2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 has 3 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
70
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Recall 22V-954: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System40
Fuel System, Gasoline28
Electrical System3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Power Train2
Service Brakes2
Engine2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Air Bags1
Seats1

Most reported parts

  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 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 AMG E55 complaints

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

Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside of the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the rear seats, the contact observed gasoline pooling underneath the rear seats. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to TSB: 2008-020001. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was…
Electrical System · reported Apr 26, 2023
The Alternator died after just over two years from being replaced by Mercedes part and labor causing a loss of electrical power and a loss of brake in the car.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 103,700 miles · reported Aug 19, 2020
While the vehicle was on the highway on a long road trip, there was an increasingly large rattle when the vehicle was under load. Eventually the rattle stopped. Then when I tried to fill up the car with gas, it leaked everywhere causing a massive fire hazard. While this was put under extended warranty for 15 years by mercedes benz, a 2003 model is out of warranty by 3 years. This is completely unacceptable as it left me stranded in rural montana on a road trip (I'm from wa) and posed a massive fire hazard in the blazing heat of summer. I had to tow it back on a uhaul to prevent further damage…
Air Bags · at 96,000 miles · reported Feb 18, 2020
My vehicle is currently experiencing an SRS warning light that the dealership, mercedes benz of south bay, diagnosed as being a passenger seat weight sensor failure. They advised that this is a common failure on these models, which upon searching the internet I believe is the case, and quoted me over $4,000 for the repair. This failure turns off the passenger airbag unless the repair is performed. My understanding, having previously working for another OEM for 15 years, was that airbags and their associated parts should last the life of the vehicle. It appears that this failure is so common…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 100,000 miles · reported Apr 30, 2019
I just purchased a used 2003 mercedes-benz e55 amg. Upon driving it home from the state where I purchased it, I smelled a strong fuel smell. This is strong inside the cabin and also outside the cabin, to the point that others around the car noted the fuel smell. I can smell it while driving and when the car is stationary. A google search indicated that there was an investigation into this years ago and mbusa offered an extended warranty of an additional 5 years beyond the initial 10 years in lieu of having a court require a full recall. After, further investigation on my part, I learned that…

Other Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (40 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (28). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 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.