Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, the most recent reported on November 19, 2024 (Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320?

Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (71 complaints), followed by service brakes (57).

How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 complaints mention a crash or fire?

8 of 214 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 214 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320.

recalls

214

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 24V874000 · reported November 19, 2024 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 33,456 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
The risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 19V918000 · reported December 20, 2019 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 747,928 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
The risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Fuel/propulsion system71
Service brakes57
Electrical system21
Air bags19
Fuel system, gasoline18
Service brakes, hydraulic18
Power train11
Suspension11
Electronic stability control (ESC)7
Engine7

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 30, 2024 · Fuel/propulsion system
I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The odor is strong just after filling the tank, and then it disappears at appox. 3 quarters of a tank…

Jul 15, 2024 · Service brakes
MB USA is not honoring Recall [phone removed] for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for my car. The Mercedes Benz Representative agreed that she does see the car matches the 2003-2006 E class with…

Jul 15, 2024 · Service brakes
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the braking system became inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: [phone removed]. The contact called the local dealer and…

Jul 25, 2023 · Air bags
REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST

Jul 7, 2023 · Fuel system, gasoline · 202,800 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from underneath the vehicle, above the fuel tank. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer…

E320 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	0	44	2	2
2001	0	38	6	4
2002	0	23	1	1
2003	2	214	8	1
2004	2	203	6	1
2005	3	231	10	4
2006	4	41	2	0

Across all years, the 2005 E320 has the most complaints (231). All Mercedes-Benz E320 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, the most recent reported on November 19, 2024 (Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320?: Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (71 complaints), followed by service brakes (57).
How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 8 of 214 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 30, 2024.