2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500, but owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel System, Gasoline	3
Suspension	3
Tires	1
Electrical System	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1
Seat Belts	1

Most reported parts

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension System — 1
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 24,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 66,000 miles · reported May 31, 2014

In june 2012 the car did not pass inspection and we were told we needed a new gas cap. We got a gas cap and it passed inspection. Since then we have had a strong fuel smell when the gas tank is filled completely. If we only fill the gas tank about 3/4 or less, there is no gas smell. We recently had the car serviced and the mechanic told us the gas cap needed to be replaced and a seal/cap in an overfill tank under the rear seat was loose. We replaced the gas cap again and the cap to the overfill tank was tightened. We filled the tank full and have a very strong smell of gas so those repairs did…

Suspension · at 10,000 miles · reported Apr 3, 2014

Was going down road and front strut bottomed out because of air bellow failure in air leveling system .many people have had same problem!

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 116,322 miles · reported Apr 11, 2013

Brought car in for service and annual state inspection sticker, was told that the gas tank needed to be replaced due to malfunction that allowed gas vapors to escape from tank. Was told that it was no fault of my own but tank had to be replaced to pass inspection!!! The car was not misused or driven off road or abused, obviously this was a defective part mercedes put in their cars and they chose not to stand behind their product. Charged $1,400 for repairs.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 88,000 miles · reported Oct 8, 2010

I was driving my 2003 mercedes e500 down a hill when the brakes completely failed. This occurred suddenly and simultaneously by dashboard lit up with warnings and admonishing to pull over and not drive. I was amazed to find out that mercedes has a 'program' for this failure but does not tell car owners about it until it occurs. I was able to stop the car with the emergency brake but I had no other braking capability.

Electrical System · at 24,000 miles · reported Mar 15, 2005

While parked the battery died. As a result, the vehicle would not unlock. The vehicle had multiple electrical system problems.

Other Mercedes-Benz 500 years

20032000

Compare all Mercedes-Benz 500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500?

Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (3 reports), followed by suspension (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 24,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.