2003 Mercedes Benz G500

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500. Newest first.

• Exterior lighting › Turn signal

  Aug 5, 2010NHTSA 10V3660003,552 vehicles

  Mercedes-benz IS recalling certain model year 2002-2010 g-class vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "'lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these vehicles are equipped with a grill cover for front turn signal protection that, while permissible, may impact over time the…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  The signal light's visibility to other motorists may be reduced over time, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will install improved turn light units optimized for usage with grills. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin at the end of december 2010 or early january 2011. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

  Full recall details →

• Electrical system

  Jul 7, 2008NHTSA 08V303000404 vehicles

  Mercedes-benz IS recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. a software calibration number (scn) coding…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that IS required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

  Remedy

  Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. the recall began on august 30, 2008. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Service brakes, hydraulic2
2. Steering2
3. Structure2
4. Service brakes1

Latest complaints

• Sep 15, 2015CA75,000 mi
  Service brakes
  I purchased this car in november of 2012 as the 2ND owner. It only had 60,000 miles on it and seemed like a great car. one day I was driving on the freeway approximately 65mph, when I had to brake slightly and the brake pedal felt kinda mushy and my braking was slower than normal. next thing I…

  I purchased this car in november of 2012 as the 2ND owner. It only had 60,000 miles on it and seemed like a great car. one day I was driving on the freeway approximately 65mph, when I had to brake slightly and the brake pedal felt kinda mushy and my braking was slower than normal. next thing I saw was my dashboard had a red message on it (brake reduced braking effort) ahhhhhh I was freaked out and got off the freeway and pulled into a gas station. I called a tow truck (i was afraid my brakes were not going to work and I didn't want to put my young son or anyone else in danger. the benz dealership did a full inspection and found that the sbc (sensotronic brake control system) needed to be replaced. the also stated that mb had a recall on this particular part, however that I missed the the frame to get it replaced. I called the mb corporation and spoke to several service reps and they all told me I should have gotten it replaced within the recall time frame of 10 years. I explained how could I have known this when I purchased the car and I would like for mb to replace my sbc unit or at least give me a discount. anyway, after 3 months of calling and receiving no assistance, I gave up. I do not think this IS a way to run a business, especially when it a major safety concern. They know that this sbc unit can and does default to basic hydraulic mode, which makes braking slow and unsafe. needless to say the car IS useless to me and has sat in my driveway as the electrical system goes off and on as I am driving. I will never buy another mercedes benz, I bought it for the safety of my family and now I see how much they stand behind their products...i will also never purchase another car again without checking this site for recalls.

• Sep 8, 2006CA37,941 mi1 injury
  Structure

  Dt*: the contact stated one of contact's clients suffered 3RD degree burns on the calf of the leg while exiting the vehicle from a stainless steel portion of the running board. the running board was very hot from the sun shining inside the vehicle resulting in the client's leg being burned. the dealership was notified.

• Sep 23, 2004CA
  Steering › Rack and pinion › Pinion shaft

  While driving, the steering wheel started shaking uncontrollably. the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the steering rack pinion shaft needed replacement. the consumer informed the mechanic that the this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. please fill in additional information. *jb

• Dec 13, 2003WA16,000 mi
  Steering › Rack and pinion

  I have 2003 mercedes benz g 500. When I am driving on the freeway and I hit a bump in the whole road the whole steering unit in the truck shakes and almost lost control because of it. This has happened a few times and the problem IS documented by other ownders at www.benzworld.org http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1124269&posts=16&fid=30&np=1128200. *ak

• Sep 21, 2003CA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

  Esp braking system on the 2003 G500 going down hill around curves past 40 mph IS a serious driving hazard. automatic braking on the left tire turning to the right can throw you into oncoming traffic. esp needs to be adjusted. *Jb

