2002 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes-Benz › AMG C32 › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2002 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32. Newest first.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Owner complaints
7 complaints1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seats
I am corroborating what was submitted on claim 10632020. the front power seats on both sides of my car have failed. when they fail there IS a constant battery drain while the car IS off that drains the battery completely, causing it to be dead within 8 hours. first my drivers side failed, then…
I am corroborating what was submitted on claim 10632020. the front power seats on both sides of my car have failed. when they fail there IS a constant battery drain while the car IS off that drains the battery completely, causing it to be dead within 8 hours. first my drivers side failed, then within the same year the passenger seat failed. I bought two new batteries and had to argue with the salesmen about whether the batteries were good or bad before I realized the problem was in the seat controls. mb wanted multiple thousands of dollars to replace 1 seat controller. overall the electronics on my car are its weakest link, and unfortunately when something breaks there IS no fixing it other than to replace the assembly. mb should cover this on a recall because if someone's mother or wife IS out on the road and they find their battery dead in the dark of the night there IS a safety issue. *tr
- Electrical system · Seats
Seat control module draining the battery. Car will not start if not driven for 24 hours. 99% of the cars with the seat control module part number starting with "203" are bad!! Why wont mercedes recall them and replace with new ones free of charge. Its obvious that its a defected part and it will…
Seat control module draining the battery. Car will not start if not driven for 24 hours. 99% of the cars with the seat control module part number starting with "203" are bad!! Why wont mercedes recall them and replace with new ones free of charge. Its obvious that its a defected part and it will cause other things to go bad. We spend enough hard earned money on buying the car to have to pay for there defective parts. That's why they are called the stealer not the dealer! *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
I would like the following added to my original complaint odi#10579532. the following letter was sent to me by daimler benz corporate office in germany: [xxx] may 15 (1 day ago) to me ref: [xxx] dear [xxx], thank you for your most recent email. we can assure you that all…
I would like the following added to my original complaint odi#10579532. the following letter was sent to me by daimler benz corporate office in germany: [xxx] may 15 (1 day ago) to me ref: [xxx] dear [xxx], thank you for your most recent email. we can assure you that all authorized mercedes-benz workshops worldwide are committed to working within the guidelines and work instructions of the manufacturer. In this case, mercedes-benz recommends that the most effective repair IS to replace the entire assembly, rather than the individual affected part. we regret that you feel we are pushing you away however, as your vehicle IS registered in the united states of america we must involve the responsible entity, which IS mercedes-benz USA. We hope you can appreciate that due to the varying legislations worldwide, we must ensure that each customer IS dealt with in accordance with the correct procedures. Mercedes-benz USA will address this matter in full for you and shall inform us of the outcome. thank you once again for taking the time to contact us but regrettably we are unable to add any further comments. yours sincerely [xxx] daimler team for the board of management / daimler kundenbetreuungsteam fr den vorstand daimler ag sitz und registergericht/domicile and court of registry:stuttgart information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz C32 AMG. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled after the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 103,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
This 2002 mercedes C32 IS a deathtrap! the electronic components, rear & forward sam, fuel pump, etc, fail at an unusually high rate. the most recent incident involved a fault in the primary fuel pump. the mercedes dealer identified the fault as a faulty plastic power connector on the pump and…
This 2002 mercedes C32 IS a deathtrap! the electronic components, rear & forward sam, fuel pump, etc, fail at an unusually high rate. the most recent incident involved a fault in the primary fuel pump. the mercedes dealer identified the fault as a faulty plastic power connector on the pump and a failed fuel pressure sensor. they then proceeded to tell me that mercedes benz north america would not sell me a replacement pump; instead, they insisted that I purchase an entire new fuel tank and wiring harness for $3200 parts and thousands of dollars more fro labor. mercedes benz IS aware of a serious design flaw on this year and model, yet, refuses to acknowledge a voluntary recall! moreover, the design and placement of the tank--a saddle type, situated under the rear seats--allows dirt, small pebbles and other debris to accumulate in the area (a type of well) of the fuel pump(s)--there are two. every time I've had the car serviced the technician had to vacuum out all the accumulated debris. (my new york title, where I originally registered it after purchasing it used at a new car dealer, never indicated it had been part of a lemon law process.) I've noticed on this site that others have complained about fuel pump problems, including serious fuel leaks with their associated fuel line faults. regardless of the age of the vehicle, these failures should never take place!!!! moreover, I am counting on your office to investigate this matter thoroughly. in recent days it has come to light that the auto industry has been criminally neglectful with respect to addressing faulty design issues. I think my circumstance IS yet another example of this phenomenon. mercedes benz of north america must be held to account for placing a seriously flawed product into the marketplace! *js
