U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes Benz E500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

125 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

90,600 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 101 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 29 of 125 complaints (23.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	40	32.0%
Fuel system concerns	24	19.2%
Transmission and shifting	9	7.2%
Electrical and battery issues	5	4.0%
Engine operation	4	3.2%
Steering behavior	2	1.6%

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.

Service Brakes

Fuel/Propulsion System

Fuel System, Gasoline

Suspension

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Air Bags

Suspension:Front

Power Train

Service Brakes: 29; Fuel/Propulsion System: 27; Fuel System, Gasoline: 14; Suspension: 13; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 7; Air Bags: 6; Suspension:Front: 6; Power Train: 5

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: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 11; 50,000 to 74,999: 18; 75,000 to 99,999: 29; 100,000 to 149,999: 31; 150,000 and above: 11

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (31). 24 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.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2024

2025

2005: 4; 2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2008: 7; 2009: 7; 2010: 5; 2011: 4; 2012: 10; 2013: 17; 2014: 20; 2015: 19; 2016: 8; 2017: 6; 2018: 2; 2019: 2; 2020: 3; 2021: 2; 2022: 4; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 40 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 24 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 9 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 10119677 · 2005-05-03 (May 3, 2005)

ON MARCH 31,2005 ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL NEWS,THE CRYSLER COMPANY SAID IT WOULD INSTALL BATTERY CONTROL SOFTWARE ON THE E-CLASS AND CLS-CLASS MODELS BUILT FROM JANUARY 2002-JANUARY 2005. THE COMPANY ALSO SAID THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE E, SL AND CLS-CLASS MADE SINCE JUNE 2001 WOULD BE UPDATED. MY CAR HAD BATTERY PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE NEWS, SOMEHOW THEY FIX IT BUT NOT THE SOFTWARE. UP TO PRESENT, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL LETTER FROM THE COMPANY DESPITE OF THE NEWS, DESPITE THAT MY CAR IS AFFECTED (I HAD CHECKED WITHTHE COMPANY REGARDING…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10119677 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10121208 · 2005-05-17 (May 17, 2005)

DT: THE CONSUMER SAYS THAT ON OCT. 21 2004 HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 2004050014-SBS. THE RECALL WAS REGARDING THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. THE LINE FROM THE BRAKE FLUID LOOKS AS THOUGH IT HAS BEEN CUT AND IT LOOKED LIKE ELECTRICAL TAPE HAD BEEN PLACED AROUND IT WERE THE CUT WAS LOCATED. HE TALKED TO MERCEDES AND THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN BACK WITH HIM YET. HE HAS ALSO REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT UNIT WHICH CONTROLS ALL THE LIGHTS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10121208 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10433623 · 2011-10-31 (October 31, 2011)

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERY TIME I FILL UP AND UNTIL I DRIVE ABOUT 50 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY A GERMAN AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT IT IS A CRACKED GAS TANK AND THAT THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES E-CLASS MODELS FROM 2003-2005. THE SMELL APPEARS TO BE EMANATING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER DRIVER'S SIDE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE IN EUROPE AND ASIA BUT THAT MERCEDES NEVER ISSUED A RECALL IN THE US FOR THIS ISSUE DESPITE BEING EXTREMELY PERVASIVE. I DRIVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR AND I AM INCREASINGLY CONCERNE…

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10433623 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10459332 · 2012-05-23 (May 23, 2012)

AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK GAS STARTED TO DRIP FROM THE GAS TANK TO THE FLOOR. *TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10459332 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10113493 · 2005-03-04 (March 4, 2005)

WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS A VERY LOUD NOISE CAME M THE ENGINE. WHEN TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR SERVICE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10113493 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10243988 · 2008-09-30 (September 30, 2008)

I HAVE A MERCEDES-BENZ 2003 E500 THAT HAS A DEFECTIVE VALEO RADIATOR THAT CAUSED GLYCOL CONTAMINATION LEAKAGE INTO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. MY UN-DRIVABLE CAR NOW HAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE BECAUSE OF POWER LOSS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. INABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR KEEP UP THE MINIMUM SPEED OF THE POSTED HIGHWAY SIGNS IS COMMON. I ASKED MBUSA ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND INITIALLY THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM EXISTED. AFTER FINDING TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN P-B-27.55/50F DATED MARCH 24, 2006 THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT BUT DEN…

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10243988 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10216517 · 2008-01-30 (January 30, 2008)

I OWN A MB 2003 E500. WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR WOULD JERK BACK AND FORTH LIKE THE CAR IS STALLING FOR NO LONG THAN COUPLE SECS OR LESS. I'VE ONLY NOTICED THIS HAPPENS AT LOW ROLLING SPEEDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED RANDOMLY NUMEROUS TIMES AND I HAVE YET TO FIND A PATTERN. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10216517 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10244054 · 2008-09-30 (September 30, 2008)

