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2003 Mercedes-Benz S600Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints62 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage57kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 8, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 has problems

6 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
Suspension41
Engine and engine cooling20
Electrical system10

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

1 recall

2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 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.

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 S600 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 S600 median. How we score

'95'97'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'11'12'15'16'17
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600, and the recalls they led to.

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

What S600 owners report

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

WHILE MY DAUGHTER DRIVING MY CAR ABC LIGHT CAME ON AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND HAD ACCIDENT. CAR WENT OVER THE CENTER LINE, CLIMBED OVER BARRICADE AND DESTROYED THE CAR. INSURANCE COMPANY TOTLALED THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING A HIGH PRESSURE HOSE BLEW UP AND CAR…
Complaint 10780704 · Oct 8, 2015 · 100,000 miles
MERCEDES BENZ, S-600 (MODEL 2003), IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE CAR IN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR ALMOST LOST CONTROL AFTER IT'S ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) LIGHT FLASHED ON SUDDENLY IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR BODY CAME DOWN GRINDING AGAINST THE WHEELS/TIRES ON 12/03/2009 AGAIN AFTER THE CAR'S…
Complaint 10294652 · Dec 6, 2009 · 56,923 miles
MERCEDES BENZ, S-600 (MODEL 2003), IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE CAR IN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR ALMOST LOST CONTROL AFTER IT'S ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) LIGHT FLASHED ON SUDDENLY IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR BODY CAME DOWN GRINDING AGAINST THE WHEEL/TIRES ON 11/16/2009. THE CAR WAS SENT TO…
Complaint 10294645 · Dec 6, 2009 · 56,772 miles

Own a 2003 S600?

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