2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls and problems
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class has 4 safety recalls and 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls
Recall 08V-303: Electrical System
Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (Scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
Fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 05V-133: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (Sbc) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
Risk: In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure is required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.
Fix: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited production period. The recall began on august 8, 2005. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 04V-296: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (Sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
Risk: If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the sbc may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on october 21m 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 03V-289: Steering
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the nut on the bolt which connects the steering gear to the steering coupling may not be tightened correctly.
Risk: The loosening of the nut could result in a slipping of the connection over time, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten the nut on the bolt if necessary. Owner notification began august 21, 2003. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 15 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Equipment | 4 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,490 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 E Class complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mercedes-Benz E Class years
Compare all Mercedes-Benz E Class years · All Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class: 08V-303 (electrical system), 05V-133 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-296 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-289 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class?
Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (15 reports), followed by electrical system (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,490 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.