My whole garage smells like gasoline whenever we fill up the gas tank. The smell will remain until we drive the car for a few days, consuming perhaps 1/4 of the tank. This has been on-going only for the last year.
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes16
- Fuel system11
- Electrical9
- Acceleration4
- Engine4
- Suspension3
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Lights2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class
Recalls 4
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 08V303000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 05V133000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 04V296000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the nut on the bolt which connects the steering gear to the steering coupling may not be tightened correctly.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 03V289000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class 22
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- Mercedes: the limited warranty on the sbc hydraulic unit for models 211, model 219 and models 230 was...
- Revised repair procedure and additional applicable models
- Mercedes benz service campaign: check fuel filter module assembly and repair or replace if necessary
- Dirt CAN collect in the rear sleeves on the front axle carrier
- The alternator regulator may fail to prevent voltage values ranging beyond the specified tolerance limits
- Implausible or illogical messages CAN appear in the instrument cluster
- The remote trunk closing control unit may not be sufficiently durable and may result in the need to open...
- Steering wheel twitch during brake application
- Inspect rear sam control module, replace if necessary
2003 Mercedes Benz E Class fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 |
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 5.4L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 19 | 15 |
What 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I started smelling gas in the car cabin. There was gas on my driveway as well. The gas sign started to flash on my dash and the check engine light came on. Went to the dealership and they said there was a major leak in the purge system. They quoted me $3066.88. They should take responsibility and not pass it on to me.
Strong odor of gasoline evident after fill up. This coincided with accuracy issues of the fuel gauge, where vehicle now runs out of gas when gauge indicates 1/4 tank. The strong smell of gas happens now repeatedly with every fill up, which seems to indicate some form of leakage at or near the top of the tank.
I purchased the mercedes in april 2013 of this year and less than 30 days of purchasing the car I had major repairs done to the car. I slightly smelled fuel vapors when I purchased the car however I thought that it was just a possible after effect of me refueling the car. Over the course of two months the fumes became worse and worse and I stay with a migraine everyday. Today was unbearable as it is hot outside and it is becoming hard to concentrate and it feels like my head is about to burst. I am going to take it into the dealer as this is the worst experience in my life! The people I purchased the car from refused to pay for anything and I wanted to return the call altogether! I plan on going to the dealer, and to the doctor.
The warning light of brakes failure came on at highway exit at 65mph and the brake paddle hit the floor with no brakes. Pulled over and took the car to the dealer in mid march and was told by the dealer that this is the sbc pump that failed which would have been covered by mercedes benz under service bulletin no.: 484656 but the warranty expired on 02/28/13 and since I was 15 days over this will not be covered. Contacted mercedes benz of na and asked them that I bought the car used and was not told by anyone about this tsb and they should cover the repairs since the pump actually failed when the car still under extended 10 year warranty (service bulletin no.: 484656 ). They flatly refused. I than asked that if this was a known issue that the brakes could fail completely than its mercedes duty to tell the owners even if they buy used, the person just kept quiet. People can actually get hurt or die when this failure happens. At the end I was charged $2309 for something that was a known issue by mercedes.
Each time I fill up the gas tank to capacity, the fuel tank emits vapors. It seemed somewhat tolerable in the past, though this past week, it was enough to go through walls and up 2 stories. It's past tolerable and just downright unacceptable now. I know I'm not the only owner to have this problem. Frankly I'm amazed a company with the "pedigree" of mercedes benz has allowed this to go unsolved across the market.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes e class. The contact stated that a fuel odor was present inside of the vehicle and the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The dealer was notified and stated that they were unaware of this type of failure. The dealer also stated that there were no recalls addressing the failure. The manufacturer was notified and repeated the dealer's sentiments. The failure and current mileages were 103,000.
Fuel leaking from vehicle near rear left tire. Found fuel around fuel sensor under rear passenger seat. Most evident after filling fuel tank. First discovered leak at 70k mileage and again on 128k.
I started the car in the morning, and it gave me a malfunction message stating that the display is defective. The fuel gauge display doesn't read the proper level, the backup lights do not work, the signals and hazard lights do not operate, the wipers do not work. The features of auto adjusting the steering wheel tilt, the mirrors, and the seats are not working. Checked for recalls, found a similar recall in july of 2008, but the service representative at the dealership said my VIN number wasn't included!
Very strong gas fumes when gas tank is full. Fumes completely permeate my two car garage and also enter passenger compartment. The fumes disappear when tank level reaches 7/8 full. There are several postings on different websites on the web regarding strong gas odor when the tank is full on e model mercedes years 2003 to 2006. This is a serious issue with potential for explosively and/or fire. I contacted mercedes requesting the issuance of a service recalled based on the apparent high incidence. The company does not seem interested in taking any action.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class
Other model years
199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062008
Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class reliable?
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class, 4.5 times a typical E Class model year.
What is the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class year score?
The 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class scores 18 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz E Class: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class?
Brakes, with 16 complaints, typically around 14,230 miles. Next is fuel system (11).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class have?
4 recalls, covering electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic and steering.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 05V133000, 04V296000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class range from 15 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 25 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Mercedes Benz E Class?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history