The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is better than average by owner complaints: 50 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 77, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 18 to 21 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 165 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 39K to 90K miles on the car (106 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 48K–91K miles
- seats complaints mostly came at 49K–84K miles
Recalls 3
- visibility 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
- visibility 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- visibility 2019
The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 52 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install adapter harness(es)
- Noise: A rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx
- Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–4400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 2.6L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving at 85 mph vehicle shutdown without any warning, it started back up after 5 seconds, then shut off again. Had vehicle towed. Contacted dealer.cause unkown.
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 8017407
More owner reports
While driving vehicle through a puddle, that was about 3-5 inches high, vehicle suddenly stalled.
NHTSA complaint 896182
Mercedes benz c320 experiencing problems with transmission, accelerator, and a fluid leak.
NHTSA complaint 10119224
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 77; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (32%), electrical (20%) and transmission & drivetrain (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
3 safety recalls (latest: visibility). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
18 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 39,800 and 90,100 miles. The middle report was at 63,500 miles, from 106 complaints.
Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $4400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 2.6L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works