VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median S-Class year — the 2003 model ranks #4 of 16 S-Class years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (26% of the total).

43

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other S-Class years?

S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted101 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 14 complaints1995: 32 complaints1996: 6 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 10 complaints2000: 101 complaints2001: 46 complaints2002: 56 complaints2003: 43 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 3 complaints2009: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints
S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1126%
Electrical System819%
Seat Belts49%
Airbags49%
Latches & Locks37%
Transmission25%
Engine25%
Lighting25%
Body & Structure25%
Steering12%
Brakes12%
Fuel System12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Other12%

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

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

07V263000EngineJune 12, 2007 · 19,924 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

04V285000Latches & LocksJune 9, 2004 · 16,690 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.

Consequence

IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 17 DEGREES F, THE VEHICLE DROP TO UNSAFE LEVEL, AND MESSAGE SAYS AIRMATIC STOP CAR VEHICLE TOO LOW. THE TIRES WILL START RUBBING ON LINER. CALLED DEALER THEY SAID TEMPERATURE IN GERMANY DOES NOT GO THAT LOW, WELL THIS CAR IS SOLD IN US, AND THEY NEED TO MAKE IT WORK. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 21, 2011

“MY CAR IS HAVING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS INSIDE MY CAR ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD ARE MALFUNCTIONING. I CAN'T SEE HOW FAST I'M DRIVING BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE SPEEDOMETER. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME. WHEN THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS OCCUR, NOTHING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 28, 2009

“THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. DURING HOT WEATHER, THE BELT WILL NOT EXTEND. PASSENGER IS UNABLE TO PULL THE BELT OUT ENOUGH TO FASTEN IT IN THE LATCH. THE CATCH MECHANISM WHICH NORMALLY LATCHES DURING A CRASH OR RAPID STOPPING SEEMS TO BE STUCK CATCHING ALL THE TIME. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 1, 2007

“THE AIR BAGS ARE DEPLOYING. SO FAR NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED ON TWO SERVICE TECHS. AND ONE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. DEPLOYMENT IS DO TO A DEFECT. THE CAR IS AN SLK 320. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 26, 2004

“SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK DUE TO THE ONLY PLASTIC PART ( SHIFTER MODULE) IN THE SHIFTER BOX. MERCEDES HEADQUARTERS TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE FIX WHEN PLASTIC PART BREAKS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 4, 2010

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 2003 model at #4 of 16 S-Class years. It is one of the S-Class years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 S-Class problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (11 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

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

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

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S-Class years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1995. The cleanest record among S-Class years belongs to 1992.

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.