2003 Mercedes Benz E500
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 | 125 |
| 2004 | 142 |
| 2005 | 140 |
| 2006 | 50 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: service brakes — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20151207
22% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 27 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 14 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: suspension — 13 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20190316
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, 20240421
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but the pedal was stiff.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250123
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 E500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (14 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 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 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E500 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.