2003 Mercedes Benz S Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other S Class years
- Far more complaints than other years 4th of 13 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class. That ranks 4th out of 13 S Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is suspension (7 complaints, 25%), typically at around 73,500 miles. Complaints mention 3 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
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- 28owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 7 | 25% | 73,500 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 6 | 21% | 55,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 4 | 14% | 61,499 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 14% | 52,500 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 11% | 59,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 7% | 4,215 | — | — |
| Equipment | 2 | 7% | 30,064 | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | 7% | 58,500 | — | — |
| Power Train | 2 | 7% | 80,970 | — | — |
| Structure | 2 | 7% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 4% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 4% | 10,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 4% | 10,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 4% | 7,500 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Mercedes Benz S Class recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Suspension; engine and engine cooling
Problem: On certain 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 humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
Risk: This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
Fix: Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on july 2, 2007. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:lock
Problem: On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
Risk: If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk.
Fix: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Air suspension system failure (PE07042) — opened Aug 14, 2007, closed Nov 20, 2007.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The srs system (airbags) have been deemed inoperable by the dealer and may either deploy at any time or not deploy at all in a collision. This is due to a defective seatbelt buckle and a defective passenger recognition sensor pad located in the front passenger seat which disables/enables the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s55. The contact stated that the seat belt would not retract properly whenever there were warmer temperatures. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and the dealer was unable to determine the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk lid would…
The driver's side seat belt does not work properly during hot weather. More particularly, the belt will not extend. It is impossible to pull the belt out enough to fasten it. Thus, the only way the car can be driven in hot weather is without the driver wearing a seat belt. The belt works properly…
When vehicle gets cold( outside temp below 17 f), the car will lower, and airomatic warning message comes on saying airomatic vehicle too low stop visit shop. *tr
When temperature falls below 17 degrees f, the vehicle drop to unsafe level, and message says airmatic stop car vehicle too low. The tires will start rubbing on liner. Called dealer they said temperature in germany does not go that low, well this car is sold in us, and they need to make it work. *tr
Other Mercedes Benz S Class years
← 2002 S Class · 2004 S Class →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 S Class | 1 | 1 |
| 2009 S Class | 2 | 1 |
| 2005 S Class | 2 | 1 |
| 2004 S Class | 15 | 4 |
| 2003 | 28 | 2 |
| 2002 S Class | 48 | 2 |
| 2001 S Class | 36 | 5 |
| 2000 S Class | 81 | 5 |
| 1999 S Class | 9 | 0 |
| 1998 S Class | 2 | 0 |
| 1997 S Class | 2 | 0 |
| 1996 S Class | 6 | 1 |
| 1995 S Class | 27 | 0 |
See all Mercedes Benz S Class problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.
Similar Mercedes Benz models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Owners most often report suspension, electrical system, air bags problems. The top one, suspension, accounts for 7 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other S Class model years, the 2003 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.