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2003 Mercedes-Benz S ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 28 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

56
CarFlaw IndexSolid year20% below the S Class median · #4 of 7 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints282 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage79kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 1, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class has problems

28 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension70
Electrical system61
Air bags40
Seat belts41
Latches/locks/linkages32
Power train20
Engine and engine cooling20
Equipment20
Interior lighting20
5 other systems60

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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

Trunk lid: lock

Recall 04V-285 · Jun 9, 2004 · 16,690 vehicles

Risk. IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 S 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 S Class median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'09'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILUREPE07042 · closed Nov 20, 2007
    No recall
In owners' words

What S Class owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHEN VEHICLE GETS COLD( OUTSIDE TEMP BELOW 17 F), THE CAR WILL LOWER, AND AIROMATIC WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON SAYING AIROMATIC VEHICLE TOO LOW STOP VISIT SHOP. *TR
Complaint 10380786 · Feb 4, 2011
WHEN TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 17 DEGREES F, THE VEHICLE DROP TO UNSAFE LEVEL, AND MESSAGE SAYS AIRMATIC STOP CAR VEHICLE TOO LOW. THE TIRES WILL START RUBBING ON LINER. CALLED DEALER THEY SAID TEMPERATURE IN GERMANY DOES NOT GO THAT LOW, WELL THIS CAR IS SOLD IN US, AND THEY NEED TO MAKE IT WORK. *TR
Complaint 10378528 · Jan 24, 2011
I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NOT OR WILL NOT BE A RECALL ON THE "SUSPENSION" ISSUE. I TOO HAD THE FATE OF MY CAR COLLAPSING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK-WHICH IS 35 MILES AWAY-IT HAPPENED. ON THE DASH IT STATED IN BID BOLD LETTERS "AIRMATIC CAR TOO LOW". I PULLED OVER AND STEPPED OUT-MY HEART FELT…
Complaint 10292477 · Nov 17, 2009 · 74,000 miles

Own a 2003 S Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.