2003 Mercedes Benz E320

Above average

Owners filed 214 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
100,000 milesMedian miles at failure

160 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System67
010
Service Brakes55
200
Fuel System, Gasoline17
000
Air Bags12
102
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11
201
Suspension6
000
Electrical System6
000
Structure › Body3
002
Power Train › Automatic Transmission3
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights3
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly24V874000
Filed Nov 19, 202433,456 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly19V918000
Filed Dec 20, 2019747,928 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 30, 2024MA

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 2024FL

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 the full 25 years.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 2024FL

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2023TX

REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 7, 2023202,800 milesAZ

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 5, 2023MO

*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 8, 2022MS

System restraint malfunction seems like it the passenger side airbag won’t let you no if on or of

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2022SC

Everytime I get in my car, the battery is dead! I have purchased several brand new batteries, and the same thing! I purchased a new battery, and my wife and I went on vacation, and as we was headed back home, we began to smell a real foul oder! We stop to the gas station, and looked everywhere, but didn't see anything! As we continue to drive, and turned in the drive way the battery light came on! I opened the trunk, and there was the foul smell, and the battery was so hot it could have caught fire, luckily we was home

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 2022CA

Brakes failed

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 11, 202273,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact removed the rear seat where the fuel tank was located and discovered that fuel was leaking into the vehicle underneath the rear seat instead of going into the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 2, 2022CA

After fueling up, a smell of gas occurs. Slight gas puddle forms under the car after every fuel up. Drops gas gauge down and after that no more smell of fuel but still slight puddle of gas after leaving the car parked. Noticed it about a month ago and it seems to get worse. Doesn't seem safe knowing the car is leaking fuel.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 24, 2020177,000 milesFL

DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIX AND INSPECT MY SBC PUMP WHICH LEAD TO MY VEHICLE BEING TOTALED AND LOSING ESP.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 17, 2020120,000 milesCA

WHEN MY WINDOWS ARE DOWN AND IM DRIVING YOU CAN SMELL GASOLINE VERY STRONGLY IN THE CAR. EVEN WORSE IN THE BACK SEAT AREA. ESPECIALLY IF MY GAS TANK IS FILLED. IM CONSTANTLY GETTING A WARNING TO CHECK THE GAS CAP AND THE GAS LIGHT GOES OFF FLASHING THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO ON.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 26, 2020GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HIT A POT HOLE WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATLANTA SOUTH (3775 ROYAL S PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30349) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN AN AIR BAG RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF CONSUMER STATED SINCE THE INCIDENT, MANUFACTURE SENT A LETTER STATING THERE WAS A RECALL WITH THE AIRBAGS.*JB

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jun 22, 202090,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE SUN ROOF GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS QUOTED A COST TO REPLACE THE GLASS PORTION OF THE SUN ROOF. THE SUN ROOF GLASS WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE SUN ROOF WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 14, 2020NH

FUEL SMELL COMING FROM WITHIN CABIN FIRST NOTICED OCTOBER 2018 TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY WAS CHARCOAL FILTER NOT A BIG DEAL WHEN FILLING TANK WITH FUEL IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS, AND WAS RECENTLY NOTICED WHEN TIRES WHERE CHANGED THAT FUEL SMELL AND LOOKED LIKE LEAKAGE OF GAS. WAS TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN DEFECT AND AS THE SECOND OWNER WAS NEVER INFORMED IN ANY CAPACITY. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WHICH IN MY OPINION IF THEY KNEW, ALL OWNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED ASAP. I AM NOT SURE WHAT I CAN DO, OR CAN BE DONE, BUT THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT ACCEPTABLE IF IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT. THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING. I WANT THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO KNOW, WE MAY HAVE OTHERS OUT THEIR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM NOT KNOWING THIS. WHAT A SHAME FOR MERCEDES IF THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED PEOPLE. I STARTED REVIEWING WHAT I COULD FIND ON WEB SITES, ATTACHED IS A NHTSA DOCUMENT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 4, 2020155,000 milesFL

WHEN FILLING FUEL TANK VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS INSIDE OF CAR AND OUTSIDE. WHEN TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE FAULT AND THEY WANTED $5000 TO CORRECT ISSUE.FOUND OUT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, AND THEY REFUSED TO EXPEDITE AS THEY SAID IT WAS FOR 15 YEARS AND THAT HAD EXPIRED. NO RECALL NOTICES HAD BEEN SENT TO ME OR THE PREVIOUS OWNER.I HAVE HAD CAR FOR 4 YEARS, PREVIOS OWNER HAD IT FOR 6.CONTACTED HEAD OFFICE IN ATLANTA STILL WOULD NOT COVER THE ISSUE

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 26, 2020216,722 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES AND SPC WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKES AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER BUT FAILED TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL FLUCTUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO W.I. SIMONSON MERCEDES-BENZ (1626 WILSHIRE BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 (855) 677-2690), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPC RESERVOIR WAS DEFECTIVE, AND HYDRAULIC UNIT ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 216,722.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 29, 2020120,645 milesFL

I HAVE A 2003 E320 MERCEDES BENZ WITH SBC BRAKE SYSTEM. THE COMPANY HAS ADMITTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SYSTEM AND HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 25 YEARS ON THE SBC PUMP. MY CAR HAS ON ABOUT 4 OR 5 INCIDENTS GAVE ME A RED WARNING ON MY DASH TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SEE WORKSHOP. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS MY BRAKING ABILITY IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED TO THE POINT OF NEEDING A LOT OF DISTANCE TO STOP. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSHED, THAT WORKED FOR A WHILE. AROUND JANUARY OF 2018 THE DEALER UPDATED SOME KIND OF SOFTWARE PACKAGE. JANUARY 2020 THE BRAKE ISSUE HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM BEING TOLD THAT UNLESS A CERTAIN DEFAULT CODE IS INDICATED THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE PUMP. I TOLD MERCEDES CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE NEXT TIME MY BRAKING IS REDUCED WILL BE MY LAST TIME THAT WILL CAUSE DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO OTHER DRIVERS OR MY SELF BEFORE THIS DEFAULT CODE COMES UP, A CODE NO ONE WILL TELL ME WHAT IT IS. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD MY CONCERN BUT UNTIL THIS DEFAULT CODE COMES UP THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE SBC . I FIND THAT STATEMENT TO BE NOT CONSIDER OF LIFE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE ON OUR NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 6, 2020IL

DEALER CLAIMS MB HAS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR EVEN THOUGH NHTSA HAS A RECALL NUMBER: 19V918 FOR GLASS PANEL DETACHING FROM VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF NEXT STEPS TO GET DEALER COMPLIANCE.

20 of 214 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20098300Routine
200810300Routine
200717400Routine
200641400Routine
2005231344Fatalities reported
2004203210Above average
2003 — this page214210Above average
200223010Routine
200138040Routine
200044020Routine
199983060Routine
199837000Routine
199763030Routine
199645030Routine
199596030Routine
199411010Routine

Compare every E320 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 19, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.