Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230, the most recent reported on November 19, 2024 (Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230?

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (16 complaints), followed by electrical system (12).

How many 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 54 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 recalls

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 24V874000 · reported November 19, 2024 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 33,456 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
The risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 22V954000 · reported December 23, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 131,653 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
The risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine and engine cooling16
Electrical system12
Visibility5
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Steering4
Suspension4
Engine3
Power train3
Air bags2
Exterior lighting2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 21, 2025 · Suspension
The rear subframe rusted out and failed at the driver side trailing arm mount. It is available for inspection. My pregnant wife was driving it when it failed, luckily it failed an 1/8th mile from our house on a 25mph back road. The problem with these subframes has been well documented in later models and the subject…

Jan 28, 2025 · Structure
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…

Nov 6, 2022 · Engine
There is an old recall campaign for the Camshaft Seal, # [phone removed]. This car is among those affected by this problem and should be covered for issues and repairs.

May 31, 2019 · Electrical system
TAKATA RECALL ESL (ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK) COMPONENTS THE MOTOR FAILS TO UNLOCK THE STEERING THE FIRST TIME, BUT WORK IN FOLLOWING ATTEMPTS. SOME TIMES IT TAKES 1 TO 4 HOURS FOR ESL TO UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WEATHER OVERNIGHT OR JUST COMING OUT OF THE STORE SHOPPING.

Aug 30, 2017 · Steering · 163,000 miles
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 .. .UPDATED 10/04/17 THE CONSUMER…

C230 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	0	29	3	0
2001	0	4	0	1
2002	2	54	3	4
2003	3	51	1	3
2004	3	31	0	4
2005	4	85	12	6

Across all years, the 2007 C230 has the most complaints (212). All Mercedes-Benz C230 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230, the most recent reported on November 19, 2024 (Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230?: Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (16 complaints), followed by electrical system (12).
How many 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 54 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2025.