2002 Mercedes-Benz C230: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230: 2 recalls, 54 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V954000 · 2022 · 131,653 vehicles
What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel May not be properly secured and May detach.
Why it matters: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #24V874000 · 2024 · 33,456 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (16): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (4).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (3).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Suspension (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 has 54 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 11 C230 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 60). Complaints peaked in 2003 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 48,660 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (4 complaints, 0 recalls), 2003 (51 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 problems?
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (16), electrical (12), visibility (wipers, glass) (5).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.