I PURCHASED A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500 WHICH WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR MY TRANSMISSION STARTED LOSING POWER ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND MAKING A LOUD ROAR FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE CAR THEN STARTED STUTTERING WHILE AT 60MPH WHICH POSED A DANGER TO MYSELF , MY FAMILY, AND CARS AROUND ME. THIS PROBLEM ALMOST CAUSED CARS BEHIND ME TO HIT ME BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND IT TURNED OUT THAT GLYCOL LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION DUE TO A FAULTY VALEO RADIATOR IN MY 2003 MERCEDE…

Owner-reported narrative. 33,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10244054 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10351139 · 2010-08-22 (August 22, 2010)

I WAS TRAVELING ON I-65 FROM LAFAYETTE TO INDIANAPOLIS IN MY 2003 E-500 MERCEDES- BENZ. DRIVING AT HIGHWAY'S POSTED 70 MPH SPEED THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED FROM THE FAST, LEFT LINE THAT I WAS TRAVELING INTO THE RIGHT LINE CASING THE OTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING ON THE RIGHT LINE TO TURN INTO AN EMERGENCY SHOULDER AND CONSEQUENTLY IN TO THE DITCH IN COLLISION AVOIDANCE MANEUVER. THE REASON FOR MY VEHICLE'S SUDDEN CHANGE IN STEERING AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTIC WAS AN UNEXPECTED, INSTANTANEOUS FAILURE OF AN AIR STRUT ON THE FRONT/RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE…

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10351139 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11287533 · 2019-12-06 (December 6, 2019)

I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A CITY STREET WHEN I HEARD A CLICK/ CRACK, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIT UP, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE CAR IN TIME AND HIT A PARKED CAR. THE ENGINE DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT WASN'T A CASE OF THE POWER STEERING FAILING BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL (I DO KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE). I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, SURVEYED THE DAMAGE, THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO REVERSE IT AND PARK THE CAR BEHIND THE ACCIDENT. THE STEERING WAS F…

Owner-reported narrative. 122,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11287533 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

