2002 Mercedes-Benz 320 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Interior & seats315.0%
- Steering315.0%
- Engine315.0%
- Electrical315.0%
- Visibility210.0%
- Fuel system210.0%
- Tires & wheels210.0%
- Body & structure210.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SEAT POWER ADJUSTMENT MODULE SHORTED, DRAINING THE BATTERY AND CAUSING A NO-START CONDITION. WHILE THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHILE STUCK IN TRAFFIC, IT EASILY COULD HAVE, CAUSING A SERIOUS HAZARD FOR MYSELF, ANY PASSENGER OR ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT MODULE HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED SO THERE IS NO LONGER THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE SEAT AND OBTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE FROM THE AIRBAG OR TO PROPERLY ADJUST THE SEAT AND ALLOW A CHILD SEAT TO FIT AS DESIGNED IN THE REAR SEAT. *TR
SEAT DOES NOT RETURN TO THE PRESET POSITION WITH KEY ACTIVATION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ 320. IN NOVEMBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V121000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) AND TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER. ONE MONTH LATER, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. SHE WENT TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS COMPLETELY DRY AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DAMAGED. ONE WEEK LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SECOND RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS), WHICH REQUESTED THAT SHE BRING HER VEHICLE BACK FOR REPAIR. THE FIRST REPAIR MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENTLY PREVENTED A FUTURE LEAKAGE OR FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE CONNECTION. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PUMP WAS LEAKING AND THAT A NEW PUMP WAS NEEDED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE PUMP UNLESS IT WAS AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. SHE STATED THAT THE DEALER CREATED THE ISSUE IN THE FIRST PLACE; THEREFORE, THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE NEW PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PUMP WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, SO THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PUMP REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,631.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML 320. WHILE PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, AFTER SEVERE RAIN, WATER LEAKED APPROXIMATELY FOUR INCHES ABOVE THE OPENINGS OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR INTERIOR DOORS. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE TECHNICIAN ADDED ADDITIONAL POWER STEERING FLUID INTO THE RESERVOIR, WHICH WAS EXTREMELY LOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWERING STEERING FLUID LEVEL WAS BEING MONITORED IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITHOUT NOTICABLE WARNING, THE SENSOR PANEL FLASH FOR A SECOND, THEN THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY FREEWAY. AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER TOWING TO AN EXPERIENCED MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP, THEY CONCLUDED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE POWER SHUTDOWN BY DESIGN TO PROTECT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BECAUSE THE ALTERNATOR WAS OVERCHARGIJNG. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO MERCEDES -BENZ AT MONTVALE, NJ, THEY DID NOT WANT TO DO ANY INVESTIGATION OR FOLLOW-UP. SIMILAR INCIDENT ON 12/31/2012 ON THE SAME MODEL, SAME YEAR WAS REPORTED ON YOUR WEBSITE DATED MARCH 17, 2013 BY ANOTHER DRIVER . *TR
THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BURNED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OIL. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITHOUT NOTICABLE WARNING, THE SENSOR PANEL FLASH FOR A SECOND, THEN THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY FREEWAY. AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER TOWING TO AN EXPERIENCED MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP, THEY CONCLUDED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE POWER SHUTDOWN BY DESIGN TO PROTECT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BECAUSE THE ALTERNATOR WAS OVERCHARGIJNG. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO MERCEDES -BENZ AT MONTVALE, NJ, THEY DID NOT WANT TO DO ANY INVESTIGATION OR FOLLOW-UP. SIMILAR INCIDENT ON 12/31/2012 ON THE SAME MODEL, SAME YEAR WAS REPORTED ON YOUR WEBSITE DATED MARCH 17, 2013 BY ANOTHER DRIVER . *TR
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON RAINY DAYS THE VISIBILITY WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. *AK THERE WAS A FAILURE IN COMPUTER CHIPS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED WITH THE POOR VISIBILITY OF THE WINDSHIELD, HORN FAILURE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FAILURE, STALLING, CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLING, INOPERATIVE WASHER JETS, BROKEN GLOVE BOX, NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, FAULTY FUEL PUMP, LOUD WHINING NOISE FORM UNDER THE SEAT, AND A WHIRRING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER VENTS. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON RAINY DAYS THE VISIBILITY WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. *AK THERE WAS A FAILURE IN COMPUTER CHIPS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED WITH THE POOR VISIBILITY OF THE WINDSHIELD, HORN FAILURE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FAILURE, STALLING, CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLING, INOPERATIVE WASHER JETS, BROKEN GLOVE BOX, NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, FAULTY FUEL PUMP, LOUD WHINING NOISE FORM UNDER THE SEAT, AND A WHIRRING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER VENTS. *SC
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S WIPER BLADES, SEAT SETTINGS, STEERING PUMP. *MR DEALER NOTIFIED. *CB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITHOUT NOTICABLE WARNING, THE SENSOR PANEL FLASH FOR A SECOND, THEN THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY FREEWAY. AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER TOWING TO AN EXPERIENCED MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP, THEY CONCLUDED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE POWER SHUTDOWN BY DESIGN TO PROTECT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BECAUSE THE ALTERNATOR WAS OVERCHARGIJNG. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO MERCEDES -BENZ AT MONTVALE, NJ, THEY DID NOT WANT TO DO ANY INVESTIGATION OR FOLLOW-UP. SIMILAR INCIDENT ON 12/31/2012 ON THE SAME MODEL, SAME YEAR WAS REPORTED ON YOUR WEBSITE DATED MARCH 17, 2013 BY ANOTHER DRIVER . *TR
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON RAINY DAYS THE VISIBILITY WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. *AK THERE WAS A FAILURE IN COMPUTER CHIPS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED WITH THE POOR VISIBILITY OF THE WINDSHIELD, HORN FAILURE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FAILURE, STALLING, CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLING, INOPERATIVE WASHER JETS, BROKEN GLOVE BOX, NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, FAULTY FUEL PUMP, LOUD WHINING NOISE FORM UNDER THE SEAT, AND A WHIRRING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER VENTS. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING CAR WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI TOURING TIRES (SIZE 205/65R16) AT SPEED OF ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR. SUDDENLY RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW UP. ON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO PUNCTURE AND SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE HAD BLOWN UP. CONTINENTAL INDICATED THAT CAUSE OF THE BLOW OUT WAS UNDETERMINED AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE.*AK
SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF CONTINENTAL RADIAL TIRE.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML 320. WHILE PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, AFTER SEVERE RAIN, WATER LEAKED APPROXIMATELY FOUR INCHES ABOVE THE OPENINGS OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR INTERIOR DOORS. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE TECHNICIAN ADDED ADDITIONAL POWER STEERING FLUID INTO THE RESERVOIR, WHICH WAS EXTREMELY LOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWERING STEERING FLUID LEVEL WAS BEING MONITORED IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON RAINY DAYS THE VISIBILITY WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. *AK THERE WAS A FAILURE IN COMPUTER CHIPS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED WITH THE POOR VISIBILITY OF THE WINDSHIELD, HORN FAILURE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FAILURE, STALLING, CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLING, INOPERATIVE WASHER JETS, BROKEN GLOVE BOX, NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, FAULTY FUEL PUMP, LOUD WHINING NOISE FORM UNDER THE SEAT, AND A WHIRRING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER VENTS. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .