Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the most recent reported on June 12, 2007 (Suspension, Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (6).

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

0 of 28 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and problems

2 recalls and 28 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class.

recalls

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 S Class recalls

Suspension · Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 07V263000 · reported June 12, 2007 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 19,924 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, lock

NHTSA campaign 04V285000 · reported June 9, 2004 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 16,690 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
The 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Most reported problems

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

Suspension7
Electrical system6
Air bags4
Seat belts4
Latches/locks/linkages3
Engine and engine cooling2
Equipment2
Interior lighting2
Power train2
Structure2

What owners report

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

Apr 1, 2014 · Air bags · 50,000 miles
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…

Apr 25, 2013 · Seat belts · 50,000 miles
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…

Jul 3, 2012 · Seat belts · 120,000 miles
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…

Feb 4, 2011 · Suspension
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.

Jan 24, 2011 · Suspension
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.

S Class model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	5	81	3	4
2001	5	36	0	1
2002	2	48	0	0
2003	2	28	0	0
2004	4	15	1	1
2005	1	2	1	0

Across all years, the 2000 S Class has the most complaints (81). All Mercedes-Benz S Class years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the most recent reported on June 12, 2007 (Suspension, Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class?: Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (6).
How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 28 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 1, 2014.