80.8%Usable mileage101 / 125 records

100.0%Valid incident date125 / 125 records

100.0%Valid filing date125 / 125 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates125 / 125 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	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Fuel/Propulsion System	2721.6% ODI 10459332 AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK GAS STARTED TO DRIP FROM THE GAS TANK TO THE FLOOR. *TT Look up ODI 10459332 at NHTSA ↗	5639.4% ODI 10468809 · 53,000 mi AFTER FILLING MY CAR WITH GAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IS PRESENT. YOU SMELL THE ODOR FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. AFTER THE GAS GOES BELOW ABOUT 3/4 OF A TANK THE SMELL IS NO LONGER PRESENT. I HAVE READ SEVERAL ONLINE COMPLAINTS OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. *TR Look up ODI 10468809 at NHTSA ↗	5539.3% ODI 10458733 · 70,000 mi I STARTED SMELLING A STONG GASOLINE SMELL AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK ON THIS CAR. AFTER THE CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 50 MILES, THE SMELL WOULD GO AWAY. TODAY, MAY 16, 2012, I TOOK THE CAR TO A DENVER MECEDES DEALER TO ASK ABOUT THE PROBLEM. DEALER REPORTED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK, NEXT TO THE TOP LEFT FUEL PUMP. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM RELATED TO YOUR INVESTIGATION ON PE 12-001. THE DEALER ASKED FOR $2000 TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. I AM WAITING FOR THE REPAIR PENDING THIS INVESTIGATION AND MERCEDES RESPONSE. Look up ODI 10458733 at NHTSA ↗	1632.0% ODI 10469587 FUEL TANK CRACKED. UNEXPLAINED, AND CONFIRMED BY DEALER. FUMES LEAK FROM EXTERIOR (CAN DETECTED WHEN TANK IS NEAR CAPACITY). CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER. MB SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE TANK. PE12001 (RELATED CASE IT WOULD SEEM) -- E CLASS. *TR Look up ODI 10469587 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11485122 I HAVE A SMELL OF FUEL ON THE REAR DRIVER-SIDE WHEEL. SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A FUEL LEAK FROM EITHER THE FUEL FILTER MODULE OR IT IS A TANK LEAK. I TOOK OFF THE REAR CUSHION AND WE CAN SEE AND SMELL FUEL VISIBLY ON THE LEFT SIDE UNDER THE SEAT QUESHON AND OVER THE FUEL FILTER MODULE. SEEMS LIKE THERE WAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE 2003-2006 E CLASS AND THE 2006 CLS CLASS VEHICLE. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING A SIMILAR ISSUE. I THINK IT WILL BE A FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE INVESTIG… Look up ODI 11485122 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 10644832 · 84,300 mi WHEN FILLING GAS TANK TO FULL, CAR SMELLS OF GAS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKED IN GARAGE. *TR Look up ODI 10644832 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 10637130 · 126,000 mi MY E500 STARTED TO SMELL HORRIBLE AFTER ADDING FUEL, NOW MY VEHICLE SMELLS ALL THE TIME OF GAS THE FUMES ARE HORRIBLE. I AM CALLING MERCEDES IN THE MORNING, I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL ON THIS, DEFINITELY CAN'T BE SAFE. THE CAR SMELLS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BLOW UP THE FUMES ARE SO BAD. *TR Look up ODI 10637130 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	2923.2% ODI 10500903 · 131,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH FORCE AND SEIZED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ABS ANTILOCK SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000. Look up ODI 10500903 at NHTSA ↗	1913.4% ODI 10615041 · 140,510 mi WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE DASH WARNING SYSTEM TURNED BRIGHT RED WITH THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE, BRAKE MALFUNCTION, STOP THE VEHICLE. SHE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD COMPLETELY FAILED, SHE HAD NO BRAKES. SHE LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO HELP SLOW THE VEHICLE AS SHE SLOWED DOWN SHE PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND THE SLOWLY APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP AND SHIFTED IT INTO PARK. SHE THEN SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND CYCLED THE IGNITION KEY. THERE WAS NO LON… Look up ODI 10615041 at NHTSA ↗	3424.3% ODI 10554401 · 89,000 mi DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES GOING DOWNHILL IN PREPARATION TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. RED BRAKE LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT SLOWING DOWN. DRIVER VEERED OFF ROAD TO AVOID ACCIDENT AND FULLY APPLIED PARKING BRAKE. CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. WHEN CAR WAS TURNED BACK ON AGAIN, RED LIGHT IN DASH WAS GONE, NO WARNINGS EXISTED, AND BRAKES WORKED PERFECTLY. WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP AND NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. SAME SITUATION OCCURRED AGAIN NOVEMBER 2013 WITH 115,000 MILES (APPROXIMATELY). SLOWLY DROVE VEHICLE TO… Look up ODI 10554401 at NHTSA ↗	24.0% ODI 10819468 · 127,209 mi I WAS DRIVING MY CAR OFF THE FRWY AND WAS TURNING ON THE RAMP WHEN MY BRAKES STOPPED WORKING Look up ODI 10819468 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline	1411.2% ODI 10433623 · 40,000 mi STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERY TIME I