2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 32%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class, 32% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Esp & bas warning messages appeared on the message screen twice, once on 1-20-03 & again on 1-27-03, the first time dealer said it can happen if you didn't tighten the gas cap. On both occasions, the messages were gone the next day. On 1-27-03 I called rallye motors to tell them & I have an appt for march 10, 2003.”
NHTSA complaint #10003576, filed 2003-01, 6,670 miles“My wife drove the car in the morning, no problem. Early afternoon, she left to pick up our child, while leaving the neighborhood. The vehicle starting sending warning signs came on the dash that had never been seen before. Then thick smoke came out from under the steering wheel. My wife had to open her window. She then turned around to go back home prior to leaving the community. On the way back the car slammed on brakes by itself and cut itself off and said the vehicle had 7 faults. Ran up to a neighbors home, upon returning the vehicle was engulfed in flames and became a total loss. …”
NHTSA complaint #10207484, filed 2007-10, 65,000 miles“Mercedes benz c240 ecu failure. Also the transmission shifts are sometimes random at best and sometimes shuts off. The cars instrument cluster also sometimes doesn't work, the power steering leaks intermittently the rear coil spring broke on left side of vehicle . The alternator was replaced so was the coil pack and other items by mercedes but they always tried to justify that problem was normal wear and tear which is not true.”
NHTSA complaint #10404244, filed 2011-06, 90,000 miles“When driving 15 MPH vehicle was involved in a collision. 15 seconds later, vehicle caught on fire. Due to severe fire damage vehicle was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10049880, filed 2003-12, 18,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz C Class. While driving 35 MPH or higher, the esp indicator light illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer and repaired once before for the same failure. The failure occurs intermittently while driving 35 MPH. The dealer stated that they will not order the parts and make the repair again. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 09/23/08 the consumer stated the vehicle stalled in braking mode.”
NHTSA complaint #10239832, filed 2008-08, 110,000 milesElectrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 7 | 54% |
| 2006 | 1 | 11% |
| 2005 | 1 | 20% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 33% |
| 2002 | 10 | 32% |
| 2001 | 4 | 29% |
| 2000 | 1 | 13% |
| 1999 | 3 | 43% |
| 1996 | 5 | 83% |
| 1995 | 45 | 92% |
| 1994 | 10 | 67% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology