There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500, but owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Seat Belts | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Seat Belts › Front › Retractor — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,250 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 S500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Seat Belts · reported May 26, 2020
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.
Seat Belts · at 63,250 miles · reported Nov 26, 2018
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.
Suspension · at 147,000 miles · reported Dec 11, 2015
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s500. While attempting to making a right or left turn, an abnormal noise was heard on the front passenger side of the vehicle. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Electrical System · at 162,000 miles · reported Sep 30, 2015
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the speedometer lights flashed and there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the front panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated he was mechanic and the instrument cluster failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
Seat Belts · at 28,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2014
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s500. The contact stated that the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract. During warmer outside temperatures, the failure would worsen. The failure occurred multiple times. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500?
Owners report seat belts problems most often (4 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,250 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.