2003 Mercedes Benz M Class

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2003 Mercedes Benz M Class
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:35:35.204Z

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 PER YEAR

2003: 10 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	5
1999	18
2000	25
2001	5
2002	5
2003	10
2004	0
2008	1

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.

FIRE INJURY

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 DRIVER

NHTSA ODI report, 20050513

STEERING

1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering.

SEATS

1 of 10 total reports mentions: seats.

FIRE INJURY

SEATS

1 of 10 total reports mentions: seats.

INJURY

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 DRIVER

NHTSA ODI report, 20050513

POWER TRAIN

1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20030616 — steering

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.

Campaign 03V121000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20080311 — RQ (closed 20080917)

POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK

R 20081115 — steering

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 CLA

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 T

Campaign 08V465000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20111020 — vehicle speed control

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 SY

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.

Campaign 11V208000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Mercedes Benz M Class — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 03V121000 (steering) has been completed.
Verify recall 08V465000 (steering) has been completed.
Verify recall 11V208000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.