2003 Mercedes Benz S Class
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S Class › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 Mercedes Benz S Class. Newest first.
On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. the recall began on july 2, 2007. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. the recall began august 17, 2004. owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Owner complaints
28 complaints3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
The srs system (airbags) have been deemed inoperable by the dealer and may either deploy at any time or not deploy at all in a collision. This IS due to a defective seatbelt buckle and a defective passenger recognition sensor pad located in the front passenger seat which disables/enables the…
The srs system (airbags) have been deemed inoperable by the dealer and may either deploy at any time or not deploy at all in a collision. This IS due to a defective seatbelt buckle and a defective passenger recognition sensor pad located in the front passenger seat which disables/enables the airbags functionality. Both a very common defect in the 2000 to 2006 model year mercedes benz s class vehicles. The seatbelt buckle contains a sensor that eventually fails for no apparent reason or warning which compromises the air bag's functionality. The passenger recognition sensor pad located in the seat eventually malfunctions due to fatigue.this also disables the functionality of the srs system.this malfunction has recently been addressed and recalled by BMW for the same issues but mercedes benz has yet to issue a recall campaign also the gear shifter IS stuck in park and can not be shifted in reverse. This IS due to a small plastic part located in the shifting mechanism which IS released by a solenoid when the brake pedal IS depressed. The plastic part eventually cracks and renders the car inoperable.the part IS not available nor produced by mercedes benz and the entire mechanism must be replaced by the dealer at the owner's expense. The cracked part can also affect the safety of the driver and pedestrians. If it cracks while the car IS in drive, the shifter can not be moved forward to neutral or park and will remain stuck in drive due to a broken piece of plastic blocking the shifter from moving.this IS another extremely common and dangerous defect in the model year 2000 to 2006 s class and has affected and left thousands of motorists stranded. mercedes benz has the lowest recall rate in the united states according to the following http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/27/us-autos-recalls-study-idusbrea2q1zq20140327. They should not ignore safety issues. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S55. The contact stated that the seat belt would not retract properly whenever there were warmer temperatures. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and the dealer was unable to determine the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk lid would…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S55. The contact stated that the seat belt would not retract properly whenever there were warmer temperatures. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and the dealer was unable to determine the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk lid would either become resistant when attempting to close the hatch, or it would close independently. On one occasion, the trunk lid closed unexpectedly on the contact as she attempted to remove items from the trunk area. As a result, the contact sustained a contusion to the right leg. The contact also stated that the key fob failed to engage the trunk lid. the manufacturer was made aware of failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v285000 (latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid springs). the failure mileage was 50,000. The current mileage was 100,000. The vin was not available.
- Seat belts
The driver's side seat belt does not work properly during hot weather. more particularly, the belt will not extend. it IS impossible to pull the belt out enough to fasten it. thus, the only way the car can be driven in hot weather IS without the driver wearing a seat belt. the belt works…
The driver's side seat belt does not work properly during hot weather. more particularly, the belt will not extend. it IS impossible to pull the belt out enough to fasten it. thus, the only way the car can be driven in hot weather IS without the driver wearing a seat belt. the belt works properly in the morning when leaving our air-conditioned garage, but when returning to the car while it has been parked outside in hot weather the seat belt does not work. *js
- Suspension › Front
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
- Suspension › Front
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
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bag-drivers side, steering wheel. I recently became aware of your site and thought it appropriate to inform you of this issue. the airbag warning light came on and the dealer cleared the fault code. This lasted one week and then the warning reappeared. They did not know if this condition…
Air bag-drivers side, steering wheel. I recently became aware of your site and thought it appropriate to inform you of this issue. the airbag warning light came on and the dealer cleared the fault code. This lasted one week and then the warning reappeared. They did not know if this condition would result in a deployment whether warranted or not. It seemed to us that it was unsafe to drive regardless. then, despite the 7 year ,100,000 mile warranty, they said air bags are not covered. We then incurred an expense of $1,841 to replace the entire unit. it seemed the manufacturer tried to avoid any and all complaints about air bags being problematic. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Shifter stuck in park. there are probably hundreds, possibly even thousands of mercedes owners that have experienced this problem. For no apparent reason and without any warning the shifter locks in park. You turn the car on and it will not move even if using a 16 pound rubber mallet to bang the…
Shifter stuck in park. there are probably hundreds, possibly even thousands of mercedes owners that have experienced this problem. For no apparent reason and without any warning the shifter locks in park. You turn the car on and it will not move even if using a 16 pound rubber mallet to bang the shifter. I would consider this as a potentially dangerous situation if the person was out in the wilderness or a mother traveling with children in the car. This problem IS well documented at http://www.mbworld.org this particular forum IS a great source for problems associated with mercedes benz. It IS caused by a $4 piece of plastic located inside the shifter box that moves back and forth to activate the solenoid.. Once the plastic piece breaks it locks the shifter in place. Mercedes could easily fix this problem by using more durable materials. Instead, they charge you up to $1500 to replace the shifter box. I know because it happened to me and several other people I personally know. The car literally can not be moved and has to be dragged on a flat bed truck and taken to the repair shop. For a car this expensive, it IS totally ridiculous. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Power train › Automatic transmission
Shifter stuck in park due to the only plastic part ( shifter module) in the shifter box. Mercedes headquarters take no responsibility for such an expensive fix when plastic part breaks. *Tr
- Air bags · Suspension
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…
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 like it was going to come through my chest. Everyone in that situation understands just how I felt at that time. The front of the car was completely covering half of the front tires-if I turned the wheel it would have scraped the fenders. I left the car there overnite. The next day {sunday} my partner's brother -who IS a mechanic-went to retrieve my car not being familiarized with the mercedes brand he started the car and pushed every button on the dash-he called me telling me the car was fine it was "fine". He drove my car to my home-much to my puzzlement. The car looked normal. The next day on monday I started the car and on the dash in big red letters airmatic . Though the car looked fine I saw on closer inspection that one side in front was sagging lower, to sum this up-got the car to the dealer and was told the " air was leaking out of the bags in the front suspension".that cost $1,000 to repair-i think its cheaper to pay that than the alternative. As I write I am furious yes- I have another appointment this coming monday for my srs system. This IS the second time. This time it has to do with the front passenger seat and the etr-they state there IS a fault. I have to pay $540.00 to have a safe car? This IS the second time the srs light has come on-sounds kind of like the first time it happened too-only that was covered under warranty. I have 74,000 miles on this car. Whats going to happen next? Mercedes submitted a video showing an s class with a collapsed suspension showing that it was fit to be on the road along with other cars-people what are you thinking?this IS supposed to be one of the safest cars on the road! That's why we bought it .and about the srs light? *Tr
- Suspension · Suspension › Front · Suspension › Rear
My suspension IS horrible!! without warning my S430 airmatic light displayed "visit workshop", I pulled over and noticed my vehicle was riding extremely low...almost touching my front and back tires. furthermore, there IS a rubbing sound when the wheels are being turned. I contacted 4 dealers…
My suspension IS horrible!! without warning my S430 airmatic light displayed "visit workshop", I pulled over and noticed my vehicle was riding extremely low...almost touching my front and back tires. furthermore, there IS a rubbing sound when the wheels are being turned. I contacted 4 dealers and they all claimed the suspension and/or airmatic system has been a common problem ...my concern IS why wasn't I notified about a recall? secondly, after scheduling an appointment for this week, mb IS claiming that I will be charged for service a. this IS unbelievable>>>why IS mercedes loosing their reputation for poor customer service? please contact me...i need my vehicle in operable condition and will expect to be reimbursed by mercedes once this recall matter IS approved and/or active. I'm glad to know that nhtsa cares...thank you. *Tr
- Interior lighting
My instrument cluster continues to cut off randomly on my 2003 mercedes benz S430 . While I thought this was a mb recall they told me ny vin number was not included. A clear problem that IS all over the internet IS being ignored by mercedes. This happened at night last night with my teenage son…
My instrument cluster continues to cut off randomly on my 2003 mercedes benz S430 . While I thought this was a mb recall they told me ny vin number was not included. A clear problem that IS all over the internet IS being ignored by mercedes. This happened at night last night with my teenage son driving. He had no dash lights at all and pulled off the road and called. Without speed, gas ,turn indicators etc this known issue IS serious. *Tr
- Suspension · Suspension › Front · Suspension › Rear
Incident one: 1. While driving in atlanta, ga in february of 2007. the front airmatic suspension failed while crossing an "inactive" railroad track. just imagine if it was active. mercedes-benz towed the car and replaced the defect. 2. a few days ago, I'm driving on a 40 mph speed limit…
Incident one: 1. While driving in atlanta, ga in february of 2007. the front airmatic suspension failed while crossing an "inactive" railroad track. just imagine if it was active. mercedes-benz towed the car and replaced the defect. 2. a few days ago, I'm driving on a 40 mph speed limit road and my car starts to lower. again. I was lucky that no one was behind me, otherwise it could have had a different outcome. how many times will someone need to report this "safety hazard" to the national highway and traffic safety administration. does someone need to die, in order to be heard? please help me. I cannot afford to have the car I purchased, as the salesman said, "the safest car on the road," become the reason for serious injury or even death to me and others. thank you, I hope you'll contact me within a reasonable amount of time. we need to be heard. we want you to do something, because it will make us feel that you genuinely car about listening and creating action on these complaints. What does it cost you to recall something? I know what it'll cost me or the public if you don't. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Interior lighting
The interior lights are malfunctioning in my car and I can't read my gauges on the speedometer during the day or at night. This IS a safety issue. *Tr
- Electrical system
My car IS having electrical malfunctions. The interior lights inside my car are malfunctioning. The lights on my dashboard are malfunctioning. I can't see how fast I'm driving because I can't see the speedometer. This IS very unsafe for me. When the electrical malfunctions occur, nothing electrical, lights, seats work in the car. *Tr
- Suspension
The airmatic warning came on my vehicle without prior incident. while driving normally last week, I suddenly noticed the panel flashing this warning. the car did not completely fail, but the car IS much lower than it needs to be. when I searched this on-line I came across a forum called…
The airmatic warning came on my vehicle without prior incident. while driving normally last week, I suddenly noticed the panel flashing this warning. the car did not completely fail, but the car IS much lower than it needs to be. when I searched this on-line I came across a forum called benzworld.org or com. there are hundreds of complaints about this problem and many people are calling for mbusa to recall this item. I called the corporate hq and was told to take the car in to the dealer, I was to ask the service manager for a" after warranty assistance". I am not sure what this means, but this IS a very expensive item to repair and there may be many things contributing to this problem. Mbusa should stand behind this faulty feature and recall this item. I will take the car in on 07/28/08 and see what the outcome IS. I suspect this will cost me close to 1K on a car that has 73K miles. I will ask for the old parts and hold them in reserve for your further instructions. *tr
- Equipment · Fuel system, gasoline
Bad gas from sunoco gas stations. New gas blend. 6 mercedes benz serviced for all 4 oxygen sensor burned out in boston ma. *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The passenger side seat belt does not work properly. During hot weather, the belt will not extend. Passenger IS unable to pull the belt out enough to fasten it in the latch. The catch mechanism which normally latches during a crash or rapid stopping seems to be stuck catching all the time. *tr
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock
My 2003 mercedes S500 has twice electronically self-closed it's trunk on two separate users, on two separate occasions. This vehicle has been taken to two separate mercedes dealers for the problem. One of those dealers replaced a number of parts. Despite doing so, the second occurrence (last…
