Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz 500 complaints by model year
Best 500 years: 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
In June 2012 the car did not pass inspection and we were told we needed a new gas cap. We got a gas cap and it passed inspection. Since then we have had a strong fuel smell when the gas tank is filled completely. If we only fill the gas tank about 3/4 or less, there is no gas smell. We recently had the car serviced and the mechanic told us the gas cap needed to be replaced and a seal/cap in an overfill tank under the rear seat was loose. We replaced the gas cap again and the cap to the overfill tank was tightened. We filled the tank full and have a very strong smell of gas so those repairs did not fix the problem. In a review of some internet research, we saw that NHTSA and Mercedes-Benz were jointly investigating a fuel leakage in the upper part of the gas tank for e-class Mercedes produced between 2003 - 2008. We think we have one of those fuel leaks. …
Brought car in for service and annual state inspection sticker, was told that the gas tank needed to be replaced due to malfunction that allowed gas vapors to escape from tank. Was told that it was no fault of my own but tank had to be replaced to pass inspection!!! The car was not misused or driven off road or abused, obviously this was a defective part Mercedes put in their cars and they chose not to stand behind their product. Charged $1,400 for repairs.
Suspension
While driving the lower ball joints on the passenger side snapped in half, causing a collision. Consumer complained to the dealer that the front end felt loose while driving. Vehicle was taken to the dealership three times. There were no injuries.
Consumer complained about an air suspension pump problem. This defect caused the vehicle to drop down, cutting all four tires. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. However, they were not providing much information.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500?
The fuel & propulsion system — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the suspension (3) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz 500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995 and 1996. See the full Mercedes-Benz 500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 24,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.