MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz S Class

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz S Class
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:35:24.665Z

Only 28 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 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz S Class Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 27 complaints 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 9 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2002: 48 complaints 2002 2003: 28 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2012: 1 complaints 2012
2003: 28 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199412
199527
19966
19972
19982
19999
200081
200136
200248
200328
200415
20052
20092
20121

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

5 of 28 total reports mention: suspension.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY 2003 MERCEDES S500 HAS TWICE ELECTRONICALLY SELF-CLOSED IT'S TRUNK ON TWO SEPARATE USERS, ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TWO SEPARATE MERCEDES DEALERS FOR THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THOSE DEALERS REPLACED A NUMBER OF PARTS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060619

SUSPENSION

4 of 28 total reports mention: suspension.

SEAT BELTS

3 of 28 total reports mention: seat belts.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY WHENEVER THERE WERE WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130425

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY DURING HOT WEATHER. MORE PARTICULARLY, THE BELT WILL NOT EXTEND. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL THE BELT OUT ENOUGH TO FASTEN IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120703

AIR BAGS

3 of 28 total reports mention: air bags.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040817 — latches/locks/linkages

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Campaign 04V285000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070702 — engine and engine cooling, suspension

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF T

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Campaign 07V263000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20070814 — PE (closed 20071120)

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Mercedes Benz S Class — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V285000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07V263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz S 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 S Class?

The most-reported component is suspension:front, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class have?

2 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.