2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 Problems
- Complaints
- 13filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 117,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.6L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (31% of the total), followed by visibility (4) and interior lighting (2). 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 117,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 41 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 6 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Visibility complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 31%
- Interior lighting2 15%
- Air bags1 7.7%
- Seat belts1 7.7%
- Seats1 7.7%
- Body and structure1 7.7%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I am not sure why mercedes is doing this. I am sure the auto maker is aware of the situation and not doing anything about it. I have read numerous forums regarding the same issue. Electrical components not functioning properly. I demand mercedes to do something about this problem and they can not get away clean hands just like any other auto makers. This are people lives you are playing with and you as a automaker have no remorse for people lives. This is not a movie where you can just calculate your collateral damage and get away. Will never buy mercedes ever again. I am very disappointed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10614719, filed 2014-07Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “There is very limited visibility from the driver's side mirror because the mirror is compromised in some way. This obviously is a safety hazard. Additionally, fluid from the mirror leaked onto the door of the car and I understand that it has almost definitely affected the paint. Apparently, this has been a common problem in mercedes cars. I was amazed to discover the replacement cost of the mirror, which exceeds $600.”
NHTSA complaint #10467933, filed 2012-07Interior lighting: “The contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz C240. The contact's VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting), although the instrument panel failure was identical. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10607855, filed 2014-07, 200,000 milesAir bags: “While driving to get on the freeway from on ramp, miss judge and lost control of the steering wheel, vehicle flip from front to back on the ditch side of the road, driver was wearing a seat belt but got thrown out due to seatbelt malfunction. Front airbag on steering and passenger side did not deployed, driver sustained broken spinal (neck), trauma brain injury, broken collar bones, bruised lungs, two broken arms two broken legs.”
NHTSA complaint #10544120, filed 2013-09, 117,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 84,000 and 125,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C240 RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| C240 RWD | 2.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C240 2001–2005, E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007 +20 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. 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.
- 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C240 2001–2005, C230 2002–2007, CLS550 2006–2011 +18 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz C240 2001–2005, E320 2003–2009, C320 2001–2005 +21 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models…
Recall details for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 41 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029025Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz C240
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 30 | 66,780 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 16 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2003 | 20 | 114,500 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2002 | 13 | 117,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 8 | 97,200 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz C240 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 have?
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (31% of the total), followed by visibility with 4.
Has the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 (C240, 2.6L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C240 reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 117,000 miles and the middle half falls between 84,000 and 125,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.