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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
10%of 31 total for the year
Median mileage
8,700miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class, 10% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,700 miles.

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.

“This is a c230 kompressor coupe. The rear differential made a loud noise and then locked up after being driven slowly to a shop. It was later learned that this is a very common occurrence with the early 2002 C Class cars but as usual, there is no recall. I contacted mbusa and they offered no assistance. This car has also recently shown evidence of rusting. I contacted mbusa about that and learned that the mb corrosion protection in the u.s. Is merely four years. …”

NHTSA complaint #10439377, filed 2011-12, 65,000 miles

“While driving my c-240 between 30 & 60 MPH I can feel a vibration on the shift lever & the steering wheel & if put my hand on top of the instrument panel. You can sense the vibration around you. It seems to come from the power train, via drive shaft, trans. Or differential, the dealer replaced & balanced all four tires, and it I thuoght it was corrected but the problem still persits sometimes it is more noticible than others, I took the car back to the dealer to have it checked out but on a test drive the service man said he can't feel anything wrong & that it might be me....”

NHTSA complaint #10004900, filed 2003-01, 674 miles

“3/03 within 3 months of purchasing my 2002 c-240, the air conditioning stopped working, fuel gauge failed, headlight washer broke, and one of the vents on the dash fell apart. Took in for service and was given another 2002 c-240, and while driving the loaner car in the mountains, it began down shifting itself and there was no power. Car would come to complete stop and then would start moving again. Happened 6 times. Mercedes dealer thought was isolated incident. I felt it was very serious as I was on interstate when it would suddenly stop in traffic. Could have caused a very serious accident. …”

NHTSA complaint #10014381, filed 2003-04, 8,700 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2006111%
2005240%
2004320%
2003111%
2002310%
2001214%
2000113%
199524%

Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C Class

Electrical system
10 complaints
Engine cooling
5 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Seats
5 complaints
Suspension
5 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Body 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 Nov 1, 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