE FUEL DELIVERY ON MY 2002 MB C32 AMG FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY! THE LOSS OF POWER WAS SO SUDDEN THAT I HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO THE SHOULDER; HITTING MY HEAD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW IN THE PROCESS! HAVING RESEARCHED THIS EXTENSIVELY AND HAVE FOUND THAT THESE ARE KNOWN PROBLEMS SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CAR IN 2002. INSTEAD OF A VOLUNTARY RECALL, MERCEDES BENZ DID A PATCH JOB OF REPLACING FAULTY SAMS FOR OWNERS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND ONLY IN CASES WHERE THE OWNERS COMPLAINED OR HAD THREE OR MORE VISITS TO A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. UPDATED 05/05/14 UPDATED 10/27/2014 *JS

Apr 29, 2014

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING IS DIMMING TO THE POINT YOU HAVE TO SQUINT TO SEE THE INFORMATION. THIS REQUIRES FOCUSING ON THE DISPLAY FOR LONGER THAN A SAFE AMOUNT OF TIME ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. *TR

Jun 25, 2009

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING FADED TO POINT OF BARELY BEING ABLE TO SEE PIXELS IN DISPLAY.NO TEMPERATURE READING-NO CLOCK READING AND SPEEDOMETER IS BARELY READABLE.MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGED FAULT ON OTHER MERCEDES MODELS BUT NOT THE E-CLASS.DON'T DRIVE CAR MUCH AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF BARELY READABLE DISPLAY. *CN

Jan 28, 2008

+ 3 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS WERE CORRODED ON THE BOTTOM. THE EXTERIOR OF THE SUNROOF AREA ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DOOR PANELS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. *TR

Jun 26, 2013

PROBLEMS WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING.*MR IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO READ THE TEMPERATURE AND ODOMETER READING WHILE DRIVING IN DAYLIGHT. THE CONSUMER SAW THE 2003 MODEL AND THE LIGHTING HAS BEEN CHANGED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THE 2002 MODEL SHOULD BE RECALLED. *NLM

Oct 07, 2003

WHILE MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS THE VEHICLE MADE A CRUNCHING NOISE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS (MERCEDES BENZ CLK55AMG 2002). *NLM

May 21, 2003

MY 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430 CABRIOLET (YOUR WEB SITE DOES NOT LIST THIS MODEL OR THE CLK 55) HAS A WARPED REAR SUB-FRAME AND THERE WAS NO INCIDENT TO CAUSE THIS. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND CHARGED 3000 TO FIX! *NLM

Apr 16, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGAN TO VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Apr 09, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ 320E. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE AND THE NOISE RECURRED THREE DAYS LATER AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,200 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ WHEN THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AFTER HAVING IT SERVICED, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE CONVERTER HAD GONE BAD. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO NOISE PRIOR TO TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER. UPDATED 03/17/09. *JB

Feb 03, 2009

I WAS RECENTLY TOLD THAT MY 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 HAD AN OIL LEAK INSIDE THE ENGINE AND REQUIRED A COMPLETE ENGINE OVERHAUL FOR $5,725.00. *TR UPDATED 12-12-07. *KB UPDATED *JB

Sep 07, 2007

WHEN APPLYING GAS FROM A STOP, VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AND THEN STALL. THIS HAS HAPPENED 25 TIMES, DEALER CANNOT FIND A CAUSE. *AK DEALER REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. MANUFACTURER ADVISED CUSTOMER THAT CUSTOMERS WHO DRIVE WITH TWO FEET MAY EXPERIENCE SOME ENGINE HESITATION. *TT

Jun 11, 2002

VISIBILITY

3 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED AND THAT THE SUN ROOF GLASS HAD BECOME INDENTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) FOR ANOTHER MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLE WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. *BF*JB

