repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 70 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 has problems
70 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
40Fuel/propulsion system
27Fuel system, gasoline
3Electrical system
2Power train
2Engine
2Service brakes
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Engine and engine cooling
1Seats
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 40 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 27 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Mileage at failure
When do fuel/propulsion system problems start?
82kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 35 fuel/propulsion system complaints. 74% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles26under 100k miles9100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other AMG E55 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the AMG E55 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankNo recall
- Fuel System (Tank/Sender) LeakageNo recall
In owners' words
What AMG E55 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A CLASSIFIED AS A TOTAL RECALL TURNED INTO AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND AS A RESULT I HAVE LOST $1700. AFTER A BATTLE WITH THE NHTSA, BACK IN 2015 MERCEDES SETTLED TO DO A RETROACTIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON CERTAIN 2003-2011 VEHICLES DUE TO HOW MANY PROBLEMS AND SAFETY CONCERNS…
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…
Own a 2003 AMG E55?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.