2003 Mercedes Benz Mercedes Benz problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Tires:sidewall (1) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip (1) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/Cooler (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz Mercedes Benz 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 (13)
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.
Air Bags 2010-06-11 · SB-91-60-193 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes: airbag durability and reliability. air bag srs control module (n2/2) does not have a set shelf life and will normally be reliable for the life of a vehicle. with 164, 216 221, 251 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset five times. with modes 202, 210 and newer, the airbag cont
Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch 2005-12-27 · 721028A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
front door lock knob jumps up and down. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2003-02-13 · PB070028 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
subject regarding engine control unit software upgrade. (mercedes benz slk320, 2002 & 2003, mercedes benz 230, 2003) *jb
Fuel System, Gasoline 2003-02-06 · PB543081 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fuel gauge sticks, and the fuel reserve warning lamp illuminates. (mercedes benz 230, 2003) *jb
Air Bags 2003-01-13 · 912956 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
supplemental restraint system (srs) warning lamp illuminated. model year 2003. *tt
Equipment:electrical 2002-12-02 · 424523C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
failure codes c1140 and/or c1145 stored in the electronic stability control (esc). my2002 209 and my2003 209. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 13 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2008-01-07 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/Cooler“burnt hole from seat warmer on driver's seat left side. burnt right through coat and jeans. *tr…”
2005-05-20 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System“dt: consumer smells a gas odor in the car. she has had this same problem since she bought the car.*ak…”
2005-05-06 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · 16,886 mi“dt: the brakes have been bad from the time she purchased the car. the first time was at 17,000 miles under warranty. the second time was @3,4000 miles, but she has to pay for repairs. *ak …”
2003-03-28 · Unknown Or Other“when the consumer exited to the right at a low speed, the vehicle's esp(tilt safety) system activated. dealer first diagnosed that operation was improper, but then stated it was normal. *jb…”
2003-03-28 · Unknown Or Other“when consumer exited from highway, at a low rate of speed, the vehicle's esp(anti-tilt ) system engaged. dealer at first advised that operation was irregular. after repeated attempts to correct, the dealer stated the operation was normal. vehicle is a 2003 mercedes g500. *jb…”
2003-01-08 · Tires:sidewall · 300 mi“while driving approximately 35mph, consumer heard a "roaring" noise and pulled to the side of the road. upon inspection notice the left rear tire was flat. dealer came to inspect and diagnosed "the inboard sidewall was split from the wheel to the tread". tires were original. vehicle is a 2003 mercedes e500. tire info: continental contitourin…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.