U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes Benz 500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

11 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

21,750 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 10 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 11 complaints (9.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Fuel system concerns	3	27.3%
Braking behavior	2	18.2%
Engine operation	1	9.1%
Electrical and battery issues	1	9.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Fuel System, Gasoline

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Fuel/Propulsion System

Seat Belts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Suspension

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump	1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1
Seat Belts	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Suspension	1

Electrical System: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Seat Belts: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Suspension: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002

2004

2005

2010

2013

2014

2002: 1; 2004: 4; 2005: 1; 2010: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10505934 · 2013-04-11 (April 11, 2013)

BROUGHT CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION STICKER, WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO MALFUNCTION THAT ALLOWED GAS VAPORS TO ESCAPE FROM TANK. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NO FAULT OF MY OWN BUT TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED TO PASS INSPECTION!!! THE CAR WAS NOT MISUSED OR DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR ABUSED, OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART MERCEDES PUT IN THEIR CARS AND THEY CHOSE NOT TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. CHARGED $1,400 FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 116,322 miles reported. Look up ODI 10505934 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10595308 · 2014-05-31 (May 31, 2014)

IN JUNE 2012 THE CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION AND WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED A NEW GAS CAP. WE GOT A GAS CAP AND IT PASSED INSPECTION. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FILLED COMPLETELY. IF WE ONLY FILL THE GAS TANK ABOUT 3/4 OR LESS, THERE IS NO GAS SMELL. WE RECENTLY HAD THE CAR SERVICED AND THE MECHANIC TOLD US THE GAS CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND A SEAL/CAP IN AN OVERFILL TANK UNDER THE REAR SEAT WAS LOOSE. WE REPLACED THE GAS CAP AGAIN AND THE CAP TO THE OVERFILL TANK WAS TIGHTENED. WE FILLED THE TANK FULL …

Owner-reported narrative. 66,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10595308 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10099605 · 2004-11-08 (November 8, 2004)

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE STALLED INADVERTENTLY. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD RECALL REPAIRS DONE. CURRENTLY, STALLING PROBLEMS RECURRED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 12 miles reported. Look up ODI 10099605 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10359673 · 2010-10-08 (October 8, 2010)

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 MERCEDES E500 DOWN A HILL WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. THIS OCCURRED SUDDENLY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY BY DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH WARNINGS AND ADMONISHING TO PULL OVER AND NOT DRIVE. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND OUT THAT MERCEDES HAS A 'PROGRAM' FOR THIS FAILURE BUT DOES NOT TELL CAR OWNERS ABOUT IT UNTIL IT OCCURS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT I HAD NO OTHER BRAKING CAPABILITY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 88,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10359673 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10111549 · 2005-03-15 (March 15, 2005)

WHILE PARKED THE BATTERY DIED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10111549 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

