MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz E Class

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz E Class
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:35:50.926Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz E Class Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 7 complaints 1994: 38 complaints 1994 1995: 21 complaints 1996: 16 complaints 1996 1997: 38 complaints 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 15 complaints 2002: 8 complaints 2002 2003: 45 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2006: 10 complaints 2006 2008: 5 complaints 2008
2003: 45 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19920
19937
199438
199521
199616
199738
199824
199913
200034
200115
20028
200345
200415
20059
200610
20085

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DEFECTIVE BRAKES. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030505

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

EACH TIME I FILL UP THE GAS TANK TO CAPACITY, THE FUEL TANK EMITS VAPORS. IT SEEMED SOMEWHAT TOLERABLE IN THE PAST, THOUGH THIS PAST WEEK, IT WAS ENOUGH TO GO THROUGH WALLS AND UP 2 STORIES. IT'S PAST TOLERABLE AND JUST DOWNRIGHT UNACCEPTABLE NOW.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120924

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120730

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11%

11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

FUEL LEAKING FROM VEHICLE NEAR REAR LEFT TIRE. FOUND FUEL AROUND FUEL SENSOR UNDER REAR PASSENGER SEAT. MOST EVIDENT AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK. FIRST DISCOVERED LEAK AT 70K MILEAGE AND AGAIN ON 128K. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120429

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20030821 — steering

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUT ON THE BOLT WHICH CONNECTS THE STEERING GEAR TO THE STEERING COUPLING MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND TIGHTEN THE NUT ON THE BOLT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Campaign 03V289000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20041021 — service brakes, hydraulic

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) IS DESIGNED TO MONITOR THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. IF AN UNA

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21M 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Campaign 04V296000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20050808 — service brakes, hydraulic

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY SHIFT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP FUNCTION MODE, DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION, OR DUE TO PREMATU

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. ADDITIONALLY DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SBC PUMP UNIT IN SL VEHICLES PRODUCED

Campaign 05V133000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20080830 — electrical system

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 C

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Campaign 08V303000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Mercedes Benz E Class — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V289000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V296000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05V133000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08V303000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class 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 E Class?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class have?

4 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.