VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 281 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.8 times the median E320 year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 16 E320 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 89 reports (32% of the total).

281

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other E320 years?

E320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted287 complaints1994: 19 complaints1995: 129 complaints1996: 62 complaints1997: 80 complaints1998: 51 complaints1999: 109 complaints2000: 81 complaints2001: 54 complaints2002: 27 complaints2003: 281 complaints2004: 243 complaints2005: 287 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 13 complaints2009: 11 complaints
E320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System8932%
Brakes7828%
Electrical System2910%
Airbags207%
Suspension124%
Transmission114%
Engine104%
Other83%
Seat Belts41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Body & Structure41%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Lighting31%
Speed Control31%
Steering21%
Seats10%

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

2 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.

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.

“DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2005. MERCEDES NEVER NOTIFIED US NOR MADE US AWARE OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE DEFECTIVE FUEL TANKS. A MECHANIC TOLD US ABOUT THE WARRANTY AND TOLD US TO CONTACT MERCEDES IMMEDIATELY. FEBRUARY 2018 I CONTACTED CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY TOLD ME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 5, 2018 · fire

“BRAKES JUST WHEN OUT ON IT AND THEY HAVE A RECALL BUT IS GOOD FOR JUST 10 THEY NEED TO BE RESPONS FOR THIS PROBLEM MAKING CARS WITH NO BRAKES IS A DEITH WISH I HOPE YOU GUYS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT IS NOT SAFE AT ALL”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 15, 2015 · crash

“MERCEDES E320-ANOTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE SRS-RESTRAINT LIGHT-GATEWAY. MERCEDES CLAIMS REAR AIRBAG PROBLEM, CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE, BUT IF YOU DIDN'T BUY IT FROM SERVICING DEALER, NO LOANER! MB VEHICLE MOTOR INQUIRY INDICATED CAR WAS NAV PRE-WIRED. PLANNED INSTALLATION WHEN AVAILABLE, NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 13, 2003

“THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY UPON IMPACT. *NM ON AUG 2004 THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE SLID UNDER THE REAR OF A FORD EXCURSION. THE CONSUMERS STOMACH HIT THE STEERING WHEEL BRANDING HER STOMACH WITH THE MERCEDES EMBLEM SCALDING HER LEFT ARM. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 28, 2004 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND COULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER, TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THE NEED TO BUY A SPECIAL KIT FOR VEHICLE ALIGNMENT. *AK MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO CORRECT PROBLEM EVEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 31, 2004

2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 281 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 16 E320 years. It is one of the E320 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 E320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (89 complaints), brakes (78 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. 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 E320 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999. The cleanest record among E320 years belongs to 2009.

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.