2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls and problems
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class has 3 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls
Recall 11V-208: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling certain model year 1999-2002 m-class and model year 2000-2003 m-class amg vehicles. The cruise control system in the affected vehicles allows the driver to disengage the system in a number of ways, including tapping the brake pedal, using the cruise control stalk, or braking the vehicle enough to reach a certain rate of deceleration. Mercedes-benz has determined that under certain circumstances use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage cruise control as expected by the driver, although the other means of deactivating cruise control remain fully operative. Specifically, where the driver pumps the brakes rather than applying consistent pedal force, the level of force required may be unusually high.
Risk: Difficulty or delay in disengaging cruise control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began during october 2011. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 08V-465: Steering
Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling 125,228 my 1998-2004 m-class vehicles. The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
Risk: The loss of power steering fluid may result in diminished power steering over time and ultimately can damage the power steering pump. This could result in a loss of control and a crash without warning.
Fix: An earlier recall repair performed on these vehicles may not be sufficient to prevent a future leakage or failure of the power steering hose connection (Please see 03v121). Since it is not possible through inspection to identify specific vehicles that may not have been properly repaired, all vehicles repaired prior to november 15, 2003, will be repaired again. The recall is expected to begin during november 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 03V-121: Steering
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
Risk: The loss of power steering fluid may result in diminished power steering over time and ultimately can damage the power steering pump.
Fix: Dealers will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler. During clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary. Owner notification began june 16, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 1
- Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 24,368 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 M Class complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mercedes-Benz M Class years
Compare all Mercedes-Benz M Class years · All Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class: 11V-208 (vehicle speed control), 08V-465 (steering), 03V-121 (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 M Class?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (4 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 24,368 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.