MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz E500

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz E500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:04:41.019Z

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
125
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 125 complaints 2003 125 2004: 142 complaints 2004 2005: 140 complaints 2005 2006: 50 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009
2003: 125 complaints 2003 125 2004: 142 complaints 2004 2005: 140 complaints 2005 2006: 50 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009
2003: 125 complaints 2003 125 2004: 142 complaints 2004 2005: 140 complaints 2005 2006: 50 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009

2003: 125 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2003125
2004142
2005140
200650
20071
20081
20091

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

30% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I purchased the Mercedes Benz E500 2003 about five years ago. I noticed about 21/2 year that the brake lights kept coming on even after having the brakes replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-07

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

Fuel/propulsion system

22% · 27 reports

Suspension

17% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing front and rear.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Air suspension lower caused car stopped while driving. This air suspension has serious problem needs recall due to defective design. Springs have been replaced several times with the same problem. This problem will cause accidents while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-16

Air suspension in the rear suddenly failed making it impossible to drive, also triggered a red warning of "stop, car too low"

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-21

Fuel system, gasoline

11% · 14 reports

Power train

8% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving at various speeds a very loud noise came m the engine. When taken vehicle to dealer for service it was determined that the noise was due to defective automatic transmission.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-04

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2013-03-15Engineering analysisClosed 2014-12-19 Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
  2. 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 →

  3. R
    2023-02-03Visibility22V954000 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.

    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 E500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 38 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
  • Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
  • Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz E500 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 E500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E500 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.