2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 recalls and problems
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 has 3 safety recalls and 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 recalls
Recall 24V-874: Visibility
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 22V-954: Visibility
Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Risk: A detached sunroof panel may 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 February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Recall 19V-918: Visibility
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 E500 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 29 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | |
| Suspension | 21 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 14 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | |
| Air Bags | 7 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 4 | |
| Visibility | 3 | |
| Equipment | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Suspension › Front — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Suspension › Rear — 2
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,600 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 E500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mercedes-Benz E500 years
Compare all Mercedes-Benz E500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (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 E500?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (29 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,600 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.