The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 1 fire, 9 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Fuel/Propulsion System (71 reports).
2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls
Sunroof Glass Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard
The glass sunroof panel on certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles may not be properly secured, so it can detach while driving.
Sunroof Glass Can Detach, Creating Road Hazard
The adhesive bonding the sunroof glass panel to its sliding frame can deteriorate over time.
Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems
Problem areas named in the 214 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 71 |
| Service Brakes | 57 |
| Electrical System | 21 |
| Air Bags | 20 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 18 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 18 |
| Suspension | 12 |
| Power Train | 11 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 7 |
| Engine | 7 |
What owners report
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 is a dangerous parts defect that is unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the braking system became inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 2005110001. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the sensotronic brake control (SBC) braking system. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
MB USA is not honoring Recall 2005110001 for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for my car. The Mercedes Benz Representative agreed that she does see the car matches the 2003-2006 E class with chassis of A336226 falling between A0- and A7- for the recall. The Mercedes Benz Representative gave no explanation as to why the 25 year recall has closed prior to 2031. The faulty SBC has caused numerous problems. If the recall is not honored, I plan to file a lawsuit against Mercedes. A formal complaint is being filed with the NHTSA for MB USA's lack of adhering to the recall for
REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST
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.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320: Sunroof Glass Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard; Sunroof Glass Can Detach, Creating Road Hazard. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320?
Based on 214 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel/Propulsion System (71), Service Brakes (57), Electrical System (21).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.