CarRecallDB

2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 125 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500.

3
recalls
125
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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 E500 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 22V954000 · reported December 23, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 131,653 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
The risk
A detached sunroof panel may 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 February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

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.

What owners report

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

Jan 23, 2025 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 45,000 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but the pedal was stiff. The vehicle was taken to two dealers where it was diagnosed that the brake pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

Apr 21, 2024 · Suspension

Air suspension in the rear suddenly failed making it impossible to drive, also triggered a red warning of "stop, car too low"

Sep 7, 2022 · Service brakes · 97,648 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that there was leakage coming from the driver’s and the passenger’s side sunroof. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The contact was informed that the only warranty would be for the module. The contact stated as he was driving…

Jul 1, 2022 · Air bags · 65,000 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the air bags on the driver’s side of the vehicle inadvertently deployed without warning. After the air bags were deployed, a message showing an air bag malfunction was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact received medical…

May 16, 2022 · Service brakes

I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 25 MPH .SHE PUT ON THE BRAKES AND A BRIGHT RED SIGNAL APPEARED ON THE SCREEN AND THE CAR BRAKES FAILED .TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT ,MY WIFE DROVE INTO AN UPHILL PARKING LOT WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT THE CARS BRAKES HELP .AFTER WE CALMED DOWN ,WE…

E500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 312540
2004 314232
2005 314040
2006 45010

Across all years, the 2004 E500 has the most complaints (142). All Mercedes-Benz E500 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500, 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 E500?
Owners have filed 125 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (29 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (27).
How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 125 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 23, 2025.