VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 143 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median E500 year — the 2003 model ranks #3 of 7 E500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (29% of the total).

143

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other E500 years?

E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted173 complaints2003: 143 complaints2004: 173 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 59 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints
E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System4129%
Brakes3827%
Suspension2115%
Transmission107%
Airbags75%
Other75%
Electrical System64%
Engine53%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Speed Control21%
Steering11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 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.

“WHEN THE TANK IS FULL IT HAS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS INSIDE AND AROUND THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, ALSO MISFIRE DURING THESE FEW DAYS. I'M AFRAID THIS MIGHT CAUSE A SERIOUS FIRE. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM MERCEDES-BENZ ASAP REGARDING THIS POSSIBLE DANGEROUS ISSUE, ANY HELP TO CORRECT THIS…”

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 5, 2015 · crash

“2003 E500 WITH 64000MLS, MY FRONT AIR SUSPENSION STRUT BOTTOMED OUT FAILED WILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED.TOOK THE CAR TO MERCEDES AND IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY; WE REPLACED THE 2 FRONT SHOCKS AND COMPRESSOR BUT 3 WEEKS LATER MY BACK SHOCKS FAILED TO. TOTAL COST O REPAIRS $3500 AND STILL NOT DRIVING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 7, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 23, 2015

“MERCEDES BENZ E500 AIRMATIC STRUT COLLAPSE. LOW MILEAGE: 43000 AT TIME OF FAILURE. DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN STRUT FAILED. CAR LEANED TO RIGHT & MADE AN EMERGENCY STOP. MERCEDES BENZ CHARGED $1100 FOR REPLACEMENT PART, I INSTALLED. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW: PROTECTIVE BELLOWS FAILS &…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 16, 2008

2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 143 complaints put the 2003 model at #3 of 7 E500 years. It is one of the E500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 E500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (41 complaints), brakes (38 complaints), suspension (21 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. 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 E500 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mercedes-Benz E500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E500 years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2003. The cleanest record among E500 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.