FILL UP AND UNTIL I DRIVE ABOUT 50 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY A GERMAN AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT IT IS A CRACKED GAS TANK AND THAT THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES E-CLASS MODELS FROM 2003-2005. THE SMELL APPEARS TO BE EMANATING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER DRIVER'S SIDE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE IN EUROPE AND ASIA BUT THAT MERCEDES NEVER ISSUED A RECALL IN THE US FOR THIS ISSUE DESPITE BEING EXTREMELY PERVASIVE. I DRIVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR AND I AM INCREASINGLY CONCERNE… Look up ODI 10433623 at NHTSA ↗	2618.3% ODI 10102689 · 1,500 mi TAPPING NOISE INSIDE THE CAR : THE FUEL CANISTER TOUCHES THE CHASIS AND MAKE LOUD TAPPING NOISE INSIDE THE CAR, REPORTED THIS TO MBUSA AND REPERESETATIVE PUT INSULATION AROUND FUEL CANISTER AND WHICH IS NOT SAFE. *JB Look up ODI 10102689 at NHTSA ↗	2014.3% ODI 10281194 · 61,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 E500 MERCEDES BENZ. A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IS PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND IN HIS GARAGE. FUEL ALSO LEAKS OUT OF THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000. Look up ODI 10281194 at NHTSA ↗	1224.0% ODI 10366573 · 39,700 mi STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE & OUTSIDE OF CAR FOR 2-3 DAYS AFTER GAS FILL UP. CAR INTO MERCEDES BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES FL. OCT. 10, 2010. REPLACED L/SIDE FUEL SENDER UNIT. STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE REMAINED SO STRONG COULD NOT DRIVE MORE THAN A FEW BLOCKS OR PARK IN GARAGE. CAR BACK TO MERCEDES NOV. 5, 2010. DIAGNOSIS - FAULTY GAS TANK VENT. REPLACED GAS TANK GOT CAR BACK NOV. 13, 2010. REPAIRS WELL OVER $2000. EVEN THOUGH CAR EMITTED GAS SMELL DETECTABLE FROM 50 FEET, AND CLEARLY UNHEALTHY TO DRIVE, NOT CONSIDERED EMISSION ISSUE. M… Look up ODI 10366573 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.
Suspension	1310.4% ODI 10381948 · 66,002 mi BOTH FRONT AND REAR AIR SHOCKS WENT WITHIN 2000 MILES OF EACH OTHER 64000 AND 66000 MILES. THESE SHOCKS ARE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND ARE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. THEY WERE NOT ENGINEERED PROPERLY OR THEY SHOULD HAVE LASTED MUCH LONGER. MERCEDES WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT.. Look up ODI 10381948 at NHTSA ↗	2014.1% ODI 10330982 · 108,000 mi THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS FAILED 3 TIMES - FIRST IN MARCH 2010, THEN APRIL 2010, AND NOW MAY 2010. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE FOR THE FIRST 2 INCIDENTS. THE FIRST TIME, THE CAR DROPPED TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED, THE SECOND TIME IT WAS SLIGHTLY LOW, AND THEN WHILE DRIVING THE REAR DROPPED AND THE CAR BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. IT IS NOW DROPPING ON THE RIGHT AGAIN, AND PULLS STRONGLY TO THE RIGHT. SERVICE WAS COMPLETED AT THE DEALER. EVEN THEY HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THE SYSTEM FAILS, AND FAILS IN A MANNER IN WHICH THE WHOLE … Look up ODI 10330982 at NHTSA ↗	96.4% ODI 10472664 · 21,500 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHO STATED THAT THE MACPHERSON STRUT SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,600. Look up ODI 10472664 at NHTSA ↗	36.0% ODI 10690766 · 82,000 mi REAR SUSPENSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AIRBAGS LEAKING ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. Look up ODI 10690766 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.
Electrical System	21.6% ODI 11004205 · 152,801 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH HOUSTON LOCATED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS) WHO INDICATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC SBC BRAKE PUMP WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SBC BRAKE PUMP WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED IN 2011. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING, SEVERAL WARNING MESSAGES DISPLAYED, INCLUDING THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WAR… Look up ODI 11004205 at NHTSA ↗	74.9% ODI 10091345 · 11,400 mi ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE FROM AIRCRAFT CAUSED LIGHTS TO COME ON WHEN PARKED AT AIRPORT AND DRAINED BATTERY. CAR PARKED MORNING OF 9/4/04. SINGLE INCIDENT OF CAR ALARM REPORTED EVENING OF 9/6/04. RETURNED TO CAR 9/11/04 AND FOUND LIGHTS IN OFF POSITION AND BATTERY DRAINED. *AK Look up ODI 10091345 at NHTSA ↗	64.3% ODI 10331313 · 77,100 mi DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN AN ALERT THAT THE SRS SYSTEM HAD DETECTED A FAILURE AND LIT UP ON THE GAUGE CLUSTER. HAD A AN INDEPENDENT MERCEDES SHOP READ CODES WHICH WERE: FAILURE OF SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM ON A 2005 MERCEDES E500 WAGON. THE "SRS" LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A MERCEDES DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT SENDS AND RECEIVES DATA TO DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG 1 CAUSED A FAILURE IN WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE SQUIB FOR THE AFFECTED AIRBAG. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IN THE E… Look up ODI 10331313 at NHTSA ↗	24.0% ODI 10896312 · 105,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE CLUSTER FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE CLUSTER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. Look up ODI 10896312 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.
