2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 has 143 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (29%) concerns fuel system. After that come brakes (27%) and suspension (15%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 143 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Fuel system 29% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 8 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 90,000 miles 115 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 14 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 20 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 30 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 19 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 9 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 12 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 3 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 115 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 90,000 miles. For fuel system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 96,000 miles (31 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 8 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 4 model years of the Mercedes-Benz E500 with enough data (23 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was applied but did not respond. The contact applied extreme force to the brake pedal, the vehicle spun around and crashed into a tree. The contact sustained whiplash and pains to the wrists due to the force from the impact that did not require medical attention. In addition, the head restraint air bags deployed on the drivers side and the front passenger side only.
I was making a right turn onto a city street when I heard a click/ crack, the instrument panel lit up, and the steering wheel locked. I was not able to stop the car in time and hit a parked car. The engine did not turn off when this happened. It wasn't a case of the power steering failing because I was not able to turn the wheel at all (I do know what that feels like).
I own a 2003 mercedes e-500. Both sun visors failed in 2007 at about the same time. They simply seized in place and can not be moved. Mercedes had refused to repair the visors as part of the warranty citing mileage limitations. The repair cost is over $800. I think visors and other interior equipments should last more than 4 years!
Sbc ABS hydraulic unit failed needed replacement & switch mb said this was not under warranty for my yr vehicle. Mercedes benz finally took ownership of this problem and stated in document august 2018 that they are covering the cost and labor to this problem for up to 25 years in model year. But your site does not show a recall on this?? Limp mode and fault lights flashed sbc/abs unit failed. Had to be towed to dealer.