11 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

90.9%Usable mileage10 / 11 records

90.9%Valid incident date10 / 11 records

100.0%Valid filing date11 / 11 records

90.9%Ordered incident and filing dates10 / 11 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2003
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	746.7% ODI 10136413 CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, DROVE HOME AT VERY REDUCED SPEED. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS, A COMMON DEFECT ON THIS MODEL CAR 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E. *JB Look up ODI 10136413 at NHTSA ↗	836.4% ODI 10118292 · 60,000 mi THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 500E (64,000 MILES), HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT AND IS BEGINNING TO SHORT OUT, WITH THE RISK OF CAUSING DANGEROUS ENGINE MALFUNCTION, AND EVEN FIRE INSIDE MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS OF OTHER MERCEDES-BENZ CARS OF THE SAME AGE RANGE HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH MERCEDES THAT THEY REFUSE TO RECALL. *NM Look up ODI 10118292 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10206785 · 140,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COVERING MATERIAL ON BOTH MY 1994 MB E500'S HAS DETERIORATED CAUSING SHORTS BETWEEN WIRES, ENGINE MISS-FIRING, HABITUAL "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT BEING ON, ETC. HAVE DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE MB MECHANICS AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 1991 --> 1996 MB'S. OBVIOUSLY THE WIRE COVERING MATERIAL IS DEFECTIVE AS THIS HARNESS SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. MB AT THE VERY LEAST SHOULD PROVIDE REPLACEMENT HARNESSES AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMERS THAT PURCHASES THEIR AUTOMOBILES. FOR MB TO RESPOND THAT THIS CONDITION IS NORM… Look up ODI 10206785 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10216864 THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1995 S500 MERCEDES-BENZ HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT. WIRES ARE EXPOSED. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND THE COST IS OVERWHELMING TO REPAIR. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT MUCH IN OTHER UNNECESSARILY REPAIRS. MERC-BENZ SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH POOR MATERIALS. *TR Look up ODI 10216864 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	426.7% ODI 10158452 · 81,872 mi UPPER ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IN MY 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E (81,000 MILES) HAS COMPLETELY DETERIORATED. THE INSULATION HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACKED AND FLAKED OF THE HARNESS CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORTS WITHIN THE IGNITION SYSTEM CAUSING FAILURE TO START OR RUN CONDITIONS. THROUGH RESEARCH ON THE WEB I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON SITUATION WITH THE W124 CHASSIS CARS. SINCE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM I FEEL THAT MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA IS OBLIGATED TO INITIATE A RECALL OR VOLUNTARILY REPLACE THIS KNOWN FAULTY ITEM. *JB Look up ODI 10158452 at NHTSA ↗	313.6% ODI 10167967 1993 MERCEDES 500E WIRING HARNESS DISINTEGRATED. THE IGNITION MODULE WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE TS THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION MODULE HAS CUT SPARK TO HALF THE CYLINDERS IN THE ENGINE. NM Look up ODI 10167967 at NHTSA ↗	350.0% ODI 10048557 · 31,000 mi COMPLAINT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FRAUD AND HARASSMENT PRACTICES INVOLVING MERCEDES BENZ.MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT STARTED TO ODOMETER AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD MY A MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC THAT THE ODOMETER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH WAS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED MAKING THEM AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS. JB *NM Look up ODI 10048557 at NHTSA ↗	450.0% ODI 10216864 THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1995 S500 MERCEDES-BENZ HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT. WIRES ARE EXPOSED. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND THE COST IS OVERWHELMING TO REPAIR. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT MUCH IN OTHER UNNECESSARILY REPAIRS. MERC-BENZ SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH POOR MATERIALS. *TR Look up ODI 10216864 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10453566 · 120,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE INSERTED IN THE IGNITION BUT COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000. Look up ODI 10453566 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 10111549 · 24,000 mi WHILE PARKED THE BATTERY DIED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK. AK THE VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. NM Look up ODI 10111549 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	16.7% ODI 10000365 · 100,000 mi FAULTY WIRING IN THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISENTIGRATING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN AGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO EXIBIT STALLING ISSUES AND ROUGH RUNNING, ALSO FAULT CODES ARE PRODUCED ON THE CAR COMPUTER. Look up ODI 10000365 at NHTSA ↗	522.7% ODI 10130247 MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS DEFECT.MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES. JB UPDATED 08/22/06. JB UPDATED 12/07/15.JB Look up ODI 10130247 at NHTSA ↗	350.0% ODI 10138922 · 130,000 mi CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10137365 COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD DETAILS: INSULATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING CRUMBLES TO DUST, RESULTING IN SHORTS, DAMAGED ELECTRONICS, ENGINE STALLING, ABS FAILURE, ETC. IT APPEARS MBZ USED DEFECTIVE INSULATION ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESSES. IN ALL LOCATIONS THAT ARE EXPOSED TO HIGHER THAN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE THE INSULATION CRUMBLES TO DUST. . DEALER SAYS 'ITS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 92-95 MODEL YEARS'. REPLACEMENT HARNESSES COST OVER … Look up ODI 10138922 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 10025163 · 80,455 mi POSSIBLE ODOMETER TAMPERING. *AK Look up ODI 10025163 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10048557 · 31,000 mi COMPLAINT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FRAUD AND HARASSMENT PRACTICES INVOLVING MERCEDES BENZ.MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT STARTED TO ODOMETER AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD MY A MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC THAT THE ODOMETER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH WAS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED MAKING THEM AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS. JB *NM Look up ODI 10048557 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 605794 OIL PRESSURE GAUGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. Look up ODI 605794 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 608988 CLOCK FAILED. *YC Look up ODI 608988 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 607264 ASHTRAY FAILED. *YC Look up ODI 607264 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10124695 2000 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500 HAD THE HOOD LINERS REPLACED THREE TIMES IN 5 YEARS.MR THE FIRST HOOD LINER BECAME BRITTLE AND DISINTEGRATED. THE SECOND HOOD LINER BECAME POWDERY AND LITERALLY FELL APART LESS THAN 2 YEARS AFTER INSTALLATION. