2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 7% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 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.
“I leased a 2002 mercedes c32 in december of 2002. Its a documented fact mercedes has been experiencing a high number of defect complaints with this model car. Recently for me was the most serious.. On december 26th 2004, while merging onto a major highway(i95) my car's automatic transmission went into neutral while in the drive position. I had to pull over on the side of the highway put the car into park then back to drive to resolve the problem. I notified mercedes on 12/27, at an appointment I had previously scheduled for other problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10115959, filed 2005-03, 36,000 miles“I have experienced the same exact problems with transmission not shifting properly as well the power seat module draining the battery with numerous jump starts. This occurred just two weeks after gladly purchasing my five point certified 2002 C320 wagon. Mercedes benz of greensboro also would not fix chipping on the front bumper. States because the vehicle is low profile the bumper sustained this extensive peeling as a result. Peeling is located from left to right top to bottom. …”
NHTSA complaint #10269559, filed 2009-05“The transmission has repeatedly locked in 2nd gear. The electrical system shows constant light, coolant and air bag failures. The memory for seats, mirrors and the steering wheel defaults about 30% of the time. I bought this car through m-b diplomatic sales program while serving in canada and brought it to the USA on retirement. M-b canada won't help because the car is in the us. M-b USA won't help because I bought the car in canada. M-b corporate in germany simply referred my case back to m-b USA. I am now out of warranty. I want m-b to extend the warranty another 4 years or 50k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157796, filed 2006-05“While driving vehicle would shake in the rear, and theres a whistling noise. Took to dealer and they replaced differential to stop the whistling. Shaking is still occuring. Please provide any further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8023520, filed 2002-12Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint 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…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10166994Feb 25, 2014Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320
36 complaintsSeats
23 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320
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