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exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (2)
Suspension
ON CERTAIN 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 HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.
Risk and remedy
Risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, lock
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.
Risk and remedy
Risk: IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Canadian recalls (4)
Show 4 Canadian recalls
Other
2008-08-15 · campaign 2008-290 · 279 vehicles
Certain vehicles equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) the sensors on the front struts may not operate within tolerances. As such, the sensor signal may not be accurately transmitted to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). A variation in the transmitted values can result in one front strut adjusting to a value while the other does not adjust and presenting the driver with an uneven front suspension. This situation could have an effect on the vehicle's directional stability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash with injuries or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace affected AZ-sensors
Steering
2007-06-14 · campaign 2007-195 · 884 vehicles
On certain vehicles equipped with an 8-cylinder engine, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the Active Body Control's high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity. This may result in ABC hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalictic converter which could cause a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a corrosion resistant ABC high-pressure distribution hose.
Other
2004-06-03 · campaign 2004-184 · 859 vehicles
On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position due to extensive exposure to very high temperatures. This failure only occurs in the closed position and causes the trunk lid to fail to spring open upon being unlocked, thereby providing warning to the owner of the broken spring condition. Correction: Dealers will replace the trunk lid springs.
Brakes
2004-05-06 · campaign 2004-153 · 277 vehicles
On certain vehicles equipped with a 12-cylinder engine, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the Active Body Control's high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity. This may result in ABC hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalictic converter which could cause a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a corrosion resistant ABC high-pressure distribution hose.
Owner complaints (28)
Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (3 injuries reported). Among 14 model years of this model, it ranks #4 for the most complaints (median 12).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Suspension | 7 | |
| Electrical system | 6 | |
| Air bags | 4 | |
| Seat belts | 4 | |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4DR. w/SAB | – | – | – | – |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| S430 4.3 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| S430 4matic 4.3 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,850 |
| S500 5.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| S500 4matic 5.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
| S55 AMG 5.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 20 | 15 | $5,500 |
| S600 5.5 L Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,850 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.