2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 recalls
Reported May 13, 2004 · 6,238 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (Abc) high-pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to heat and humidity. Over time, corrosion may deteriorate the inner steel portions of the hose.
Risk: This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage. Under some circumstances, leaking hydraulic fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possibility of fire.
Fix: Dealers will install new, corrosion resistant abc high-pressure distribution hoses. The recall began august 31, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Suspension | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,988 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 S600 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Suspension · at 100,000 miles · reported Oct 8, 2015
While my daughter driving my car abc light came on and suddenly lost control and had accident. Car went over the center line, climbed over barricade and destroyed the car. Insurance company totlaled the car because it was too expensive to repair. While driving a high pressure hose blew up and car went all the way down to bottom of the suspension, mercedes does not take any responsibilty for this problem and when I searched the internet I found there are hundreds of complains for the incidents like this.
Electrical System · at 115,000 miles · reported Jun 19, 2014
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s-600. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the instrument panel went blank and the contact was not able to see neither the fuel gauge nor the speedometer. The contact mentioned that due to the failure he ran out of fuel. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 63,988 miles · reported Feb 3, 2011
The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s600. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the distribution hose failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact inquired about NHTSA campaign id number: 07v263000 (Engine and engine cooling) but his advised that his VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was then contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 63,988.
Suspension · at 56,772 miles · reported Dec 6, 2009
Mercedes benz, s-600 (Model 2003), it was very difficult to control the car in the highway and the car almost lost control after it's active body control (Abc) light flashed on suddenly in the dashboard and the car body came down grinding against the wheel/tires on 11/16/2009. The car was sent to mb dealer in edison, nj for repairs that same day and they found that the abc hydraulic fluid had leaked out due to corrosion that had occurred in the inner steel portions of the abc high pressure distribution hose already. There was a burning smell; leaking abc fluid may have come into contact with…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 56,923 miles · reported Dec 6, 2009
Mercedes benz, s-600 (Model 2003), it was very difficult to control the car in the highway and the car almost lost control after it's active body control (Abc) light flashed on suddenly in the dashboard and the car body came down grinding against the wheels/tires on 12/03/2009 again after the car's abc system was replaced on 11/19/2009 at mb dealer in edison, nj. I have reported safety complaints on this car about abc system quality problem (Odi number is: 10294645). The car was sent to mb dealer in edison, nj for checks at same day and they found that the engine water pump dead and made…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600: 04V-228 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600?
Owners report suspension problems most often (4 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,988 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.