2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 70 |
| 2004 | 111 |
| 2005 | 132 |
| 2006 | 34 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
57% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 40 distinct reports on file.
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FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY RECALL
NHTSA ODI report, 20190520
I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E55 AMG. UPON DRIVING IT HOME FROM THE STATE WHERE I PURCHASED IT, I SMELLED A STRONG FUEL SMELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190430
STRONG FUEL SMELL AFTER FILL UP. FUEL LEAKING ON TO TOP OF TANK AND VAPORS ENTERING CABIN
NHTSA ODI report, 20190116
34% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 24 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231204
IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: PE12001 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICING UNDER (EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN # 2008-020001) AND FUEL SENDER UNIT WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120503
EVERY TIME I FILL MY VEHICLE UP WITH FUEL, THERE IS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE BOTH OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, AND INSIDE THE CABIN. THE SMELL IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE A HEADACHE IN SHORT ORDER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120413
4% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
REFERENCE PE12001 GASOLINE STARTED POURING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE REAR SEAT BENCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. EXTREME GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME OF INCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120822
4% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: service brakes — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Fuel System (Tank/Sender) Leakage
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
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.
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.
Campaign 19V918000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V954000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.