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
This 2002 mercedes C32 IS a deathtrap! the electronic components, rear & forward sam, fuel pump, etc, fail at an unusually high rate. the most recent incident involved a fault in the primary fuel pump. the mercedes dealer identified the fault as a faulty plastic power connector on the pump and…
This 2002 mercedes C32 IS a deathtrap! the electronic components, rear & forward sam, fuel pump, etc, fail at an unusually high rate. the most recent incident involved a fault in the primary fuel pump. the mercedes dealer identified the fault as a faulty plastic power connector on the pump and a failed fuel pressure sensor. they then proceeded to tell me that mercedes benz north america would not sell me a replacement pump; instead, they insisted that I purchase an entire new fuel tank and wiring harness for $3200 parts and thousands of dollars more fro labor. mercedes benz IS aware of a serious design flaw on this year and model, yet, refuses to acknowledge a voluntary recall. moreover, the design and placement of the tank--a saddle type, situated under the rear seats--allows dirt, small pebbles and other debris to accumulate in the area (a type of well) of the fuel pump(s)--there are two. every time I've had the car serviced the technician had to vacuum out all the accumulated debris. I've noticed on this site that others have complained about fuel pump problems, including serious fuel leaks with their associated fuel line faults. regardless of the age of the vehicle, these failures should never take place! moreover, I am counting on your office to investigate this matter thoroughly. in recent days it has come to light that the auto industry has been criminally neglectful with respect to addressing faulty design issues. I think my circumstance IS yet another example of this phenomenon. mercedes benz of north america must be held to account for placing a seriously flawed product into the marketplace! *js
- Fuel system, gasoline
The following problem(s) occurred on a 2002 mercedes C32 AMG: the car would not start after running fine during the last drive. I suspected the fuel pump and proceeded to inspect it. after removing the wiring from the fuel pump level pressure sensor (mercedes p/n 2034701741) the car started.…
The following problem(s) occurred on a 2002 mercedes C32 AMG: the car would not start after running fine during the last drive. I suspected the fuel pump and proceeded to inspect it. after removing the wiring from the fuel pump level pressure sensor (mercedes p/n 2034701741) the car started. I then filled up the gas tank, and gas poured out on the driver's side. re-inspecting the fuel pump level sensor showed gas pouring out of it. it turns out the wiring had melted a small hole in the part and that was the source of the gas leak. I replaced the part with an oem one on 9/26/13 and it failed again for the same reason on 10/15/13. I have read numerous reports of this same problem across the mercedes line-up and of a class action suit to correct it. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186135If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10167563The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
- 10167489Noise: A rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx. 2-5 seconds after engine start. And/or: Fault code entries in engine control unit: SIM271DE20: P001177 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The commanded position cannot be reached. P001762 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft. The signal comparison is faulty. P001192 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The function or the instruction is faulty. P001195 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The mechanical setup is not OK. P001477 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The commanded position cannot be reached. P001492 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The function or the instruction is faulty. P001495 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) deviates from the specified value. The mechanical setup is not OK. P001600 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft. P001662 The position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft. The signal comparison is faulty. P001700 The position of the exhaust camshaft (cylinder bank 1) is implausible in comparison with the position of the crankshaft.
- 10166994Single 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)
- 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
- 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
- 10166095Noise from the front seats during load change.
- 10166087The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of OK components being removed. Possible Hall sensor faults or normalization faults can exist which can be eliminated without replacing the control unit.
- 10166085Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining
- 10166082Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame.
- 10166081Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest frame - backrest cover or - guide rail of head restraint. If the backrest frame is exposed as a result, the actions must always be performed in order to avoid follow-up repairs.
- 10164810Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10135599Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
Every Mercedes-Benz AMG C32 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.