MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz E320

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Mercedes Benz E320
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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 E320 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2003 2004: 203 complaints 2004 2005: 231 complaints 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009
2003: 214 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199411
199596
199645
199763
199837
199983
200044
200138
200223
2003214
2004203
2005231
200641
200717
200810
20098

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 33%

33% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 71 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2005. MERCEDES NEVER NOTIFIED US NOR MADE US AWARE OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE DEFECTIVE FUEL TANKS. A MECHANIC TOLD US ABOUT THE WARRANTY AND TOLD US TO CONTACT MERCEDES IMMEDIATELY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180718

I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241130

SERVICE BRAKES 27%

27% of complaints: service brakes — 57 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIX AND INSPECT MY SBC PUMP WHICH LEAD TO MY VEHICLE BEING TOTALED AND LOSING ESP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200924

MB USA is not honoring Recall 2005110001 for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240715

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the braking system became inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated after the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240715

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 18 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 214
I 20130315 — EA (closed 20141219)

Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank

R 20200710 — visibility

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

R 20250110 — visibility

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 E320 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (71 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (57 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 2001 ▲ 2006

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2004 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320?

The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 have?

2 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.