no report yet
Vehicle speed control: cruise control
Risk. DIFFICULTY OR DELAY IN DISENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
2003 Mercedes-Benz M ClassProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 10 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 17, 2011. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class has problems
10 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
2Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
2Seats2 crash/fire/injury
1Steering
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Exterior lighting
1Power train
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 1 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 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 M Class 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.
no report yet
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.
no report yet
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.
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.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other M Class 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 M Class median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'06'07'08'09
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class, and the recalls they led to.
- POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKLed to recall 08V-465
In owners' words
What M Class owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML55. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH HE ENGAGED THE SEAT HEATER. THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS BECAME EXTREMELY HOT. HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE HEATER OFF. HE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED SMOKE AND SPARKS. HE POURED WATER OVER THE SEATS AND THE SPARKS STOPPED. THE SEAT HEATER…
- NO PRECURSORS OR APPARENT DAMAGE - DRIVERS SEAT HEATER FAILED RESULTING IN STRONG BURNING SMELL, AND SUPERFICIAL BURN TO LEFT UPPER LEG OF DRIVER
ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 65 MY 2003 ML500 MERCEDES - BENZ COMPUTER SHUT DOWN AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND WAS SCARED FOR MY LIFE THERE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND START THE CAR AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE BUT IT…
Own a 2003 M Class?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.