Engine	10.8% ODI 10808274 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE REQUIRED TO BE RESTARTED IN ORDER FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBINE SENSOR, THE WHEEL, THE SPARK PLUGS, AND THE COIL PACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. TH… Look up ODI 10808274 at NHTSA ↗	74.9% ODI 10504055 · 105,000 mi AFTER REFUELING, CAR HAD STRONG ODOR OF FUEL LEAKING. FILLS GARAGE WITH FUMES. WORRIED THAT PILOT LIGHT WILL IGNITE FUMES. ALSO, FUEL GAUGE STICKS ON 1/2 TANK EVEN WHEN TANK IS EMPTY. *TR Look up ODI 10504055 at NHTSA ↗	85.7% ODI 10550436 · 51,000 mi I TOOK MY CAR 2005 E500 FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE BALL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN JULY 2011. THEN AFTER CHECKING EVERYTHING OUT, THE DEALER TOLD ME THE FUEL RING UNDER THE SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. COST USD 600. ALSO THERE WAS GASOLINE SEEPING OUT OF CAR ONTO THE DRIVEWAY WHEN CAR WAS PARKED. I STARTED SMELLING GASOLINE SMELL IN MARCH 2012. I TOOK THE CAR AGAIN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN JULY 2012 AND THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE FUEL SYSTEM. COST USD 2100. THERE WERE PUDDLES OF GASOLINE IN MY GARAGE AFTER THE S… Look up ODI 10550436 at NHTSA ↗	12.0% ODI 10690766 · 82,000 mi REAR SUSPENSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AIRBAGS LEAKING ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. Look up ODI 10690766 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	75.6% ODI 10121208 DT: THE CONSUMER SAYS THAT ON OCT. 21 2004 HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 2004050014-SBS. THE RECALL WAS REGARDING THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. THE LINE FROM THE BRAKE FLUID LOOKS AS THOUGH IT HAS BEEN CUT AND IT LOOKED LIKE ELECTRICAL TAPE HAD BEEN PLACED AROUND IT WERE THE CUT WAS LOCATED. HE TALKED TO MERCEDES AND THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN BACK WITH HIM YET. HE HAS ALSO REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT UNIT WHICH CONTROLS ALL THE LIGHTS. *JB Look up ODI 10121208 at NHTSA ↗	53.5% ODI 10117540 2004 500E ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *NO ANSWER REQUIRED. MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE PURPOSE OF AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS THAT WHEN ALL BRAKES ARE LOCKED, IT WILL THEN PULSATE THE BRAKES SO THAT THE DRIVER DOES NOT HAVE TO. THE CONSUMER STATED ON HIS VEHICLE THE BRAKES SYSTEM COULD LOCK WITHOUT PULSING. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BRAKES DID NOT LOCK AND THE BAS DID NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED. *JB Look up ODI 10117540 at NHTSA ↗	42.9% ODI 10395727 · 68,056 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN; THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE TO THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC UNIT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V133000, SERVICE BRAKES H… Look up ODI 10395727 at NHTSA ↗	12.0% ODI 10151553 · 100 mi DT*: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS, AND STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THERE WAS NO STOPPING POWER. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED HARDER AND THERE WAS SLIGHT POWER AND THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CALLED AND SUGGESTED THE VEHICLE BE TURNED OFF AND ON TO RESTORE BRAKING POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHILE STOPPING AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE BRAKES LOST POWER AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WA… Look up ODI 10151553 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.
Air Bags	64.8% ODI 10137154 I HAD AN ACCIDENT TODAY THE 20TH OF SEPTEMBER WHERE ANOTHER CAR CRASHED INTO ME CAUSED CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT. THE OTHER CAR WAS GOING AT LEAST 40-50 MPH. THE OTHER CAR WAS NOT AS DAMAGED AS MINE AND NO INJURIES RESULTED YET. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DID NOT ENGAGE. *NM Look up ODI 10137154 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	53.6% ODI 10777865 · 100,102 mi I AM REFERENCING A MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE BULLETIN P-B-91.60/99E. THE CONTROL CLUSTER SHOWS SRS LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. I TOOK MY CAR INTO A MERCEDES DEALER AND PAID TO HAVE CARE ANALYZED. THE MECHANIC INDICATED MY CAR HAS THE FOLLOWING FAULT CODES: DTC 9103 (THE RESISTANCE VALUE IN THE IGNITION CIRCUIT CONTAINING COMPONENT R12/13 IS TOO HIGH) AND DTC 9123 (THE RESISTANCE VALUE IN THE IGNITION CIRCUIT CONTAINING COMPONENT R12/14 IS TOO HIGH). BOTH PERTAINING TO A FAULTY SCM HARNESS LOCATED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS TOLD THIS IS DANGEROUS AN… Look up ODI 10777865 at NHTSA ↗	48.0% ODI 10836703 · 143,619 mi THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THE RECALL AS A REGISTERED OWNER AND THE RECALL EXPIRED AND THEY WILL NOT COVER IT. Look up ODI 10836703 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.

