Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz M Class complaints by model year
Best M Class years: 2008, 2007, 1998. Years to avoid: 2000, 2006. Compare all years →
2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls (3)
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 1999-2002 m-class and model year 2000-2003 m-class amg vehicles. The cruise control system in the affected vehicles allows the driver to disengage the system in a number of ways, including tapping the brake pedal, using the cruise control stalk, or braking the vehicle enough to…
Remedy: Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began during October 2011. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 125,228 my 1998-2004 m-class vehicles. The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler May not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
Remedy: An earlier recall repair performed on these vehicles May not be sufficient to prevent a future leakage or failure of the power steering hose connection (please see 03V121).
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain passenger vehicles, the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler May not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler. During clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class:
Power steering hose leak
Mercedes-Benz USA (mbusa) will notify certain model year (my) 1998 through 2003 m-class owners of the need to bring their vehicles into dealers to address the issue previously campaigned under mbusa recall 2003-040005 (NHTSA recall 03v-121).the mbusa campaign, which odi is designating recall 08v-465, will replace the power steering cooler hose and clamp in all vehicles that received the original recall remedy for…
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class owners say
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ml55. While driving 60 MPH he engaged the seat heater. The front and rear seats became extremely hot. He was unable to turn the heater off. He pulled over and noticed smoke and sparks. He poured water over the seats and the sparks stopped. The seat heater did not go off until the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the coils malfunctioned. The current and failure mileages were 28,000. The consumer stated the dealer replaced seat and electrical components but will not provide consumer with any documentation or information pertaining to the defect and repair. Updated 09/18/07
I purchased a new 2003 ml 350 during the memorial day sale from our local Mercedes dealer in iowa city, ia. The SUV shuts off automatically. Initially, the dealer replaced the battery. The SUV has been into the dealer three additional times for the same problem. Each time, the day after I received the ml350 back, the problem occurs again. Two incidents occurred where the SUV would not start in my garage (which presented no hazard). Two incidents occurred where I was driving the vehicle. This is an extreme safety hazard - particularly if you traveling at a high rate of speed. The date listed below is the most recent incident.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 M Class rates average: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the M Class 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 M Class?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and lights (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class, the most recent from March 31, 2011 (cruise control). 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 M Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2007 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000 and 2006. See the full Mercedes-Benz M Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 24,000 miles; 100% 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.