2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls

Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems

Problem areas named in the 28 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	11
Electrical System	6
Air Bags	4
Seat Belts	4
Equipment	3
Latches/Locks/Linkages	3
Structure	2
Engine And Engine Cooling	2
Interior Lighting	2
Power Train	2

What owners report

2014-04-01, Air Bags
THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE SEAT EVENTUALLY MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO FATIGUE.THIS ALSO DISABLES THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE SRS SYSTEM.THI

2013-04-25, Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY WHENEVER THERE WERE WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD EITHER BECOME RESISTANT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, OR IT WOULD CLOSE INDEPENDENTLY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK LID CLOSED UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE CONTACT AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AREA. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONTUSION TO THE RIGHT LEG. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO ENGAGE THE TRUNK LID. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE AND A

2012-07-03, Seat Belts
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY DURING HOT WEATHER. MORE PARTICULARLY, THE BELT WILL NOT EXTEND. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL THE BELT OUT ENOUGH TO FASTEN IT. THUS, THE ONLY WAY THE CAR CAN BE DRIVEN IN HOT WEATHER IS WITHOUT THE DRIVER WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE BELT WORKS PROPERLY IN THE MORNING WHEN LEAVING OUR AIR-CONDITIONED GARAGE, BUT WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR WHILE IT HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE IN HOT WEATHER THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. *JS

2011-02-04, Suspension
WHEN VEHICLE GETS COLD( OUTSIDE TEMP BELOW 17 F), THE CAR WILL LOWER, AND AIROMATIC WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON SAYING AIROMATIC VEHICLE TOO LOW STOP VISIT SHOP. *TR

2011-01-24, Suspension
WHEN TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 17 DEGREES F, THE VEHICLE DROP TO UNSAFE LEVEL, AND MESSAGE SAYS AIRMATIC STOP CAR VEHICLE TOO LOW. THE TIRES WILL START RUBBING ON LINER. CALLED DEALER THEY SAID TEMPERATURE IN GERMANY DOES NOT GO THAT LOW, WELL THIS CAR IS SOLD IN US, AND THEY NEED TO MAKE IT WORK. *TR

2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class: Engine And Engine Cooling; Suspension; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Lock. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class?

Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (11), Electrical System (6), Air Bags (4).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class 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.