RecallPlainVehicle recalls, explained in plain English

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 recalls & complaints

100 owner complaints on file. Recall list must be checked by VIN (see below).
0recalls
0high risk
0stop-driving
100complaints

Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.

Recalls: check by VIN

NHTSA files recalls for the Mercedes-Benz C230 under individual trim or body names rather than "C230", so we can't match them automatically. Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the definitive list. The owner complaints below are matched correctly.

Useful for owners

Links go to Amazon. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

100complaints
4crashes
7fires
4injuries
0deaths

Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (25), Engine (24), Suspension (10), Brakes (7), Fuel system (7).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.

Read recent complaints (8)

10/21/2025 · Suspension
The rear subframe rusted out and failed at the driver side trailing arm mount. It is available for inspection. My pregnant wife was driving it when it failed, luckily it failed an 1/8th mile from our house on a 25mph back road. The problem with these subframes has been well documented in later models and the subject of a class action lawsuit. Nobody has…

01/28/2025 · Body / structure
Recall ID: 24V874 on Sliding Roof Bonding was issued. Mercedes-Benz of Nashville was not able to open the Roof and asked for $219.88 to determine cause of sunroof being inoperative. Recall letter stated that: "vehicle repair will be provided at no cost to you" "If dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge.. you may submit a comp…

11/06/2022 · Electrical system
There is an old recall campaign for the Camshaft Seal, # 2009100001. This car is among those affected by this problem and should be covered for issues and repairs.

05/31/2019 · Electrical system
TAKATA RECALL ESL (ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK) COMPONENTS THE MOTOR FAILS TO UNLOCK THE STEERING THE FIRST TIME, BUT WORK IN FOLLOWING ATTEMPTS. SOME TIMES IT TAKES 1 TO 4 HOURS FOR ESL TO UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WEATHER OVERNIGHT OR JUST COMING OUT OF THE STORE SHOPPING.

08/30/2017 · Steering
TL* 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 *BF .. .UPDATED 10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE STEERING LOCK F…

03/29/2017 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C230. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC…

08/15/2016 · Fuel system
STRONG ORDER OF GAS COMING FROM BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. PULLED BACK SEAT OFF AND THERE IS A POOL OF GAS UNDER THERE. APPEARS ONE OF THE PLASTIC OVERS HAS CRACKS IN IT.

10/16/2014 · Seat belts
ON JUNE 9, 2011 I DROVE TO SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA TO VISIT MY COUSIN WHEN I GOT THERE I WENT TO LOCK MY DOORS BUT THE LOCK KEPT JUMPING UP AND DOWN. IT FINALLY LOCKED AFTER 12 ATTEMPTS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $3500.00 TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JULY 18, 2011 WITH MY BRAKES.THE BREAK WARNING LIGHT…

Compare

1999 C2302000 C2302001 C2302003 C2302004 C2302005 C2302002 Ml-Class2002 Sl-Class2002 G5002002 S-Class2002 E-Class2002 Clk-Class2002 C-Class2002 Slk