2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (16 reports).

2Recalls
54Owner complaints
3Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your C230?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 recalls

Sunroof Glass Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard

Recall 24V874Nov 19, 202433,456 vehicles affected

The glass sunroof panel on certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles may not be properly secured, so it can detach while driving.

Sunroof Glass May Detach While Driving, Risking a Crash

Recall 22V954Dec 23, 2022131,653 vehicles affected

The glass sunroof panel on certain vehicles may not be properly secured to the vehicle, so it can come loose and detach while the car is being driven.

Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 problems

Problem areas named in the 54 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine And Engine Cooling16
Electrical System12
Visibility6
Suspension4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Steering4
Power Train3
Engine3
Tires2
Unknown Or Other2

What owners report

2025-10-21, 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 of a class action lawsuit. Nobody has inspected it. There were no symptoms prior to the failure.
2025-01-28, 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 situation without charge.. you may submit a complaint to the NHTSA.." Hence I am submitting this complaint that my sliding roof was not checked nor repaired.
2022-11-06, Engine
There is an old recall campaign for the Camshaft Seal, # 2009100001. This car is among those affected by this problem and should be covered for issues and repairs.
2019-05-31, 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.
2017-08-30, Steering
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 *BF .. .UPDATED 10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE STEERING LOCK FAILURE THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES FREELY WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. *JS

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230: Sunroof Glass Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard; Sunroof Glass May Detach While Driving, Risking a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (16), Electrical System (12), Visibility (6).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Mercedes-Benz C230 years

Other 2002 Mercedes-Benz models