2003 Mercedes Benz S55 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (2) · Power Train (1) · Electrical System (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (30)
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 30 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2016-04-28 · Electrical System · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz s55. while the vehicle was idling, the contact was informed of flames underneath the vehicle. the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. there were no injuries. a police report was not filed. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mile…”
2014-11-25 · Suspension · 100,000 mi“i have been experiencing problems with my vehicle getting stuck in "park" after multiple tries (sometimes in excess of 30 minutes) it will release allowing me to shift into reverse or drive. i have not been able to drive my car for the last few weeks because of this issue, once after getting it to shift gears i drove around the corner from my home …”
2014-05-11 · Power Train · 69,400 mi“when i start s55 amg after the car had been sitting over night, i find difficult to move the gear lever from p to r; after a few tries only it moves from park position to reverse. this problem does not appear after driving, until the next day. now i am scared to drive my car thinking i'll get stuck with this gear lever moving problem, or some unfo…”
2013-04-25 · Suspension · 50,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s55. the contact stated that the trunk automatic push button failed, causing the trunk to close on independently. in addition, the front and rear suspension would drop numerous times, causing the tires to wear prematurely and the seat belt retractor to fail. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the susp…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.