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
Service Brakes	87,715–146,965 mi	111,569 mi	26	ODI 10500903 · 131,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH FORCE AND SEIZED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ABS ANTILOCK SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000. Look up ODI 10500903 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10523205 · 70,000 mi I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT AROUND 30 MPH ,WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DASHBOARD TURNED RED . I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN . FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO A MEIJER SHOPPING CENTER WITHOUT HITTING ANY ONE OR ANYTHING. I KEPT DRIVING IN CIRCLE TILL THE CAR SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH FOR ME TO PUT IN PARK GEAR. IT WAS NOT FOR THE EMPTY PARKING LOT I WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR HURT SOMEONE OR BOTH. THE CAR HAD SIMILAR FAILURE FEW MONTHS AGO.THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY REPLACED THE FAILED PART AT NO COST TO … Look up ODI 10523205 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10525074 · 96,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED WITHIN THE BRAKE CONTROL UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. Look up ODI 10525074 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	84,050–109,000 mi	90,000 mi	19	ODI 10460985 · 90,000 mi REFERENCE TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12001. THE SEAL ON MY FUEL SENDING UNIT BEGAN LEAKING. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THIS IS A NON-STRESSED ITEM. THE SEAL THAT ISOLATES FUEL IN THE TANK FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT HAS FAILED. GASOLINE LEAKS AROUND THE SENDING UNIT SEAL AROUND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS CONNECTED TO THE SENDING UNIT. THIS LEAK ALLOWS FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SEAL WITH NO INPUT OR OUTSIDE ACTION. AFTER FUELING, A FUEL SMELL AND F… Look up ODI 10460985 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10461100 · 83,000 mi REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12001. FUEL SENDING UNIT LEAKING FUEL RESULTING IN FUEL POOL ON TOP OF FUEL TANK AND UNDER REAR SEAT DRIVERS SIDE. STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE WITH BUILT UP OF FUEL VAPORS CAUSING EYE NOSE AND THROAT IRRITATION-ESPECIALLY STRONG SMELL AND VAPOR BUILT UP WHEN FUEL TANK IS FULL OR NEAR FULL. FULL SPLASHING ON TOP OF TANK AND NEARBY AREA DRIPPING TO FLOOR-FIRE AND EXPLOSIVE HAZARD, CONDITION HAS WORSENED OVER TIME. JS Look up ODI 10461100 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10475221 · 120,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT ADVISED TO CHECK THE FILLER CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER CAP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE STRONG FUEL SMELL IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATI… Look up ODI 10475221 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	88,043–141,776 mi	102,350 mi	12	ODI 10433623 · 40,000 mi STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERY TIME I FILL UP AND UNTIL I DRIVE ABOUT 50 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY A GERMAN AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT IT IS A CRACKED GAS TANK AND THAT THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES E-CLASS MODELS FROM 2003-2005. THE SMELL APPEARS TO BE EMANATING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER DRIVER'S SIDE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE IN EUROPE AND ASIA BUT THAT MERCEDES NEVER ISSUED A RECALL IN THE US FOR THIS ISSUE DESPITE BEING EXTREMELY PERVASIVE. I DRIVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR AND I AM INCREASINGLY CONCERNE… Look up ODI 10433623 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10509533 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. TR ...UPDATED 07-29-13 BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL LEAK WAS LOCATED RIGHT UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDER UNIT. Look up ODI 10509533 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10537711 · 113,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE REFUELED, HE COULD SMELL STRONG GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND THE TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 09/17/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER OFFERED A 15% DISCOUN… Look up ODI 10537711 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	85,656–139,000 mi	100,000 mi	9	ODI 10381948 · 66,002 mi BOTH FRONT AND REAR AIR SHOCKS WENT WITHIN 2000 MILES OF EACH OTHER 64000 AND 66000 MILES. THESE SHOCKS ARE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND ARE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. THEY WERE NOT ENGINEERED PROPERLY OR THEY SHOULD HAVE LASTED MUCH LONGER. MERCEDES WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT.. Look up ODI 10381948 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10519397 · 190,000 mi FRONT AND REAR END SUSPENSION ARE DOWN TO THE GROUND ,,AND A ERROR CODE ON DASH: STOP CAR TO LOW, CAR IS NOT DRIVE-ABLEA. TR Look up ODI 10519397 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10660587 · 76,358 mi MY 2003 MB E500 SPORT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION. WITHOUT WARNING THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPLETELY FAILED AND DROPPED THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FRAME 2 INCHES FROM THE ASPHALT. MY SMALL CHILD WAS IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME AND WOULD HAVE BOUNCED UP TO THE CEILING IF HE HAD NOT BEEN SECURED IN HIS CARSEAT. THE CAR IS NOT OPERATIONAL AT THIS TIME AND REPAIR ESTIMATES EXCEED $3,000.00. TR Look up ODI 10660587 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	66,000–98,000 mi	81,830 mi	5	ODI 10328909 · 81,830 mi BRAKE PUMP FAILURE ON 2003 MERCEDES E500, NO ACCIDENT, LOWER BRAKING POWER, LONG DISTANCE FOR BRAKING, WARNING MESSAGE ON DASH. HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. DEALER INFORMED THAT SINCE VEHICLE HAS A SALVAGE TITLE, THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WILL NOT BE PERFORMED WITHOUT COST. CAMPAIGN 2005 070007. TR Look up ODI 10328909 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10604768 · 66,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT VISIBLE ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 66,000. Look up ODI 10604768 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10614474 · 121,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE BRAKS FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED IN PARK INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM.