2003 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility/Wiper (1) · Suspension (1) · Steering (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes-Benz E350 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (74)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 74 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-02-08 · Suspension · 92,673 mi“almost in an accident as the airmatic suspension failed. car suddenly lowered while driving. changed air shocked, failed again after 2 years. this car has only less 93000 miles. all mechanics across the board know this is the problem mercedes has refused to take care.…”
2020-04-29 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 76,000 mi“when gas tank is full, i can smell gas from the drivers passenger side. when the gas tank is 3/4th tank, the smell disappeared. after research online there might be a problem in the rubber seal in the tank. it is a fire issue.…”
2020-04-07 · Air Bags“tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz e350. the contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the passenger's side front and rear airbags deployed independently without warning or a crash. an unknown warning light was illuminated. mercedes benz of walnut creek (1301 parkside dr, walnut creek, ca 94596, (844) 896-1941) was contacted by…”
2020-02-24 · Seat Belts · 300,000 mi“the vechile has a very strong smell of fuel tbat i may believe is building up as it leaks in the undercarriage of the car…”
2020-02-18 · Visibility/Wiper“tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz e 320. the contact stated while driving 70 mph, the sun roof detached from the vehicle. the contact stated no warning light was illuminated. upon investigation the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility). mercedes-benz of marietta located at 810 cobb pkwy se, mariet…”
2020-02-10 · Electrical System · 205 mi“my 2003 e320 sedan batteries is constantly draining after the vehicle sits for 6 or more hours. i have incurred costly expenses in replacing both the rear load & front small auxiliary batteries to include labor cost at an authorized mercedes repair shop. october 2019 i tried to access the car using the key knob, however no power to access the vehic…”
2014-01-21 · Steering · 9,559 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ml350. the contact stated that while traveling 55 mph, there was a sudden loss of power steering. the contact resumed driving even though the steering wheel was difficult to turn without force being applied. in addition, there was power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. there was a voluntary recall i…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.