VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 sits mid-pack among Amg E55 years: 82 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 105, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 83% of all reports (68 of 82), far ahead of brakes at 4.

82

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Amg E55 years?

Amg E55 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted151 complaints2003: 82 complaints2004: 129 complaints2005: 151 complaints2006: 37 complaints
Amg E55 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Amg E55 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System6883%
Brakes45%
Engine34%
Electrical System34%
Transmission22%
Airbags11%
Seats11%

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE PUDDLES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 2014

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE ABS PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 24, 2010

“DURING INITIAL WARMUP OF VEHICLE (GENERALLY SOAKED AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES 60F AND BELOW) A SHORT TERM (5-8 SECONDS) UNSTABLE IDLE OCCURS 20-30 SECONDS AFTER INITIAL ENGINE START AND WHILE IN A FORWARD DRIVE GEAR. THIS UNSTABLE IDLE GENERATES TORQUE VARIATIONS THAT WILL OVERCOME A BRAKE APPLY AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 10, 2015

“The Alternator died after just over two years from being replaced by Mercedes part and labor causing a loss of electrical power and a loss of brake in the car.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2023

“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, THERE WAS AN INCREASINGLY LARGE RATTLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER LOAD. EVENTUALLY THE RATTLE STOPPED. THEN WHEN I TRIED TO FILL UP THE CAR WITH GAS, IT LEAKED EVERYWHERE CAUSING A MASSIVE FIRE HAZARD. WHILE THIS WAS PUT UNDER EXTENDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 17, 2020

2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Amg E55: 82 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 Amg E55 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (68 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.