Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S500 complaints by model year
Best S500 years: 2021, 2023. Years to avoid: 2022, 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 owners say
Seat belts
The passenger front seat belt will not retract. Also, the dashboard lights went out while driving making it very hard to see speed/fuel/gear selection. These are both safety concerns that should be recalled. We can send you a picture of the dead dash if needed. Also video of a stuck seat belt. Thanks, kurt.
During hot weather the seat belt gets stuck and you will not be able to use the seat belt at all. This is a safety issue and should not happen. This happens when the car is parked under hot weather. This is in the drivers side. This has been happening for the last 1 year. Consumer stated seat belt gets jammed when temperature goes over 90 degrees and is unable to use seat belts as well as park the car outside for long periods of time. Consumer has replaced the seat belts but malfunctioning.
2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 S500 rates better than average: 57% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S500 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 S500?
The seat belts — 4 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › retractor. Next are the electrical system (2) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2000 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz S500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 38% 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.