• Jul 22, 2003CA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light

  Consumer states that while driving ABS light comes on. Dealer notified.*ak

• Jul 22, 2003CA
  Structure › Body › Door

  Consumer states that rear doors do not lock. Dealer notified. *ak

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010755Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see picture 1). In the control unit log of the "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)", the registration error "CEP Invalid VIN/UniqueID combination" is displayed. In vehicles with "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)": The actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see picture 1). In the control unit log of the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the registration error "CEP_ VIN_UNIQUEID_INVALID" is displayed. The emergency call is not impaired. Cause In the event of a control unit replacement, sporadic problems in the back end could result in data from the new control unit not being updated in the back end system. Remedy Please create a TIPS case. In some cases, the problem rectifies itself on its own after a little while.
• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11009036Complaint "Active Emergency Stop Assist Currently Unavailable" and "Active Steering Assist Inoperative" instrument cluster messages along with Tire Pressure Light on in Instrument Cluster. Cause Both systems are temporarily unavailable due to low tire pressures. An active tire pressure monitor light may result in some assistance features being temporarily unavailable until tire pressures are corrected. Remedy Check/adjust tire pressures and reset monitoring through the instrument cluster.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11008072Complaint White plastic insert present on microphone assembly. See figure A for example. Cause The insert (breathable filter) is designed to be inside for dust protection and air flow control. Remedy Do not remove the breathable filter from the microphone assembly. This part is designed to be in the microphone and should remain in the vehicle. Note: If TIPS support is required for microphone symptoms please open a TIPS case and reference this LI.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11007673Complaint Damage or discoloration to paint protection films on vehicle. Cause Chip protection films are a wear item that may need to be replaced over the life of the vehicle. They are typically not covered by vehicle warranty. Remedy To properly install a paint/chip protection film, please follow the below guidelines: #1 - Utilize a solution that is 0.2% soap solution (1,000ml of water + 2ml of liquid soap). #2 - Clean the paint surface and ensure it is dust-free. #2a - When cleaning, you can utilize isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) to assist with cleaning. #2b - We recommend a lint-free rag for secondary dusting. #3 - Wet hands with the soapy water solution to protect the adhesive surface. #4 - Remove the backing paper from the film completely. #5 - Moisten the vehicle surface with the soapy water. You can also lay the protective film with adhesive side out onto the wetted surface to also cover the adhesive layer in the soapy water solution. #6 - Remove film and flip over to gently place adhesive side against the paint surface. #7 - Working from the center out, use a squeegee to press the soapy water solution out from under the film. Use sufficient pressure to firmly press the film into the paint surface, but not an excessive amount to damage or stretch the film. #8 - Allow film and paint to "cure" until all of the moisture has evaporated. At this time the adhesive should be dried and cured enough for sufficient hold to release the vehicle.
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10209877Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy Follow guided tests as described.
• 10205803The mobile phone address book may not be transferred completely to the multimedia system COMAND, Audio 20, or MBUX. The contact list may not be fully populated and in some instances, the call list will display telephone numbers but no names.
• 10205788When driving over speed limiters, speed bumps or rough roads;knocking noises may be heard from the rear area of the vehicle.
• 10205247Traffic information service and posibly the voice control, nonfunctional after navigation software update.
• 10205239"Anti-theft protection activated".
• 10205237The COMAND unit does not start or the display remains dark.
• 10205236"Metadata loss- Please reimport all media data".
• 10205234Software update of COMAND Online control unit.
• 10205217Sunroof leaks.
• 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
• 10179966Incorrect time and/or instrument cluster message "SOS, service not activated" and/or Mercedes Me connect services nonfunctional
• 10174355G facelift: Complaints regarding headlamp (ILS)
• 10167564Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement.
• 10167563The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
• 10167507Vibrations at the steering wheel or steering system has excessive resistance
• 10167007Engine diagnosis warning lamp active. Fault code 20BE1B and/or 20BD1B (The heating element of the AdBlue tank has a malfunction) is logged in the Blue-Tec control unit.
• 10167006Engine diagnosis warning lamp active. Fault code 20BE1B and/or 20BD1B (The heating element of the AdBlue tank has a malfunction) is logged in the Blue-Tec control unit.
• 10166998Constant noise from the engine compartment.
• 10166978Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up - Fault code entry (FC) 14A600 or 14A700
• 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
• 10165846Vehicle runs off to the right on flat roads when driving straight ahead.
• 10135721Instrument cluster: No display in instrument cluster
• 10043664Mercedes benz: bleed hose for filler neck on fuel tank.
• 10038972Mercedes-benz: model 463. The differential lock on either axle may not engage or will desengage automatically.
• 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.

Every Mercedes Benz G500 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.