2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 has 2 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 recalls

Recall 10V-366: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 5, 2010 · 3,552 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling certain model year 2002-2010 g-class vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "'lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these vehicles are equipped with a grill cover for front turn signal protection that, while permissible, may impact over time the signal's ability to meet the minimum requirements of FMVSS 108.

Risk: The signal light's visibility to other motorists may be reduced over time, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install improved turn light units optimized for usage with grills. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin at the end of december 2010 or early january 2011. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 08V-303: Electrical System

Reported Jul 7, 2008 · 404 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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.

2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Steering2
Service Brakes1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 1
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 1
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,941 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 G500 complaints

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

Service Brakes · at 75,000 miles · reported Sep 15, 2015
I purchased this car in november of 2012 as the 2nd owner. It only had 60,000 miles on it and seemed like a great car. One day I was driving on the freeway approximately 65mph, when I had to brake slightly and the brake pedal felt kinda mushy and my braking was slower than normal. Next thing I saw was my dashboard had a red message on it (Brake reduced braking effort) ahhhhhh I was freaked out and got off the freeway and pulled into a gas station. I called a tow truck (I was afraid my brakes were not going to work and I didn't want to put my young son or anyone else in danger. The benz…
Structure · at 37,941 miles · reported Sep 8, 2006
Dt*: the contact stated one of contact's clients suffered 3rd degree burns on the calf of the leg while exiting the vehicle from a stainless steel portion of the running board. The running board was very hot from the sun shining inside the vehicle resulting in the client's leg being burned. The dealership was notified.
Steering · reported Sep 23, 2004
While driving, the steering wheel started shaking uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the steering rack pinion shaft needed replacement. The consumer informed the mechanic that the this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information.
Steering · at 16,000 miles · reported Dec 13, 2003
I have 2003 mercedes benz g 500. When I AM driving on the freeway and I hit a bump in the whole road the whole steering unit in the truck shakes and almost lost control because of it. This has happened a few times and the problem is documented by other ownders at www.benzworld.org http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1124269&posts=16&fid=30&np=1128200.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Sep 21, 2003
Esp braking system on the 2003 g500 going down hill around curves past 40 MPH is a serious driving hazard. Automatic braking on the left tire turning to the right can throw you into oncoming traffic. Esp needs to be adjusted.

Other Mercedes-Benz G500 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz G500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500: 10V-366 (exterior lighting), 08V-303 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500?

Owners report structure problems most often (2 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,941 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.