2002 Mercedes Benz C320

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 68 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,000 milesMedian miles at failure

42 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Mercedes Benz C320 problems

31 of the 68 complaints (46%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System24
102
Seats12
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control5
010
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery4
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body · body and frame1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly24V874000
Filed Nov 19, 202433,456 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

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

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly22V954000
Filed Dec 23, 2022131,653 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

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

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly19V918000
Filed Dec 20, 2019747,928 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

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

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 5, 2024PA

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.

Suspension
Filed Sep 5, 2024PA

Suddenly started driving badly on the highway. It would swerve side to side after hitting a bump. The rear sits about two inches lower than the front. My trusty independent mechanic said I should check the rear subframe and refrain from driving the car. KBB lists a safety recall for this issue, stating that the rear subframe wasn't sufficiently rustproofed. Mercedes and NHTSA do not list this recall, and my local dealer says the repair will cost around $3,000. May have to scrap the car with 81,000 miles on it.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 2023IN

While changing one of the lights in the headlight housing, I found the wiring's insulation rotting off all the wires, exposing the bare copper presenting a fire hazard.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 8, 2021CA

Vehicle constantly smells like gas inside the cabin, it makes me dizzy and affects my head overall health inhaling vapors. At first I thought I could handle it, but it just gives me nonstop headaches and I'm afraid one spark will ignite/ explode my entire vehicle. This happens everytime I fill the gas tank. I heard their was a warranty extension but don't believe me vehicle was included which is unfortunate. Their is a check engine light informing of a EVAP Leak.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2020114,000 milesCA

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.

Air BagsCrashFire1 killed
Filed Nov 9, 2018MA

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

Electrical System
Filed Aug 7, 2017IL

BATTERY DRAINING

Seats
Filed Oct 27, 2016GA

SEATS CONTROL MODULE

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 7, 2015125,000 milesCT

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.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 8, 2015123,384 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER AN HOUR, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,384.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 6, 2015102,000 milesCO

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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fire
Filed Feb 3, 2015127,000 milesNC

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.

Seats
Filed Nov 4, 201484,300 milesFL

THE SEAT CONTROL UNITS DO NOT SHUT OFF AND CONTINUALLY DRAIN THE BATTERY. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL CAR. *TR

Seats
Filed Jan 14, 201481,000 milesTX

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 9, 201390,338 milesMO

FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILURE CAUSING GAS TANK TO LEAK. FUMES SO STRONG IN GARAGE RISK OF EXPLOSION. FUMES PERMEATING HOME. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 29, 201340,000 milesMA

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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 30, 2013135,000 milesCA

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 ?

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 18, 201368,000 milesKY

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

Seats
Filed Mar 22, 201389,000 milesFL

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

Electrical System
Filed Jul 17, 201250,000 milesCA

I CAME OUT AND MY BATTERY WAS DEAD WITHOUT WARNING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DOWNTOWN LA MOTORS(MERCEDES BENZ) DEALER, WHERE THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE SEAT CONTROL MODULES WERE STAYING ON AND CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD TO UNHOOK THE SEAT CONTROLS AND NOW I AM UNABLE TO MOVE MY SEATS OR STEERING WHEEL. THEY ESTIMATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST AROUND 1500. NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME VEHICLE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND NOT THE FAULT OF MERCEDES BENZ CONSUMERS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 28, 201240,000 milesNY