… Look up ODI 10614474 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	77,800 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10227175 · 54,847 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,847. Look up ODI 10227175 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10448632 · 90,600 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,683. UPDATED 05/09/12 BF THE CONSUMER STATED HER DAUGHTER WAS INJURED WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. UPDATED 06/01/12 Look up ODI 10448632 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10458166 · 93,000 mi SRS LIGHT INDICATES MALFUNCTION. LIGHT COMES AND GOES AND APPEARS TO BE RANDOM. TR Look up ODI 10458166 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Front	42,909–61,825 mi	52,150 mi	6	ODI 10236606 · 43,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ E500 AIRMATIC STRUT COLLAPSE. LOW MILEAGE: 43000 AT TIME OF FAILURE. DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN STRUT FAILED. CAR LEANED TO RIGHT & MADE AN EMERGENCY STOP. MERCEDES BENZ CHARGED $1100 FOR REPLACEMENT PART, I INSTALLED. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW: PROTECTIVE BELLOWS FAILS & CONTAMINATES AIR BAG. TR Look up ODI 10236606 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10239469 · 42,879 mi MY CAR (2003 MERCEDES E500) HAS HAD 3 OF THE 4 AIRMATIC SHOCKS FAIL IN 50K MILES. EACH TIME, THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND MUST BE TOWED. TWO OF THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT WHEELS CANNOT BE TURNED WHEN THIS OCCURS WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE FENDER A DANGEROUS SITUATION. 1 OF THE REPAIRS WAS PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY. THE OTHER TWO REPAIRS COST $3000. CALLS TO THE DEALER AND MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA TO REQUEST A WARRANTY REPAIR WERE REFUSED. REVIEW OF ONLINE FORUMS FOR MB OWNERS INDICATES MANY OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE SAME P… Look up ODI 10239469 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10267294 · 67,055 mi DRIVING ON CITY SURFACE STREET. CAME TO FOUR WAY STOP. HEARD A POP LIKE THAT OF A TIRE OR BALLOON. CAR STARED TO MAKE WHISTLING NOISE. PULLED OVER AND SAW LEFT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION STRUT BOTTOMED OUT. TOWED TO DEALER AND ADVISED THAT LEFT FRONT AIRMATIC HYDROPNEMATIC STRUCT HAD FAILED. THAT AIR BLADDER HAD BLOWN. FURTHER THAT AIRMATIC COMPRESSOR WAS BURNED OUT. I HAD DRIVEN A TOTAL OF 50 YARDS FROM BLOW OUT. TOTAL PARTS AND LABOR OVER $2,500.00 FROM MERCEDES BENZ OF WALNUT CREEK. TR Look up ODI 10267294 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	83,000–120,000 mi	100,000 mi	5	ODI 10435280 · 65,000 mi I HAVE AN 03 MERCEDES E500. AT ABOUT 65000 ML I HAD GLYCOL IN MY TRANSMISSION DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE. I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES SARASOTA AND THEY SAID IT WILL COST $5000 AND THEY HAVE TO CHANGE THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS READING THE MERCEDES WORLD FORUM AND I SEE THAT LOT OF PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. AT THE AND COST ME $3000 AT AAMCO. I HOPE MERCEDES WILL ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10435280 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10468407 · 120,000 mi RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2003 MB E500 WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STUTTER AND SHAKE @ AROUND 1500 RPM, THIS OCCURRED CONTINUALLY. MADE IT HOME AND GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE DUE TO A LEAK IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM THAT SOMEHOW GETS INTO THE TRANSMISSION,CAUSING IT TO BECOME CONTAMINATED WHICH PRODUCES THIS FIERCE/POTENTIAL DANGEROUS STUTTER/JERKING. TO MY SURPRISE, MERCEDES BENZ IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS HAZARD AND HAS NOT HAD A RECALL/BULLETIN TO FIX THIS COMMON PROBLEM, LEAVING THIS … Look up ODI 10468407 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492397 · 175,000 mi BACK IN JULY OF 2012 MY CAR STARTED TO GET SLUGGISH , MISSING AND JERKING I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM, THEN AFTER TALKING WITH THEM THEY SAID YES THEY COULD FEEL IT THEN TOLD ME IT WAS SUSPENSION ALMOST 5K TO REPAIR , SO I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND TO FIND OUT THIS CAR HAD TRANS PROBLEMS WHERE THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANS , (A PROBLEM THEY KNOW ABOUT) SO I CALLED MY SERVICE ADVISER TO DISCUS THE PROBLEM TO HEAR THEM SAY OH YEAH ITS A PROBLEM , REALLY? YOU WERE JUST GONNA… Look up ODI 10492397 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	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	24V874000	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	1	None	ODI 11637872 · 45,000 mi The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but the pedal was stiff. The vehicle was taken to two dealers where it was diagnosed that the brake pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. Look up ODI 11637872 at NHTSA ↗
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	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

