2002 Mercedes-Benz 240 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 45.0 times the median 240 year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 13 240 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (11), brakes (4), and fuel system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
45
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other 240 years?
What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz 240 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 9% | new |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Engine | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“(1) EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE ARE UNKNOWN. THE CAR IS BRAND NEW AND HAS ABOUT 25,000 MILES. THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS STARTING TO RAIN. (2) ON THE HIGHWAY, A BAS AND ESP MALFUNCTION ERROR OCCURRED. THE CAR THEN 10 SECS LATER SPUNG OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT THE GAURD RAIL ON THE…”
“(1) CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. CAR DID NOT START. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WHILE WAITING FOR THE TECHNICIAN TO CALL, THE CAR STARTED (AFTER 45 MINUTES). I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER DID NOT FIND ANY FAULT CODES. I DROVE THE CAR TO WORK AND THE CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING…”
“1. FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. 2. TRANSMISSIONS WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. MY FAMILY (4 MONTH BABY AND WIFE) WERE LEFT STRANDED ON THE ROADWAY. 3. MERCEDES-BENZ CANNOT CORRECTLY FIX THE PROBLEM. UNKNOWN CAUSE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS WITHOUT A SOLUTION IN SIGHT. *NM”
“I WAS IN A SMAL ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER OF MY CAR. THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULTED AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER. ON 3/20/02 THE SAME MESSAGE OF FAILURE HAS APPEAREDWITH 2500…”
“2002 MERCEDES WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR THE LINKAGE ARM THAT CONNECTS TO THE TWO WIPER BLADES BROKE WHILE DRIVING DURING THE RAINSTORM. *NM”
2002 Mercedes-Benz 240 — common questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 240 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 13 240 years. It is one of the 240 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 240 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).
Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 240 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Which Mercedes-Benz 240 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 240 years to avoid are 2002, 2003. The cleanest record among 240 years belongs to 1988.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.