2003 Mercedes Benz S600
Only 6 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 6 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 | 1 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 6 total reports mention: suspension.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE MY DAUGHTER DRIVING MY CAR ABC LIGHT CAME ON AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND HAD ACCIDENT. CAR WENT OVER THE CENTER LINE, CLIMBED OVER BARRICADE AND DESTROYED THE CAR. INSURANCE COMPANY TOTLALED THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151008
MERCEDES BENZ, S-600 (MODEL 2003), IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE CAR IN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR ALMOST LOST CONTROL AFTER IT'S ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) LIGHT FLASHED ON SUDDENLY IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR BODY CAME DOWN GRINDING AGAINST...
NHTSA ODI report, 20091206
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL FLUID LEAK. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090212
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
MERCEDES BENZ, S-600 (MODEL 2003), IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE CAR IN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR ALMOST LOST CONTROL AFTER IT'S ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) LIGHT FLASHED ON SUDDENLY IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR BODY CAME DOWN GRINDING AGAINST...
NHTSA ODI report, 20091206
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S-600. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE NEITHER THE FUEL GAUGE NOR THE SPEEDOMETER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140619
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S-600. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE NEITHER THE FUEL GAUGE NOR THE SPEEDOMETER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140619
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER 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 HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 04V228000 — check if this car was fixed
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercedes Benz S600 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V228000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz S600 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 S600?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz S600 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.