2003 Mercedes Benz S500
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.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 10 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 2001 | 34 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
4 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
During hot weather the seat belt gets stuck and you will not be able to use the seat belt at all. This is a safety issue and should not happen. This happens when the car is parked under hot weather. This is in the drivers side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-26
The passenger front seat belt will not retract. Also, the dashboard lights went out while driving making it very hard to see speed/fuel/gear selection. These are both safety concerns that should be recalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-26
Also filed under Exterior lighting
The seat belts will periodically not extend.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-20
Electrical system
2 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Special acquisition module (Sam) my car would not start the mercedes roadside came out and started the car and I took it to the dealership for diagnostic. Upon review the dealer stated the sam module plastic cover had water drops on it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-11
Suspension
1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension.
Service brakes
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
The gears became stuck, and the engine did not shut off, consumer had to disconnect the battery to shut off the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-13
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Mercedes Benz S500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz S500 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 S500?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz S500 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.