MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz E320

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Mercedes Benz E320
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
214
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 2003: 214 complaints 2003 214 2004: 203 complaints 2005: 231 complaints 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints
1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1995 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 1999 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2003 214 2004: 203 complaints 2004 2005: 231 complaints 2005 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2007 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009
1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1995 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 1999 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2003 214 2004: 203 complaints 2004 2005: 231 complaints 2005 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2007 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

36% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2020-09-24

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, 2024-07-15

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, 2024-07-15

Fuel/propulsion system

33% · 71 reports
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, 2018-07-18

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, 2024-11-30

Electrical system

10% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.

Air bags

9% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and occupant classification.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. The front end was severely damaged, but the air bag did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-09

The vehicle's air bags did not deploy properly upon impact. *nm on aug 2004 the consumer was involved in an auto accident and the vehicle slid under the rear of a Ford excursion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-13

Also filed under Seat belts

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 18 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 214 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2013-03-15Engineering analysisClosed 2014-12-19 Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
  3. R
    2020-07-10Visibility19V918000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2025-01-10Visibility24V874000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 78 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 71 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
  • Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 service brakes, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.