Sep 03, 2020

FAULTY COVER ON ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRROR: 1. THE DESIGN OF THE COVER FOR THE ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRROR ON THE MERCEDES BENZ 2002 E320 IS FAULTY LEADING TO THE COVER BREAKING OFF EASILY DURING NORMAL USE. THE DANGER CREATED BY THE BREAKING OFF OF THE COVER IS THAT WHEN THE SUN VISOR IS PULLED DOWN TO PROTECT AGAINST SUN GLARE, THE EXPOSED MIRROR CREATES A DANGEROUS DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. AFTER CONDUCTING LIMITED RESEARCH ON THE SUBJECT, IT APPEARS THAT THIS PROBLEM WITH THE ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRROR COVER BREAKING OFF IS WIDESPREAD AND AFFECTS ALL AUTOMOBILES THAT UTILIZE THIS SUN VISOR WITH THE ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRROR AND COVER DESIGN. MERCEDES BENZ HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS FAULTY PRODUCT AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BROKEN COVERS IS LEFT TO THE AUTOMOBILE OWNERS AND THEIR COST. *TR

Oct 15, 2007

RIGHT REAR WINDOW MOTOR REPLACED. WINDOW HAD BEEN LOWERED AND RAISED APPROX. FOUR TIMES SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. *JB

Dec 29, 2005

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

SRS LIGHT IS ON

Jul 09, 2018

EXACT DATE OF INCIDENT NOT KNOWN I AM THIRD OWNER OF CAR AND HAVE KNOWN THE SECOND OWNER THE ENTIRE TIME OF HER OWNERSHIP. THE SRS LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYS LIT AT ALL TIMES, AS DOES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR. WAS WONDERING IF THIS WAS A ONE INCIDENT TYPE OR IF THIS IS A TREND AMONG OLDER E320'S THAT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Nov 26, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND METAL SHAVINGS CAME OUT OF THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 01/27/15

Nov 19, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

WHILE DECELERATING ONTO HIGHWAY FROM ON RAMP, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. IT'S IS A SCARY SITUATION TO LOSE POWER AS YOU MERGE INTO HIGHWAY. I COASTED TO BRAKE DOWN LANE. I SHIFTED BACK INTO PARK GEAR TO RESET, THEN BACK INTO DRIVE GEAR TO RESUME TRAVEL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES SINCE. CAN BE A DANGEROUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ROADWAYS.

May 20, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE FOLLOWED BY AN ABNORMALLY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A HALT AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN DROPPED DUE TO FOUR LOOSE SCREWS. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,200.

Sep 23, 2011

MY 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 SE HAS 29000 MILES ON IT AND OUT OF WARRANTY. ON THE DASH IN THE LOWER RIGHT HAND CORNER IS THE GEAR SELECTION POSITION INDICATOR AND CLOCK MODULE. IN DECEMBER THE UNIT MALFUNCTIONED AND IS UNREADABLE. I HAVE TRIED TO GET SOMEONE TO FIX IT BUT NO ONE WILL DO IT BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE FOR ME AT THIS TIME? IS THIS A FIRST FOR MB? I AM FILING THIS REPORT TO ALERT OTHERS OF THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *JB

Jan 22, 2007

SUSPENSION,ENGINE

2 complaints

Engine mount bracket broke causing steering problems from cv axel on drivers side

Jun 06, 2022

THE CAR STARTED HAVING VERY STRONG VIBRATIONS AT IDLE SPEED WHEN CAR IS IN REVERSE OR DRIVE AND STOPPED AT A STANDSTILL WITH BRAKE. TOOK IT TO SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLES MOTOR MOUNTS WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT, TO THE TUNE OF OVER 600.00. ONCE AGAIN I HAVE READ A SIMILAR COMPLAINT IN THE DATABASE AND REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHY MERCEDES HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THE FACT THAT THIS IS A TREND IN THE VEHICLES AND COME UP WITH SOME TYPE OF RECALL OR FIX FOR THE SITUATION... MAYBE MOST OWNERS JUST UNBEGRUDGINGLY PAY WHATEVER NECESSARY TO HAVE THEIR CARS FIXED OBLIVIOUS TO THE FACT THAT MERCEDES CLAIM TO FAME IS QUALITY,RELIABILITY AND LONGEVITY. I FOR ONE DO NOT THINK THAT A CAR COSTING OVER 60,000.00 SHOULD BE PLAGUED BY SO MANY DEFICIENT MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS. *TR