My 2003 mercedes S500 has twice electronically self-closed it's trunk on two separate users, on two separate occasions. This vehicle has been taken to two separate mercedes dealers for the problem. One of those dealers replaced a number of parts. Despite doing so, the second occurrence (last night), left my other half in tears, pain, with a recess in her head and a headache. The electronic trunk lid has had instances where it does not open all the way, does not close all the way, or a combination of the two. Then there IS the more serious and I believe potentially life treating, unprovoked, unexplained and as yet un fixed electronic closing that has twice occurred when putting in or removing goods from the trunk. I would find it hard to believe that I am the only owner who has had such a problem. The metal trunk lid comes down with force striking directly on the top of an adults head. It IS unknown what it would do to a non-adult. I have spoken to a representative for mercedes who states to her knowledge there IS no problem and that they would be happy to get the car in and attempt to fix it, but can not guarantee they can. The first time it occurred, it hit me and nearly knocked me out. After bringing the car in I assumed it was fixed, however, after last night, it clearly IS not. Though I can not make it perform upon command, I have no reason to believe it will not occur again. *jb
- Electrical system
I was driving on a highway when car just stopped. I had to get out of the car and push it for it to start again. After 500 it stopped again and had to be towed away. *Jb
- Electrical system · Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system) · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
This auto's command (communications) system (radio/cass/cell phone/navigation system) has failed, intermittantly eleven times over the past 2 years. Since I purchased this auto for monthly trips between maine and georgia, I really need safe and consistent communications and navigation systems to…
This auto's command (communications) system (radio/cass/cell phone/navigation system) has failed, intermittantly eleven times over the past 2 years. Since I purchased this auto for monthly trips between maine and georgia, I really need safe and consistent communications and navigation systems to operate properly. I've now lost faith in the safe operation of this vehicle; purchased expressly for safe, long distance, all-weather, & dependable trips of 2,600 miles each month. While the factory has attempted to repair/replace the command system ten times, it has now failed for the eleventh time! this problem has been additionally documented in the past three issues of the star: mercedes benz owners club magazine. *ak
- Air bags
The air bags are deploying. so far no injuries. the air bags have deployed on two service techs. And one tow truck driver. deployment IS do to a defect. The car IS an SLK 320. *ak
- Tires
L/f wheel bent; l/r wheel cracked. *ak
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
The trunk lid on my new 2003 mercedes benz S-430 opens at a high rate of speed and knocked a package from my wife's hands missing her face by a second.*ak
- Suspension › Front
The front end of the vehicle collapsed while parked. the dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. please provide any additional information. *nm *mr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
2003 s5004matic by daimler chrysler. at 9000 miles had rear rotors warped by parking brake. at 11000 miles had front rotors warped by unknown reasons. at 11500 miles shimmy in steering wheel cannot be fixed. dealer has tried to fix it on 4 occasions. unable to do so. *la
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air suspension system failure
The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an…
The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition IS designed such that there IS no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. Further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation IS closed.
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.
- 10136035Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- 10030939Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning. The function works again after a short time or distance. When the foot operated parking brake IS applied, the parktronic system IS deactivated. If the foot operated parking brake IS on at the first notch, the contact switch may react with a consideration delay when the parking brake IS released. No model years listed.
- 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
- 10025845Mercedes benz: water in tail lamp housing on either right side or left side.
- 10019996Headlamp low beam or fog lamp IS always either too high or too low.
- 10014583Seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door.
- 10014547High-pitched whining noise heard on telephone/vcs/tele aid calls.
- 10009985The high pressure hydraulic distribution hose of the active body control (abc) may deteriorate over time due to excessive exposure to humidity and high temperatures. Voluntary recall campaign of active body control (abc) (12 cylinder only).
- 10009891The trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position due to extensive exposure to very high temperatures. Voluntary recall campaign. Cover letter, recall campaign bulletin and letter to owners. Literature from warranty services group regarding labor time information.
- 10009820Replacement of abc pressure supply valve unit hydraulic line.
Every Mercedes Benz S Class model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.