Report number: cal-03-07 new car assessment program (ncap) frontal barrier impact test
2003 Mercedes Benz E320 airbags problems
19 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 95,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 95,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Frontal3
- Sensor: occupant classification1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Mercedes Benz E320 airbags problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 airbags
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
System restraint malfunction seems like it the passenger side airbag won’t let you no if on or of
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.
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 mercedes-benz e320. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. The front end was severely damaged, but the air bag did not deploy. The driver sustained chest and torso injuries, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 193,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 mercedes-benz e320. While driving 45 MPH, the rear passenger side and rear ceiling air bags deployed without warning or impact. There were no injuries. The dealer diagnosed that a crack in the rim caused the air bags to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 06/21/16
Vehicle presented with red light indicating to take vehicle to workshop in red. Braking was extremely difficult, SRS system stalled the vehicle, emergency mode was activited,we were unable, at first to turn on the ignition switch. The vehicle operated as if it was paralyzed. We finally got the vehicle to run and turned vehicle into mb dealership. We were informed that the sbc unit was in need of replacement, we were beset with 1,800.00 repair. The vehicle is very dangerous to drive if you are not prepared for longer stopping distances, thankfully my husband was able to get the vehicle to the dealership. I found myself not strong enough to press on the brake pedal for adequate braking distance. Fuel: upon fueling vehicle, the fuel handle will stop and immense amounts of fuel will spurt out from fuel tank. There is also a smell of gas/fuel in the cabin after fill up. This creates a huge spill and notification to attendant. Takes up a great amount of time to fill up tank. Surprisingly we haven't been charged for fuel spills. Srs: light on for safety response system, shortly after visit at mb dealership. Have not taken vehicle to mb dealership for fear of another expensive repair.
This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I do believe that this issue is relayed in the mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006.I purchased the vehicle in december of 2007 as a used vehicle with aprox. 40,000 miles. I have not been sent anything from mbenz notifying of this issue.vehicle put in shop 4-16-20015 at mercedes. Diagnosis was faulty sbc pump system at a cost for repair $2400.00. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.lastly, passenger air bag light has been on since shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Known as the SRS system.this issue is spelled out as a major safety concern in mercedes e class operator's manual, told by mercedes service dept,this is a $800.00 bill to have repaired. Question,, does something tragic have to happen before, mercedes benz live up to their obligation of keeping those who purchase their vehicle,,,,,safe.
There is a sensor in the passenger seat that is defective causing the front passenger airbag to turn off, even when a passenger is properly seated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes e320. The contact stated that the front passenger and rear passenger side air bag deployed without warning. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance with repairs to the defect. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was awaiting diagnosis of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 123,000.
Airbags did not deploy in a 100 MPH. Collision and am not sure because they should have.this resulted in the drivers face smashing into the windshield of the vehicle and breaking his nose. Can you please advise?
Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 airbags
Does the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the airbags of the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320, 9% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 airbags problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 95,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 airbags?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Mercedes Benz E320 have bad airbags?
The Mercedes Benz E320 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2005 (22 complaints), 2003 (19 complaints) and 1999 (17 complaints).
Other 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 problems
Fuel system 88Brakes 77Electrical 21Suspension 11Transmission 11Engine 10Driver assistance 7Body 4Seat belts 4Acceleration 3Lights 3Tires 3Visibility 3Steering 2Seats 1Wheels 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Mercedes Benz E320?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history