Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz 320 complaints by model year
Best 320 years: 2002, 1996. Years to avoid: 1998, 1999. Compare all years →
What 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320 owners say
Electrical system
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 .
The consumer stated that on rainy days the visibility would become difficult. 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.
Seats
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.
Problems with vehicle's wiper blades, seat settings, steering pump. Dealer notified.
Steering
Tl 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. …
Tl 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 320 rates average: 35% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 320 at the same age. It is one of the best 320 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320?
The electrical system — 3 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the seats (3) and steering (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz 320?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998 and 1999. See the full Mercedes-Benz 320 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 57% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.