Nov 26, 2014

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

FRONT STRUTS FAILED, AIR SUSPENSION (AIR LEAK) AND WHEELS COLLAPSED UP INTO WHEEL WELLS. THE FRONT WHEELS COULD NOT BE TURNED AT ALL; IF TURNED THE TIRES WOULD HAVE RUBBED ON THE WHEEL WELLS RESULTING IN SUDDEN DEFLATION. THIS COLLAPSE OCCURED AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOLLOWING 140 MILES OF INTERSTATE DRIVING. I BELIEVE THE LEAK OCCURED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AS THE COMPUTER INDICATED MY MPG HAD DROPPED 2 MPG COMPARED TO EARLIER IN THE DAY. THERE WERE NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. (SENT FROM GERMANY), INDICATING EITHER THESE NEVER FAIL AND THEREFORE SPARES NOT NEEDED OR FREQUENT FAILURES RESULTED IN LACK OF REPLACEMENT PARTS. THE REALLY SCARY PART IS THE THOUGHT OF BEING UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Jun 27, 2008

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

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 complaints

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

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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

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

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

ON APRIL 25, 2016, I NOTICED THAT A WHITE BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC. DESPITE THE WHITE WARNING LIGHT, THE FOOT BRAKES STILL HELD. IT SAID "SERVICE BRAKES , VISIT WORKSHOP". I IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE SOLE AUTHORISED AGENT IN TRINIDAD, WHO RAN SOME DIAGNOSTIC TESTS ON THE CAR. THEY INDICATED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE SBC UNIT AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF USD 3,000.00 PLUS USD 365.00 FOR LABOR. THIS, I COULD NOT AFFORD AS THE TOTAL COST IS QUITE EXORBITANT AND SURPRISING. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP AND TOWARDS DRIVING HOME, THE RED BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR NOW LIT UP AND I HEARD A LOUD WARNING SIGNAL. THE WARNING SIGN SAID TO STOP THE CAR, WHICH I IMMEDIATELY DID AND MANAGED TO PARK THE CAR AT A FRIEND'S HOME AS I COULD NOT REACH MY HOME. THE CAR NOW HAD VERY LITTLE OR NO FOOT BRAKES AND I HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL RIGHT DOWN IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 10MPH IN CITY TRAFFIC AND THIS "NO BRAKES" SITUATION RESULTED IN EXTREME DANGER TO BOTH ME, MY WIFE, PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER TRAFFIC. I WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THESE SBC UNITS WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND WERE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED BY MERCEDES BENZ, BUT I AS AN OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. IN ADDITION, THE SOLE AGENTS IN TRINIDAD FOR MERCEDES BENZ IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE RECALL AND CHANGE THE SBC UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. I NEED URGENT ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER EITHER FROM MERCEDES BENZ USA OR MERCEDES BENZ GERMANY AS I AM A HAPLESS VICTIM OF THIS MERCEDES BENZ SBC RECALL. PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN SEPTEMBER 2005, IT HAS BARELY COMPLETED 58,000 MILES. SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT, IT HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AND SERVICED BY THE SOLE MERCEDES BENZ AGENT IN TRINIDAD.MERCEDES BENZ RECALL NUMBER 2005070007 AND 2005110001 AND/OR 2004050014

May 09, 2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A GASOLINE FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Dec 31, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

