VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other S600 years?

S600 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted44 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 7 complaints1997: 3 complaints2001: 44 complaints2002: 12 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 4 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 9 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints
S600 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S600 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension450%
Electrical System225%
Engine225%

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V228000SuspensionMay 13, 2004 · 6,238 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER 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 HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER TIME, CORROSION MAY DETERIORATE THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 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.

“WHILE MY DAUGHTER DRIVING MY CAR ABC LIGHT CAME ON AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND HAD ACCIDENT. CAR WENT OVER THE CENTER LINE, CLIMBED OVER BARRICADE AND DESTROYED THE CAR. INSURANCE COMPANY TOTLALED THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING A HIGH PRESSURE HOSE BLEW UP AND CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 22, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S-600. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE NEITHER THE FUEL GAUGE NOR THE SPEEDOMETER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT DUE TO THE FAILURE HE RAN OUT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 12, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DISTRIBUTION HOSE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT HIS ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 5, 2010

2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600. 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 S600 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mercedes-Benz S600 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S600 years to avoid are 2001. The cleanest record among S600 years belongs to 2017.

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.