2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 205 of 461 complaints (44%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (10) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 37 in 2002 to 461 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–4,300 | 3,700–4,300 | 3,900–5,150 | 3,900–5,150 | 3,300–5,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–21 | 18–21 | 15–20 | 15–20 | 15–27 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–18 / 21–26 | 15–18 / 21–26 | 13–17 / 19–25 | 13–17 / 19–24 | 13–23 / 18–33 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–494 | 423–494 | 444–592 | 444–592 | 377–592 | |
| Complaints filed | 74 | 37 | 461 | 481 | 527 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 1 | 15 | 12 | 16 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Injuries reported | 9 | 1 | 17 | 8 | 19 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Fuel System: 205 of 461 NHTSA complaints (44%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
EPA rates it 15–20 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
EPA estimates $3,900–$5,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | 20 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 444 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 444 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | 20 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 444 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 205 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 137 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 41 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 35 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 10 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 14 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 22 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · Campaign 24V874000 · Nov 20, 2024
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.
Consequence: 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 ASSEMBLY · Campaign 22V954000 · Dec 27, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Consequence: A detached sunroof panel may 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 February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · Campaign 19V918000 · Dec 23, 2019
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
Consequence: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Campaign 08V303000 · Jul 9, 2008
Defect: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · Campaign 05V133000 · Apr 5, 2005
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY SHIFT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP FUNCTION MODE, DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION, OR DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP.
Consequence: IN THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. ADDITIONALLY DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SBC PUMP UNIT IN SL VEHICLES PRODUCED DURING A LIMITED PRODUCTION PERIOD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · Campaign 04V296000 · Jun 25, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) IS DESIGNED TO MONITOR THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. IF AN UNACCEPTABLE PRESSURE GRADIENT IS DETECTED, THE SYSTEM WILL SWITCH, AS IT IS DESIGNED TO DO, INTO THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.
Consequence: IF VEHICLES ARE NOT ROUTINELY SERVICED AND HAVE EXTREMELY HIGH MILEAGE COMBINED WITH A HIGH NUMBER OF BRAKE ACTUATIONS, OR A HIGH BRAKE ACTUATION FREQUENCY, THE PUMP MOTOR OF THE SBC MAY RUN OUT OF PERMISSIBLE TOLERANCES, THEREBY TRIGGERING THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21M 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
STEERING · Campaign 03V289000 · Aug 8, 2003
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUT ON THE BOLT WHICH CONNECTS THE STEERING GEAR TO THE STEERING COUPLING MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.
Consequence: THE LOOSENING OF THE NUT COULD RESULT IN A SLIPPING OF THE CONNECTION OVER TIME, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND TIGHTEN THE NUT ON THE BOLT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.