Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems
Share of the 45 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E Class complaints by model year
Best E Class years: 1995, 1996, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2001. Compare all years →
2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls (4)
Electrical system
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.
Remedy: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system May prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited…
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on October 21m 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Steering
On certain passenger vehicles, the nut on the bolt which connects the steering gear to the steering coupling May not be tightened correctly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten the nut on the bolt if necessary. Owner notification began August 21, 2003. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class owners say
Brakes
I was involved in a rear-end collision in 9-04 where my 2003 Mercedes (mb) was unable to stop in time. My car was not able to stop in time even though it was traveling only about 20 MPH and that I applied quick, maximum pressure to the brakes. There was one other "close-call" a few weeks prior to the accident. When I called the Mercedes customer service 800 # and the Mercedes dealer, both of them denied that there were any reports or recalls of brake failure. Therefore I was deemed to be at fault for the accident at that time. When I took my mb for routine service in 2-05, the tech indicated that there was a brake recall and proceeded to make the repair. Now in 2-06, I received yet another brake recall (campaign # 2005-110001). …
100% brake failure/lost I left my office at 02:30 am. 3.5 miles from home, as I'm driving up hill approximate speed of 55 miles per hr temp. Of 75 degrees dry road conditions. I approach one of the intersections as I press on the brake there is 100% brake failure the pedal feels normal not hard not soft normal, the warning system activates a red lettering display on the instrument panel stop! Vehicle brake (something) I can t remember the instructions other than stop vehicle but I could not stop at all. I proceeded to downshift and flickering my hi/low beams to make the red light turn green with success it turns green as I reached the intersection, since my car was going uphill it made it easier to come to a stop. There is no physical consequence, probably due to the hr. Of the day it was but it makes me think about what if I was on my way down to work @ 8:00 am. …
Fuel & propulsion system
The car has a very strong gasoline odor when the fuel tank is full. The gasoline odor permeates the cabin and, when parked in an enclosed garage, causes a high concentration of gas fumes that overwhelms a three car garage as well as the 1000 square feet located above the garage (even with all adjoining doors closed). Should the gasoline concentration reach the proper level, it May create a fire or explosion hazard. Once the tank is 1/8 empty, the fuel odor goes away and does not return until the gas tank is once again full. Had auto checked by the local Mercedes dealer and they stated problem could not be located but I needed to replace entire fuel tank assembly to resolve issue. Took car to independent mechanic who found signs of gasoline leakage coming from the top of the tank and running down the driver's side of the tank. …
Very strong gas fumes when gas tank is full. Fumes completely permeate my two car garage and also enter passenger compartment. The fumes disappear when tank level reaches 7/8 full. There are several postings on different websites on the web regarding strong gas odor when the tank is full on e model Mercedes years 2003 to 2006. This is a serious issue with potential for explosively and/or fire. I contacted Mercedes requesting the issuance of a service recalled based on the apparent high incidence. The company does not seem interested in taking any action.
Electrical system
Car purchased and always serviced at fletcher johes, newport beach, ca..a total of 20 plus faults and 13 weeks in repair out of 12 month of ownership...had asked dealer to take the car back and replace it with an alternator. Dealer wants us to trade in and purchase a new car. After paying $50,000 for a quality name, this seems like a joke. 1. Foul amonia small from A/C when car is first started. Dealer changed ventilation filter but smell continues. 2. Radio button sticks. Dealer says mb does not want to fix this. Car is warranty for another four years. 3. Convinence settings for lights and mirror keep resetting. Dealer says they found no fault code but this problem remains. 4. When going up hill the transmission upshifts and the car goes to a crawl then stalls, when accelator is pressed, the transmission downshifts to 1st gear and the car leaps forward. …
Throttle control failure causing exactly a 20 second delay before the car would actually accelerate after pressing the accelerator. This caused me to be in nearly 3 accidents, because the car did not move when I was in the middle of an intersection and pulling out of a parking spot, cars were coming, but I could not move forward, until after the 20 second acceleration delay. When I turned the car into parkplace Mercedes, the invoice showed that they had to replace my ignition system as well as the throttle control system.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class a good car?
Based on 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 E Class rates avoid: 3.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the E Class at the same age. It is one of the E Class years we suggest avoiding. 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 E Class?
The brakes — 16 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (11) and electrical system (9).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class, the most recent from July 7, 2008 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz E Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 74% 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.