2008: 0 complaints · 2009: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2008	0	0	0
2009	0	0	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2008	1	0	0
2009	1	0	0

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	Service Brakes	Fuel/Propulsion System	Fuel System, Gasoline	Suspension	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Air Bags	Suspension:Front	Power Train
Service Brakes	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10816605 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND PAINS TO THE WRISTS DUE TO THE FORCE FROM THE IMPACT THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD RESTRAINT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ONLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK … Look up ODI 10816605 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10777681 · 83,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. Look up ODI 10777681 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Air Bags	1 ODI 10816605 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND PAINS TO THE WRISTS DUE TO THE FORCE FROM THE IMPACT THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD RESTRAINT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ONLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK … Look up ODI 10816605 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Suspension:Front	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Power Train	1 ODI 10777681 · 83,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. Look up ODI 10777681 at NHTSA ↗	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

6 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

16 mentions · 12.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 98,824 mi (14 usable records).

ODI 10209375 · 70,200 mi

DRIVING VEHICLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND BRAKE FAILURE. WARNING INDICATED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE STOP IMMEDIATELY. PEDAL PRESSURE WAS EXCESSIVELY HIGH RESULTING IN VERY LONG STOPPING DISTANCE. PROBLEM SELF CLEARED BUT THEN REPEATED WITH LITTLE BRAKING AND VERY HIGH PEDAL FORCE. *TR

Look up ODI 10209375 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10500903 · 131,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH FORCE AND SEIZED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ABS ANTILOCK SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Look up ODI 10500903 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10523205 · 70,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT AROUND 30 MPH ,WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DASHBOARD TURNED RED . I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN . FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO A MEIJER SHOPPING CENTER WITHOUT HITTING ANY ONE OR ANYTHING. I KEPT DRIVING IN CIRCLE TILL THE CAR SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH FOR ME TO PUT IN PARK GEAR. IT WAS NOT FOR THE EMPTY PARKING LOT I WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR HURT SOMEONE OR BOTH. THE CAR HAD SIMILAR FAILURE FEW MONTHS AGO.THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY REPLACED THE FAILED PART AT NO COST TO …

Look up ODI 10523205 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

15 mentions · 12.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 10475221 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT ADVISED TO CHECK THE FILLER CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER CAP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE STRONG FUEL SMELL IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATI…

Look up ODI 10475221 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10525074 · 96,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED WITHIN THE BRAKE CONTROL UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Look up ODI 10525074 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10551973

WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2012. WE HAD TO HAVE THE CANISTER REPLACED IN THE VEHICLE ($1000), AND AFTER THAT REPAIR, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FUEL VAPOR VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WE BROUGHT IT INTO MERCEDES WHEN THEY REPLACED THE SBC BRAKE SYSTEM DUE TO A RECALL AND WERE TOLD THAT THE FUEL VAPOR VALVE WASN'T AFFECTING ANYTHING, SO WE DIDN'T NEED TO REPAIR IT. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR A SMOG CHECK SO WE COULD RENEW OUR REGISTRATION IN JULY OF 2013 AND IT FAILED DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON DUE TO THE …

Look up ODI 10551973 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

14 mentions · 11.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 115,000 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10509533 · 100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR ...UPDATED 07-29-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL LEAK WAS LOCATED RIGHT UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDER UNIT.

Look up ODI 10509533 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10514274

VEHICLE IS PARKED, STRONG GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. ESPECIALLY IF THE GAS TANK IS AT LEAST 3/4 QUARTER FILLED. *TR

Look up ODI 10514274 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10551973

Look up ODI 10551973 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

5 mentions · 4.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 83,025 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10216517

Look up ODI 10216517 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10253997 · 46,050 mi

THE ORIGINAL RADIATOR FOR THE 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500 LEAKS COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER, CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK AND JUMP. THE COOLANT IN THE TRANSMISSION ACTS AS AN CONTAINMENT AND RUINS THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH LATER WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. THESE THREE MAJOR PART INCLUDING GASKETS, HOSES, AND LABOR ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS STATING THAT THE ONLY THING THAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE ALL T…

Look up ODI 10253997 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10371711 · 43,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING, RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSES VIBRATIONS FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE LEAK ALSO CREATED A JERKING PROBLEM WHILE ACCELERATING IN THE LOW GEARS. THE ISSUE WITH THE FAULTY RADIATOR IS GOING TO TAKE OVER $10,000 TO REPAIR.

Look up ODI 10371711 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 4.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 134,901 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10216517

Look up ODI 10216517 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10244054 · 33,000 mi

Look up ODI 10244054 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10661329 · 192,679 mi

SBC LOSS OF POWER NO BRAKES STOP CAR IMMEDIATELY. SEE WORKSHOP. *TR

Look up ODI 10661329 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 122,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11287533 · 122,000 mi

Look up ODI 11287533 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b