THE TEMPERATURE LED HAS COMPLETELY GONE OUT AND THE CLOCK/GEAR SELECTION LED IS UNREADABLE... I BELIEVE SEEING ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF THE SAME TYPE IN THE DATABASE, DON'T REMEMBER THE MODEL BUT WAS WONDERING WHY IF THIS IS A TREND DOES MERCEDES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE SITUATION. I REALIZE THAT THE WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR SO LONG BUT IF OTHER CARS ALL HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS IT SEEMS AS IF MERCEDES WOULD WANT TO PROTECT THE REPUTATION OF QUALITY DURABILITY AND EXCELLENCE BEHIND THEIR NAME. *TR

Nov 26, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE

1 complaint

THE WIRING HARNESS HAS MULTIPLE EXPOSED COPPER WIRING DUE TO DISINTEGRATING INSULATION FROM NORMAL USE. THE WIRING INSULATION IS VIRTUALLY CRACKED OR COMPLETELY MISSING, EXPOSING IT TO DIRECT ENGINE HEAT AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS POSES SAFETY AND RISK OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FULLY REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND RELATED COMPONENTS. MY CAR HAS SPECIFICALLY ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED, KEEPING A STRICT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND FOLLOWING ROUTINE ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, ALL BY ONLY TRAINED MERCEDES CERTIFIED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE LIGHTING WIRING INSULATION SHOULD BE RESILIENT AND SHOULD LAST INDEFINITELY SINCE IT IS NOT I INDIRECTLY HANDLED DURING OTHER REPAIRS. IT IS WELL PUBLISHED MERCEDES OPTED TO USE A "GREEN" ALTERNATIVE, WHICH WE'LL REPORTED OTHERS INDICATED THE SAME INSULATION FAILURES. *TR

Nov 04, 2014

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING LOCK FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,828 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 11/29/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE RETURNED TO HER VEHICLE AND INSERTED THE KEY, IT WOULD NOT TURN. THE INDICATOR SAID TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONSUMER THEN MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR EACH TIME REMOVING THE KEY AS DIRECTED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. UPDATED 02/28/12

Nov 08, 2011

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN I AM COMING TO A STOP;THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 5-6 TIMES. ON MAY 23, 09 I WAS ALMOST STOPPED IN A PARKING PLACE AND THE CAR STARTED BUCKING AGAINST MY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE AND IT WAS ABOUT 30 YARDS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE AND STOPPED. ON FEB.13 OF THIS YEAR I WAS STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AND THE VEHICLE AGAIN STARTED ACCELERATING. PLACING THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL SAVED ANOTHER CRASH. THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENTS HAS BEEN ONLY ABOUT 2 MPH. I KNOW THAT "OTHERS" LIKE TO CLAIM CONFUSION, DRIVER ERROR, ETC. I AM ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT SUCH HAS NOT BEEN THE CASE AND I HAVE A PASSENGER WITNESS TO THESE INCIDENTS AND WHAT I DID THE VEHICLE SIMPLY OVERPOWERS MY ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE AND BUCKS LIKE A WILD HORSE. . I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE EXAMINED BY SEVERAL GARAGES AND THEY SAY THAT W/O THE ABILITY TO RECREATE THE INCIDENT A DIAGNOSIS CANNOT BE MADE. THE INCIDENT 5- 29-09 DID RESULT IN DAMAGES. NEWPORT BEACH POLICE WERE CALLED. THE FEB 13 2210 INCIDENT DID NOT RESULT IN DAMAGES (UNLESS YOU ARE INCLUDING BEING TERRIFIED OF A CRASH). *TR

Feb 26, 2010

CHILD SEAT

1 complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CHILD WAS OBSERVED UNLATCHING THE LEVER AND LOOSENING THE ENTIRE HARNESS. THE SYSTEM USED TO SECURE THE SEAT WAS A LAP BELT COMBINATION FOR A FORWARD FACING CHILD SEAT. THE CONTACT ALERTED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT NO RESOLUTION WAS PROVIDED. MAKE: BRITAX, MODEL: MARATHON, MODEL#E9L0627, DOM: 05/12/05, *AK UPDATED 10/18/2006 - THE CONSUMER'S 21 MONTH OLD CHILD PULLED BACK ON THE STRAP WHICH CAUSED THE HARNESS RELEASE LEVER TO BE DEPRESSED. THE CHILD'S WEIGHT AGAINST THE HARNESS RELEASED THE HARNESS. *NM

