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 E320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 214 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 2 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 30, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 has problems
214 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
71Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
57Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
21Electrical system
19Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
18Fuel system, gasoline
18Service brakes, hydraulic2 crash/fire/injury
11Power train
11Suspension
7Engine
4214 other systems8 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 71 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 57 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 21 | 0 |
| Air bags | 19 | 4 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 18 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 18 | 2 |
| Power train | 11 | 0 |
| Suspension | 11 | 1 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| 14 other systems | 42 | 8 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 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 · 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?
104kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 60 fuel/propulsion system complaints. 42% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles25under 100k miles35100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other E320 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 E320 median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankNo recall
In owners' words
What E320 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The odor is strong just after filling the tank, and then it disappears at appox. 3…
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car…
After fueling up, a smell of gas occurs. Slight gas puddle forms under the car after every fuel up. Drops gas gauge down and after that no more smell of fuel but still slight puddle of gas after leaving the car parked. Noticed it about a month ago and it seems to get worse. Doesn't seem safe…
Own a 2003 E320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.