MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz M Class

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz M Class
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:28:44.355Z

Only 10 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
10

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 18 complaints 1999 2000: 25 complaints 2000 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 5 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003 10 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 18 complaints 1999 2000: 25 complaints 2000 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 5 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003 10 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 18 complaints 1999 2000: 25 complaints 2000 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 5 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003 10 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2008: 1 complaint 2008

2003: 10 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19985
199918
200025
20015
20025
200310
20040
20081

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

4 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

- no precursors or apparent damage - drivers seat heater failed resulting in strong burning smell, and superficial burn to left upper leg of…

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-13

Also filed under Seats

Seats

2 of 10 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.

FIREINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I was pulling into a parking space (With my 3 small children strapped in the back), when I realized that the car was not stopping. I pressed the brake harder, the car accelerated, jumped the cement median, and hit a parked car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-16

Steering

1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hose, piping, and connections.

Power train

1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2003-06-16Steering03V121000 On certain passenger vehicles, the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler. During clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2008-03-11Recall queryClosed 2008-09-17 Power steering hose leak
  3. R
    2008-11-15Steering08V465000 Mercedes-Benz is recalling 125,228 my 1998-2004 M-Class vehicles. The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient…

    Remedy: An earlier recall repair performed on these vehicles may not be sufficient to prevent a future leakage or failure of the power steering hose connection (Please see 03V121). Since it is not possible…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2011-10-20Vehicle speed control11V208000 Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 1999-2002 M-Class and model year 2000-2003 M-Class amg vehicles. The cruise control system in the affected vehicles allows the driver to disengage the…

    Remedy: Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began during October 2011. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Mercedes Benz M Class — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V121000 · Steering
  • Recall 08V465000 · Steering
  • Recall 11V208000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz M 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 M Class?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz M Class 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.