2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 11,388 MOT tests
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 39% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 25 C-Class years (11,388 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 39%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 99,915
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,388
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 19% of tests fail here (20% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 60% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension19%
- Lights and electrics16.8%
- Brakes10%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.6%
- Tyres6.3%
- Body, chassis and structure3.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.94%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.52%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.65%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.42%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 2.86%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.79%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.62%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.11%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.68%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.25%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.16%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.51%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 39% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 25 C-Class years (11,388 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.94% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.52% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.65% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 99,915 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Check a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.