2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,508miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,508 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.
“After placing the vehicle in park, I pulled the steering wheel lever lock, (red warning light came on), and adjusted the height and depth of the steering wheel. I then pushed the steering wheel lever lock back in (red warning light disappeared). I started driving and while I was making a right on a curve the steering wheel slipped out of place and almost caused me to swerve into another lane. I pulled over attempted to reengage the steering wheel lock in several different positions, but it would not stay locked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10470668, filed 2012-08, 115,000 miles“I leased a mercedes benz C230 compressor for my daughter in 2001. The sun roof didn't slide back on the exterior or the interior. The dealer dismantled the sun roof. Mercedes refunded the first month's lease payment since she did not have use of the vehicle for the first month. After one year the sun roof needed additional repair. At 31,000 miles - the power steering failed the brakes failed and were replaced the differential broke the sun roof once again wasn't working... The interior sliding mechanism failed for the third time in 2 and 1/2 years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136535, filed 2005-09, 1,000 miles“(1) normal driving in slow traffic; (2) noise and loss of power steering; feeling of collapse of right front like flat tire;continued to drive slowly; computer message-electric de-stabilizer not located; parked and called tow company; tow truck driver put car in reverse to enable towing; right wheel collapsed with tie rod projecting out; (3) a. Steering angle sensor,r&r; b. Fssb service; c. Tie rod ends left and right replaced; d. Front stabilizer bar rubber busching and links and thread hold for stabilizer bar bolts replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10078381, filed 2004-06, 20,015 miles“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 .. .updated 10/04/17 the consumer stated due to the steering lock failure the steering wheel moves freely while driving and parked.”
NHTSA complaint #11020659, filed 2017-08, 163,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230
16 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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