ON 1/14/2012 CAR WONT START BATTERY DEAD, CALL AAA TOW TRUCK. JUMP BATTERY OK USED CARED NEXT DAY AND ON FAUL COME UP ON MY CARS TROULBE SCREEN TO INDICATED THAT I HAD ANY OTHER TROUBLE IN ANY SYSTEM IT THE CAR, WE WHEN TO FL ON THE ON THE 16 OF JANUARY CAR WAS HOME (IN NY) SON WAS GOING TO TAKE OF HOUSE AND START CAR ONCE A WEEK. RECEIVED PHONE CALL FROM MY SON ON 1/17/2012 CAR WONT START,BATTERY DEAD, AND KEY WONT TURN. ON 4/21/2012 COME HOME FROM FL FROUND DEAD CAR AND TRANSMISTION LEAKING.CALLED MERCEDES BENZ FOR A TOE TO THE SHOP.THIS IS THR THIRED BATTERY SINCE A HAVE THIS CAR.BATTERY WAS UNDER WARRANTY.IT WAS CHANEG LEST THEN A YEAR AGO. M/B SHOP INFORMED ME BATTERY WAS DEAD. CAUSE MY SEAT MODULES SHORTED, TO REPLACE MODULES WAS COST $1200. I FEEL THAT THE BATTERY CAUSE THIS TROUBLE AND THE THE MODULES SHOULD BE REPLACED BY B/M AT NO COST TO ME. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 26, 2012TX

I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES C320. MY BATTERY IS DEAD AFTER SEATING OVERNIGHT. TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUSTIN MB DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE POWER SEAT MOTOR IS DRAINING MY BATTERY. BOTH SEATS. COME TO FIND OUT THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED MERCEDES USA AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE IS NOT MUCH THEY CAN DO. THAT IS BULL!! OBVIOUSLY SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR MODEL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, IT HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER FAULT. I WAS WONDERING HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE MERCEDES WILL ADMIT THAT THEY HAVE A BAD COMPONENT ON THIS MODEL. I FIGURED,IF ENOUGH PEOPLE CALL AND TELL MB THAT THEY HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM, THEY WILL REALIZE THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND THEY WILL ISSUE A RECALL AND PAY FOR NECESSARY REPAIRS. PLEASE CALL MERCEDES USA AND REPORT THIS PROBLEM. 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) OR 201-476-6200. *TR

Seats
Filed May 23, 201144,000 milesMD

BATTERY DIES. AFTER DIAGNOSTIC, FOUND THAT DRIVER SEAT CONTROL UNIT DRAINED BATTERY. REPLACED BATTERY AND EVENTUALLY ALL CONTROLS FAIL ON THE SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL. I AM ONE OF MANY MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NO SOLUTION FOUND AND NO RECALL TO REPAIR. *TR

Seats
Filed May 11, 2011FL

MERCEDES 2002 C320. POWER SEAT CONTROL MODULE FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DRAIN THE BATTERY TO A EXTENT THAT CAR CAN NOT BE STARTED UP. ONLY SOLUTION IS BUY A NEW ($500.00 PLUS LABOR) CONTROL MODULE. I'VE DONE A RESEARCH IN DIFFERENT MERCEDES FORUMS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THESE MODELS. MB DESPITE OF ALL THE PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 25, 201197,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO FAIL EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE SEAT MODULE WAS DRAINING THE BATTERY THAT WAS LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO PURCHASE TWO BATTERIES WITHIN FOUR MONTHS DUE TO THE RECURRING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 2010CA

I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES C-320 CAR THAT THE BATTERY WILL NOT HOLD A CHARGE! I HAD THE MERCEDES DEALER COME TO MY HOME AND PUT IN A NEW BATTERY. AFTER SPENDING $300 AND 2 DAYS LATER THE NEW BATTERY WAS DEAD. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE ALTERNATOR/REGULATOR BY THE MB DEALER AND THE COST WOULD BE $1,200. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO WORKS ON FOR. CARS, AND THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR/REG. FOR $512 OUT THE DOOR. 2 DAYS LATER THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. I WAS TOLD MY NEW MERC. BATTERY WAS NOT GOOD AND THEY REPLACED IT. 7 DAYS LATER MY BATTERY DIED AGAIN. MY LOCAL MECH. TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE MB DEALER AS THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR MODULE AND THEY SHOULD REPLACE IT FOR FREE AS THROUGH HIS RESEARCH MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. CLEARLY A DEFECT PART BY MERCEDES AS THROUGH MY AND MY MECH. RESEARCH, THE MB MECH ARE REPLACING THE OLD MODULES WITH A NEW AND IMPROVED ONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I NOW HAVE NOW HAD AAA TO COME AND CHARGE MY BATTERY ONCE AGAIN AND I WILL TAKE IT TO THE MB DEALER. I HOPE THEY A WILL DO THE RIGHT THING. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 9, 201012,000 milesAL

