CarRecallDB

2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500.

2
recalls
7
owner complaints
0
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 G500 recalls

Exterior lighting: turn signal

NHTSA campaign 10V366000 · reported August 5, 2010 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 3,552 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 signal's ability to meet the minimum requirements of FMVSS 108.
The risk
The signal light's visibility to other motorists may be reduced over time, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · reported July 7, 2008 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 404 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
The 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.
The fix
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.

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.

Sep 15, 2015 · Service brakes · 75,000 miles

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…

Sep 8, 2006 · Structure · 37,941 miles

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, 2004 · Steering

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…

Dec 13, 2003 · Steering · 16,000 miles

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…

Sep 21, 2003 · Service brakes, hydraulic

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.

G500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 1200
2003 2700
2004 1000
2005 1200
2006 1000

All Mercedes-Benz G500 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500, the most recent reported on August 5, 2010 (Exterior lighting: turn signal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (2 complaints), followed by steering (2).
How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 7 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 15, 2015.