Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints by model year
Best S Class years: 1996, 1995, 1999. Years to avoid: 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003. Compare all years →
2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: 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
On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began August 17, 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes- Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class:
Air suspension system failure
The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop…
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class owners say
Suspension
The airmatic warning came on my vehicle without prior incident. While driving normally last week, I suddenly noticed the panel flashing this warning. The car did not completely fail, but the car is much lower than it needs to be. When I searched this on-line I came across a forum called benzworld.org or com. There are hundreds of complaints about this problem and many people are calling for mbusa to recall this item. I called the corporate hq and was told to take the car in to the dealer, I was to ask the service manager for a" after warranty assistance". I am not sure what this means, but this is a very expensive item to repair and there May be many things contributing to this problem. Mbusa should stand behind this faulty feature and recall this item. I will take the car in on 07/28/08 and see what the outcome is. I suspect this will cost me close to 1K on a car that has 73K miles. …
My suspension is horrible!! Without warning my s430 airmatic light displayed "visit workshop", I pulled over and noticed my vehicle was riding extremely low...almost touching my front and back tires. Furthermore, there is a rubbing sound when the wheels are being turned. I contacted 4 dealers and they all claimed the suspension and/or airmatic system has been a common problem ...my concern is why wasn't I notified about a recall? Secondly, after scheduling an appointment for this week, mb is claiming that I will be charged for service a. This is unbelievable>>>why is Mercedes loosing their reputation for poor customer service? Please contact me...I need my vehicle in operable condition and will expect to be reimbursed by Mercedes once this recall matter is approved and/or active. I'm glad to know that NHTSA cares...thank you.
Electrical system
This auto's command (communications) system (radio/cass/cell phone/navigation system) has failed, intermittantly eleven times over the past 2 years. Since I purchased this auto for monthly trips between maine and georgia, I really need safe and consistent communications and navigation systems to operate properly. I've now lost faith in the safe operation of this vehicle; purchased expressly for safe, long distance, all-weather, & dependable trips of 2,600 miles each month. While the factory has attempted to repair/replace the command system ten times, it has now failed for the eleventh time! This problem has been additionally documented in the past three issues of the star: Mercedes Benz owners club magazine.
My car is having electrical malfunctions. The interior lights inside my car are malfunctioning. The lights on my dashboard are malfunctioning. I can't see how fast I'm driving because I can't see the speedometer. This is very unsafe for me. When the electrical malfunctions occur, nothing electrical, lights, seats work in the car.
Air bags
Air bag-drivers side, steering wheel. I recently became aware of your site and thought it appropriate to inform you of this issue. The airbag warning light came on and the dealer cleared the fault code. This lasted one week and then the warning reappeared. They did not know if this condition would result in a deployment whether warranted or not. It seemed to us that it was unsafe to drive regardless. Then, despite the 7 year ,100,000 mile warranty, they said air bags are not covered. We then incurred an expense of $1,841 to replace the entire unit. It seemed the manufacturer tried to avoid any and all complaints about air bags being problematic.
I cannot believe that there is not or will not be a recall on the "suspension" issue. I too had the fate of my car collapsing on my way home from work-which is 35 miles away-it happened. On the dash it stated in bid bold letters "airmatic car too low". I pulled over and stepped out-my heart felt like it was going to come through my chest. Everyone in that situation understands just how I felt at that time. The front of the car was completely covering half of the front tires-if I turned the wheel it would have scraped the fenders. I left the car there overnite. The next day {Sunday} my partner's brother -who is a mechanic-went to retrieve my car not being familiarized with the Mercedes brand he started the car and pushed every button on the dash-he called me telling me the car was fine it was "fine". He drove my car to my home-much to my puzzlement. The car looked normal. …
2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 20 / 15 |
| 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 S Class rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the S Class at the same age. It is one of the S 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 S Class?
The suspension — 7 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the electrical system (6) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the most recent from June 12, 2007 (engine and engine cooling). 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 S Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 1995 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2002, 2001 and 2003. See the full Mercedes-Benz S Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 33% 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.