UNPREDICTABLE APPLICATION OF ESP IN 2002 MERCEDES C-320 RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND UNPREDICTABLE BRAKING AND ENGINE THROTTLE DOWN. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 2, 201054,000 milesTX

LEFT AND RIGHT ELECTRONIC SEAT MODULES WHICH ALSO CONTROLS THE STEERING WHEEL AND OTHERS FAILED AND MB DID NOT WANT TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY PART NUMBERS ARE: 2118704626 2118704726. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 13, 201044,975 milesCA

AT 45,000 MILES FRONT PASSENGER SEAT STARTED DRAINING THE BATTERY. DEALER TOLD BAD CONTROL UNIT. BECAUSE OF HIGH COST OF REPAIR ($900.), IT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED. THE CONTROL UNIT WAS LEAST UTILIZED FOR THE PASSENGERS SEAT. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED UNDER 45000 MILES USE. *TR

Seats
Filed Apr 5, 2010CA

2002 C320 MERCEDES BENZ ELECTRICAL SEATS DRAINING BATTERY. *TR

Seats
Filed Feb 4, 2010CA

WE HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES C320 WAGON. THE AUTOMATIC DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS DRAINED THE BATTERY COMPLETELY WHERE THE CAR WILL NOT START. WE HAVE DISCONNECTED THE MODULE SEATS SO THAT IT WILL STOP DRAINING THE BATTERY. THE REPLACEMENT FOR EACH MODULE SYSTEM FOR THE SEAT IS ABOUT $500 OR MORE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTS AS IT IS DANGEROUS IF OWNERS ARE NOT AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND LEAVE THEIR CAR PARK FOR A PERIOD OF TIME WILL CAUSE THE OWNERS NOT ABLE TO START THEIR CAR, ESPECIALLY IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Dec 27, 200992,887 milesCA

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

Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 200985,000 milesTX

SEAT CONTROL UNITS DRAINING THE BATTERY IF CAR IS PARKED. CAR WILL NOT START IF PARKED FOR MORE THEN 24H. DRAIN AMPS BETWEEN 1.2 AND 1.4 AMPS. HAD TO DISCONNECT THE SEAT MODULES, NOW SEATS CAN'T BE ADJUSTED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 10, 200974,500 milesCA

CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER 15 MINUTES, CAR STARTED BACK. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND A MODULE WAS REPLACED. 2 MONTHS LATER, THE BATTERY STARTED DRAINING. I HAD THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED AND THE BATTERY TWICE. CAR WILL WORK FOR A DAY OR TWO AND DIES AGAIN. SO MANY OTHER MERCEDES OWNERS OF C320 ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. BATTERY DYING AND CAR STALLING. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 20, 2009NC

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

Electrical System
Filed May 18, 200976,000 milesTX

BATTERY DRAINING, OFFICIAL DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHAT IS CAUSING DRAIN. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 200979,500 milesAZ

BATTERY GOES DEAD AFTER A FEW DAYS: MAJOR CAUSE IS ELECTRICAL POWER DRAIN DUE TO FAULTY UNITS, MAJOR CAUSE BUT NOT ONLY CAUSE IS THE SEAT CONTROL MODULE UNIT. QUICK FIX IS TO DISCONNECT TO ELIMINATE POWER DRAIN BUT THIS CAUSES OTHER SAFETY FEATURES TO GO DORMANT. I HAVE READ MORE THAN 100 REPORTS ON BENZWORLD.ORG ON THE VERY SAME ISSUE WITH LITTLE OR NO SOLUTION FROM DEALERSHIPS. ITS A MAJOR AND COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 11, 200996,000 milesOR

2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320 STATION WAGON: FAILURE TO KEEP A CHARGE IN THE BATTERY, AND APPARENTLY THE SOLUTION IS TO DISCONNECT THE POWER SEATS AND THEN RECHARGE THE BATTERY. BUT THEN THE POWER SEATS ARE INOPERABLE, UNLESS YOU GET THESE REPLACED. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Seats
Filed Jan 10, 200972,000 milesCA

