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 E500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 125 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500, most often about the service brakes. 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 January 23, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 has problems
125 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
29Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
27Fuel/propulsion system
19Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
14Fuel system, gasoline
10Power train
8Service brakes, hydraulic
7Air bags
4Electronic stability control (ESC)
4Engine and engine cooling
149 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 29 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 27 | 0 |
| Suspension | 19 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 14 | 0 |
| Power train | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 7 | 4 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 4 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 14 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 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 service brakes problems start?
112kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 26 service brakes complaints. 38% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles10under 100k miles16100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other E500 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 E500 median. How we score
'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 E500, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankNo recall
In owners' words
What E500 owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that there was leakage coming from the driver’s and the passenger’s side sunroof. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The contact was informed that the only warranty would be for the module. The contact…
I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 25 MPH.SHE PUT ON THE BRAKES AND A BRIGHT RED SIGNAL APPEARED ON THE SCREEN AND THE CAR BRAKES FAILED.TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT,MY WIFE DROVE INTO AN UPHILL PARKING LOT WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT THE CARS BRAKES HELP.AFTER WE…
MZB ISSUED A 25-YEAR-WARRANTY/SAFETY RECALL EXTENSION ON MY 2003 E500 MZB CAR; #[PHONE] -FOR THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE SYSTEM. AROUND AUGUST 2020 I WAS DRIVING ON SURFACE STREET WHEN SUDDENLY THE DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHING RED WARNINGS AND THE SPEED IMMEDIATELY REDUCED AND TRANSMISSION WAS LOCKED IN…
Own a 2003 E500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.