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 PER YEAR
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 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts.
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, 20200526
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, 20181126
THE SEAT BELTS WILL PERIODICALLY NOT EXTEND. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140920
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, 20131011
1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. DURING WARMER OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, THE FAILURE WOULD WORSEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140811
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercedes Benz S500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports 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 30% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.