FAULTY SEAT CONTROLLER OF A MERCEDES C32 AMG, DRAINS CAR BATTERY OVERNIGHT, CAUSES NEW BATTERY REPLACEMENT AND CONTROLLER REPLACEMENT (NOT CHEAP - APPR $400). NO NEW CONTROLLER PURCHASED FROM MB USA, JUST DISCONNECTED PLUG (MOVING SEAT IS INOPERABLE). I NOTICED ALMOST ALL US MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLES WITH THAT BODY STYLE (W203) HAVE THAT ISSUE. SOURCES: BAY AREA DEALERSHIPS, A REPAIR SHOP AND ONLINE FORUMS. *TR

Seats
Filed Jan 5, 200965,000 milesFL

CAR BATTERY DRAINS DUE TO A SHORT IN THE POWER SEAT CONTROL UNITS IN MY 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320. REPLACED BATTERY, RECHARGED BATTERY NUMEROUS TIMES. EVERY OTHER OWNER OF THIS MAKE / MODEL COMPLAINS OF SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Seats
Filed Oct 9, 200845,000 milesCA

THE CAR PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT AND THE MORNING I HAD AN EMERGENCY AT THE BUSINESS AND COULD NOT START THE CAR. THE BATTERY WAS TOTALLY DRAINED. HAD IT TOWED TO THE SHOP TO BE DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT THAT HAS DRAINED ALL THE ENERGY FROM THE BATTERY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING. THE POWER SEAT IS NOW CONTINUOUSLY EXCESSIVELY DRAIN THE BATTERY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT THE CAR IS NOT TRUSTED TO BE ABLE TO START IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION WHEN THE CAR IS NEEDED FOR TRANSPORTATION. THE CAR HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE ON IT. THE POWER SEAT HAS BEEN RARELY USED AND IT SHOULD NOT FAIL FOR HAVING BEEN IDLE/NOT USED FOR THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT I HAVE OWN THE CAR. I AM THE ORIGINAL FIRST TIME OWNER OF THE CAR AND I HARDLY HAVE TO ADJUST THE POWER SEAT. I BELIEVE THAT THE POWER SEAT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND COULD BE A DANGEROUS IMPEDIMENT IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. THE ARE LOTS OF MERCEDES OWNER WHO HAVE EXPERIENCING THE SAME MALFUNCTION IN THEIR POWER SEATS. I FEEL THAT WITH THESE MANY PEOPLE, IT WARRANTS A RECALL BY MERCEDES FOR ALL THE POWER SEATS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 8, 200859,000 milesAZ

THE BATTERY IN MY 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C320 DIED IN LATE FEBRUARY 2008. DIAGNOSTICS WERE DONE AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY BY CHANDLER MERCEDES BENZ VIA ROADSIDE SERVICE. IN LATE MARCH I GOT INTO THE CAR TO GO TO WORK AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD; CALLED ROADSIDE SERVICE. CHANDLER MB ARRIVED AND JUMP-STARTED THE CAR. MAY 5TH I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO TO WORK AND AGAIN, THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. CHANDLER MB ROADSIDE SERVICE AGAIN JUMP-STARTED THE CAR WHICH WAS THEN DELIVERED TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE BATTERY WAS CHECKED AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT MODULE WAS DRAINING THE BATTERY. I REQUESTED A BATTERY THAT COULD POWER THE CAR. WAS TOLD THERE IS NO BATTERY THAT WILL POWER THE CAR, THE POWER SEAT MODULE MUST BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $398.00 PLUS LABOR. I DID FURTHER RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM IN THE MERCEDES C320, IN FACT MERCEDES BENZ IS NOW INSTALLING A DIFFERENT MODULE IN THE 2002 C320'S DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WHEN I BUY A MERCEDES BENZ WITH A MERCEDES BENZ BATTERY AND A MERCEDES BENZ INSTALLED POWER SEAT MODULE, THERE SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT POWER TO DRIVE MY CAR. ASKING ME TO PAY OVER $400 TO REPLACE THEIR OWN PART BECAUSE IT DRAWS TOO MUCH POWER FROM THEIR OWN BATTERY AND THEN NOT MANUFACTURING A BATTERY THAT WILL PROVIDE THE REQUIRED POWER, IS VERY CONVENIENT FOR MERCEDES BENZ AND A GREAT WAY TO MAKE SOME VERY EASY MONEY, BUT WHEN I PAY $35