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE HEAD LINER WAS CONSIDERED WEAR AND TEAR. JB Look up ODI 10124695 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	16.7% ODI 530522 ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATING REQUIRING REPAIRS. Look up ODI 530522 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	225.0% ODI 607490 AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR FAILED. *YC Look up ODI 607490 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 546554 A HOSE IS MISSING FROM AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CAUSING SYSTEM TO BLOW WARM AIR, IT NEVER GETS COLD. *YC Look up ODI 546554 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 551702 FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER. YH Look up ODI 551702 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 8020396 CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVNG THE VEHICLE SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHICH CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOYED AT 200 MPH CAUSING A LOT OF PHYSICAL THE DAMAGE ON THE CONSUMER. MR Look up ODI 8020396 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 10200980 MY 500E SEDAN WAS EXPERIENCING ERRATIC THROTTLE CONTROL AND INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE DRIVING, THUS PLACING ME AT RISK OF NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR AN EXAMINATION OF BOTH THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND THROTTLE-BODY SHOWED DISINTEGRATION OF THE WIRES PROTECTIVE INSULATION. BOTH ITEMS WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROX. $1,900. Look up ODI 10200980 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 10312384 · 79,000 mi ON FEB 18, I DROVE MY MB S500, 1995 WITH MY FAMILY ON ORANGE HIGHWAY 5 AT 70M/H AND SUDDENLY MY CAR ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, I WAS ALMOST GET HIT BY THE TRUCK IN MY BACK. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT STILL WORKED BUT WITH A RED SIGNAL "CHECK THE ENGINE". I DROVE TO THE NEARBY MB REPAIR STORE AND IT IS A PROBLEM CALLED " ENGINE WIRE HARNESS" DEFECT. THE PROBLEM ALMOST GET ME AND BROTHER KILLED. I AM STILL TERRIFIED. *TR Look up ODI 10312384 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10457368 WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR SHAKES AND THEN EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN, DUE TO A HARNESS PROBLEM. DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM THE SPEED OF THE CAR IT STARTS TO SLOWS DOWN BEFORE THE ENGINE DIES OUT AND WHEN I TRY TO CLOSE OR OPEN THE WINDOW IT WOULD DO IT SLOWLY, NOT AT NORMAL SPEED. ALSO ANOTHER PROBLEM, THERE'S A MISFIRE IN THE ENGINE. *TR Look up ODI 10457368 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 807179 BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT AND WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS ON THEY ARE VERY LOOSE. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT HOLD CONSUMER IN THE SEAT IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BOTH BUT STILL HAVNG THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 807179 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 10002755 · 71,000 mi SEAT BELT PROBLEM WITH 1999 MERCEDES S500. SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ TECHNICAL SUPPORT (TWICE) TO ASK IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SEAT BELTS. THEIR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT SEAT BELT FAILURE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP, WHICH SPECIALIZES IN MERCEDES BENZ ONLY, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY REPLACE MANY SEAT BELTS. LAST NIGHT WE WENT TO DINNER WITH FRIENDS WHO WERE DRIVING A 1994 SE MERCEDES - WHEN WE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BEL… Look up ODI 10002755 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	24,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10111549 · 24,000 mi WHILE PARKED THE BATTERY DIED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK. AK THE VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. NM Look up ODI 10111549 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	66,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10595308 · 66,000 mi IN JUNE 2012 THE CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION AND WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED A NEW GAS CAP. WE GOT A GAS CAP AND IT PASSED INSPECTION. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FILLED COMPLETELY. IF WE ONLY FILL THE GAS TANK ABOUT 3/4 OR LESS, THERE IS NO GAS SMELL. WE RECENTLY HAD THE CAR SERVICED AND THE MECHANIC TOLD US THE GAS CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND A SEAL/CAP IN AN OVERFILL TANK UNDER THE REAR SEAT WAS LOOSE. WE REPLACED THE GAS CAP AGAIN AND THE CAP TO THE OVERFILL TANK WAS TIGHTENED. WE FILLED THE TANK FULL … Look up ODI 10595308 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump	Too few reports for a range	12 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10099605 · 12 mi WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE STALLED INADVERTENTLY. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD RECALL REPAIRS DONE. CURRENTLY, STALLING PROBLEMS RECURRED. *AK Look up ODI 10099605 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	116,322 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10505934 · 116,322 mi BROUGHT CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION STICKER, WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO MALFUNCTION THAT ALLOWED GAS VAPORS TO ESCAPE FROM TANK. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NO FAULT OF MY OWN BUT TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED TO PASS INSPECTION!!! THE CAR WAS NOT MISUSED OR DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR ABUSED, OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART MERCEDES PUT IN THEIR CARS AND THEY CHOSE NOT TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. CHARGED $1,400 FOR REPAIRS. *TR Look up ODI 10505934 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	Too few reports for a range	75,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10595347 · 75,000 mi THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT EXTEND OUT AND DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY DURING HOT WEATHER. *TR Look up ODI 10595347 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	88,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10359673 · 88,000 mi I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 MERCEDES E500 DOWN A HILL WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. THIS OCCURRED SUDDENLY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY BY DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH WARNINGS AND ADMONISHING TO PULL OVER AND NOT DRIVE. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND OUT THAT MERCEDES HAS A 'PROGRAM' FOR THIS FAILURE BUT DOES NOT TELL CAR OWNERS ABOUT IT UNTIL IT OCCURS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT I HAD NO OTHER BRAKING CAPABILITY. *TR Look up ODI 10359673 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	10,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10577137 · 10,000 mi WAS GOING DOWN ROAD AND FRONT STRUT BOTTOMED OUT BECAUSE OF AIR BELLOW FAILURE IN AIR LEVELING SYSTEM .MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM! *TR Look up ODI 10577137 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2000: 3 complaints · 2003: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2000	0	1	3
2003	0	4	5

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2000	6	0	3
2003	9	1	1

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Fuel System, Gasoline	Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump	Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly	Fuel/Propulsion System	Seat Belts	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Suspension
Electrical System	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Seat Belts	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 66,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10595308 · 66,000 mi

Look up ODI 10595308 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 12 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10099605 · 12 mi

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE STALLED INADVERTENTLY. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD RECALL REPAIRS DONE. CURRENTLY, STALLING PROBLEMS RECURRED. *AK

Look up ODI 10099605 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b