MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz S500

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz S500
RENDERED 2026-09-16T20:41:26.598Z

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

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz S500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 4 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 55 complaints 2001: 34 complaints 2001 2002: 25 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 12 complaints 2007: 2 complaints 2007
2003: 10 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19932
19942
19954
19961
19992
200055
200134
200225
200310
200412
200511
200612
20072

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, 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

Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE SEAT BELTS WILL PERIODICALLY NOT EXTEND. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20140920

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, 20131011

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.*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030213

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 (4 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).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.