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Mar 25, 200878,000 milesCA

2002 MERCEDES C320 BATTERY DIES EVERY 2-3 DAYS. NEEDS JUMP START EVERY 2-3 DAYS. *TR

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Feb 9, 200882,200 milesFL

I OWN A MERCEDES BENZ C320 AND LATELY I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING SOME PROBLEMS, FEW WEEKS AGO, MY CAR WOULDN'T START ALL OF A SUDDEN. I JUMP STARTED AND I NOTICED 2 FAULTS .. ESP WARNING LIGHT AND LIGHT SENSOR ,FOR SOME REASONS SOMETHING WAS DRAINING MY BATTERY, I WENT AND PURCHASED A BRAND NEW BATTERY AND 2 DAYS LATER IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A SEAT SENSOR THAT CAUSED IT,S O WE UNPLUGGED THE SEATS, EVERYTING SEAMED FINE FOR LIKE 4 TO 5 DAYS,WHILE I WAS DRIVING,THE CAR JUST CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WOULD NOT MOVE,THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I'VE COME TO REALIZE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, I HOPE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING BY RECALLING THOSE VEHICLES. *TR

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Jan 13, 2008CA

ON MY MERCEDES BENZ C320, IF THE CAR IS NOT STARTED AT LEAST EVERY 12 HOURS, THE CAR WILL NOT START AND IT NEEDS A JUMP. THE CAR IS A 2002 AND HAS 51K MILES. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Oct 31, 200775,000 milesCA

THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH BOARD FLICKER AND DIM , MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS. *TR

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Aug 29, 2007CA

I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES C320 AND THE CAR'S BATTERY KEEP DYING AND I HAVE TO JUMP START MY CAR EVERY DAY. BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND SAME PROBLEM HAPPENS AGAIN AND AGAIN. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS THE PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS TO MANY MANY MANY PEOPLE - SEE ATTACHED LINK HTTP://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/W203-C-CLASS/1196568-MERCEDES-C320-BATTERY-DRAIN-4.HTML I HAVE PAID THE DEALER $375 JUST FOR THE DIAGNOSES WITH NOTHING FIXED AND ACCORDING TO THESE COMPLAINTS, EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE THE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE ALL THESE CARS RECALLED AND HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED WHEN IT'S THEIR PRODUCTION/COMPONENT PROBLEM.

Seats
Filed Jul 12, 200748,200 milesGA

MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, SO I RECEIVED A JUMP, TWO DAYS LATER WHEN I DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR IT WOULD NOT START RECEIVED ANOTHER JUMP AND REPLACED THE BATTERY. DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR FROM 7-4 TO 7-8-07 AND CAR WOULD START. WENT TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP ON 7-9-07 AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON MY CAR THAT THE SEAT MODULES DO NOT POWER DOWN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND THAT IT IS DRAINING THE BATTERY. WENT TO SEVERAL MERCEDES-BENZ FORUM WEBSITES AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ONCE THE SEAT MODULE ARE REPLACED FOR $1200.00 THAT THE SEAT MODULES WOULD CONTINUE TO DRAIN THE BATTERY AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND THIS BECAME A CYCLE. PLEASE VISIT WEBSITES WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS OR M-BENZFORUM.COM OR TYPE IN GOOGLE OR YAHOO MERCERDES BENZ FORUM AND CONNECT. HERE YOU WILL SEE A LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Feb 2, 200745,800 milesCA

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

Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 200655,000 milesVA

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

Complaints 1-50 of 68, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20072000Routine
20062000Routine
200515420Routine
200415300Routine
200322310Routine
2002 — this page68331Fatalities reported
200163310Routine

Compare every C320 year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 19, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.