Oct 06, 2006

TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

1. HIT POTHOLE ON SIDE OF ROAD WHILE TRAVELING APPROX 10 MPH. 2. FLAT TIRE 3. REPLACE TIRE. THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT IN 5 YEARS. TWO DIFFERENT TIRE MANUFACTURES INVOLVED. FAILURE IS ALWAYS SIDEWALL INTEGRITY. FAILURE IS DUE TO LOW PROFILE (235/45Z17) TIRES SUPPLIED WITH CAR. NO OTHER WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION AVAILABLE DUE TO LARGE BRAKES. *NM

Feb 17, 2006

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

E320 4 MATIC (ALL WHEEL DRIVE)2002. NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS, OR A DIP/INCLINE IN THE PAVEMENT THEN COMING BACK TO NORMAL LEVEL.*AK STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE WHEN TURNING IN WARM WEATHER MERCEDES BENZ HAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRST PROBLEM NOISE IS INHERENT IN THE DESIGN OF THEIR E320 4 MATICS AND CAN NOT BE REPAIRED. THIS NOISE ISSUE HOWEVER DOES AFFECT THE RESALE OF THE CAR, AND ALSO CAN NOT BE STARMARKED CERTIFICED BY MERCEDES TO BE RESOLD ON THEIR PRE-OWNED USED CAR LOT. ONE OF THE STARMARKED AREAS IS NO NOISE ISSUES COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE STEERING WHEEL NOISE IS ANOTHER INHERENT PROBLEM WITH ALL E320'S. THEIR ATTEMPT TO FIX IT HAS NOT LASTED. IN BOTH CASES THEIR IS NO DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER EITHER COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE END RESULT IS THAT THE OWNER WILL SUFFER WHEN THE CAR IS TO BE TRADED IN OR SOLD TO A THIRD PARTY. THE VALUE OF THE CAR IS SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED BY THESE INHERENT DEFECTS THAT CAN NOT BE CORRECTED AS PROVEN. ALSO THEIR STARMARKED VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS WOULD ELIMINATE THIS CAR FROM BEING PUT FOR SALE ON THEIR PRE-OWNED LOT DUE TO THE SUSPENSION NOISE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE OTHER PROBLEM WILL OCCURR IF THE WEATHER IS WARM AND SO THEREFORE IT COULD OR COULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT THE TIME OF THE SALE.

Nov 09, 2004

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL EXCEEDS TO THE FLOOR,CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Aug 22, 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

Fire: 1

Injuries: 2

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

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE, THE TIRE WAS REPLACE WITH THE SPARE THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE LUG NUTS WITH THE ORIGINAL TIRE, IT APPEARS THAT THE SPARE TIRE USES DIFFERENT SIZE LUG NUTS THAN THE ORIGINAL WHEEL, AS A RESULT OF USING THE INCORRECT LUG NUTS THE BRAKES WERE DAMAGED, THERE ARE NO LABELS OR WARNINGS IN THE POCKET GUIDE STATING TO USE THE ADDITION LUG NUTS PROVIDED WHEN USING THE SPARE TIRE. NLM

Dec 23, 2002

STEERING

1 complaint

STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE TURNING ON TO ROAD, DEALER REPLICATED, REPLACED STEERING RACK, NOT SURE IF THAT WAS CAUSE. THIS IS JUST A WARNING IN CASE OTHER CARS EXHIBIT SAME PROBLEM.

Jun 10, 2002

4.7/5.0

74 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class have?

The 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class currently has 48 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 E-Class?

The most common problems reported for the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E-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 E-Class problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.