2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 has 2 safety recalls and 214 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
214
Crashes / fires
8 / 1
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System71
Service Brakes57
Electrical System21
Air Bags20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Fuel System, Gasoline18
Suspension12
Power Train11
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)7
Engine7
Equipment5
Unknown or Other4

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Seat Belts › Front — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 30, 2024
I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The odor is strong just after filling the tank, and then it disappears at appox. 3 quarters of a tank. This issue has been physically challenging for me, making me dizzy and giving me migraines. I'm also very concerned about the safety issues relating to gasoline fumes inside the car... My understanding is that this is a common issue for the said Mercedes Benz model and year. It…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 202,800 miles · reported Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from underneath the vehicle, above the fuel tank. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,800.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Mar 5, 2023
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message…
Electrical System · reported Sep 15, 2022
Everytime I get in my car, the battery is dead! I have purchased several brand new batteries, and the same thing! I purchased a new battery, and my wife and I went on vacation, and as we was headed back home, we began to smell a real foul oder! We stop to the gas station, and looked everywhere, but didn't see anything! As we continue to drive, and turned in the drive way the battery light came on! I opened the trunk, and there was the foul smell, and the battery was so hot it could have caught fire, luckily we was home
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 73,000 miles · reported Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact removed the rear seat where the fuel tank was located and discovered that fuel was leaking into the vehicle underneath the rear seat instead of going into the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Other Mercedes-Benz E320 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz E320 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320: 24V-874 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (71 reports), followed by service brakes (57). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.