Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz G500 complaints by model year
2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
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,…
Remedy: 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.
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.
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 owners say
Brakes
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 a red message on it (brake reduced braking effort) ahhhhhh I was freaked out and got off the freeway and pulled into a gas station. I called a tow truck (I was afraid my brakes were not going to work and I didn't want to put my young son or anyone else in danger. The Benz dealership did a full inspection and found that the sbc (sensotronic brake control system) needed to be replaced. The also stated that mb had a recall on this particular part, however that I missed the the frame to get it replaced. …
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.
2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 13 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light. Next are the body & structure (2) and steering (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500, the most recent from August 5, 2010 (turn signal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 67% 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.