I purchased this car in november of 2012 as the 2nd owner. It only had 60,000 miles on it and seemed like a great car. One day I was driving on the freeway approximately 65mph, when I had to brake slightly and the brake pedal felt kinda mushy and my braking was slower than normal. Next thing I saw was my dashboard had a red message on it (brake reduced braking effort) ahhhhhh I was freaked out and got off the freeway and pulled into a gas station. I called a tow truck (I was afraid my brakes were not going to work and I didn't want to put my young son or anyone else in danger. The benz dealership did a full inspection and found that the sbc (sensotronic brake control system) needed to be replaced. The also stated that mb had a recall on this particular part, however that I missed the the frame to get it replaced. I called the mb corporation and spoke to several service reps and they all told me I should have gotten it replaced within the recall time frame of 10 years. I explained how could I have known this when I purchased the car and I would like for mb to replace my sbc unit or at least give me a discount. Anyway, after 3 months of calling and receiving no assistance, I gave up. I do not think this is a way to run a business, especially when it a major safety concern. They know that this sbc unit can and does default to basic hydraulic mode, which makes braking slow and unsafe. Needless to say the car is useless to me and has sat in my driveway as the electrical system goes off and on as I am driving. I will never buy another mercedes benz, I bought it for the safety of my family and now I see how much they stand behind their products...I will also never purchase another car again without checking this site for recalls.
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz G500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes3
- Body2
- Steering2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes3
- Body2
- Steering2
Recalls 2
Exterior lighting: turn signal
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-benz is recalling certain model year 2002-2010 g-class vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "'lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these vehicles are equipped with a grill cover for front turn signal protection that, while permissible, may impact over time the signal's ability to meet the minimum requirements of fmvss 108.
- Risk
- The signal light's visibility to other motorists may be reduced over time, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install improved turn light units optimized for usage with grills. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin at the end of december 2010 or early january 2011. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 10V366000 · Recall details
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
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500 72
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Consistently reproducible erroneous parktronic warnings from front with every key cycle
- 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active...
- A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop...
- After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the...
- 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active...
- Water ingress in the load compartment between the C and D pillars
What 2003 Mercedes Benz G500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dt*: the contact stated one of contact's clients suffered 3rd degree burns on the calf of the leg while exiting the vehicle from a stainless steel portion of the running board. The running board was very hot from the sun shining inside the vehicle resulting in the client's leg being burned. The dealership was notified.
While driving, the steering wheel started shaking uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the steering rack pinion shaft needed replacement. The consumer informed the mechanic that the this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information.
I have 2003 mercedes benz g 500. When I am driving on the freeway and I hit a bump in the whole road the whole steering unit in the truck shakes and almost lost control because of it. This has happened a few times and the problem is documented by other ownders at www.benzworld.org http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1124269&posts=16&fid=30&np=1128200.
Esp braking system on the 2003 g500 going down hill around curves past 40 MPH is a serious driving hazard. Automatic braking on the left tire turning to the right can throw you into oncoming traffic. Esp needs to be adjusted.
Consumer states that while driving ABS light comes on. Dealer notified.
Consumer states that rear doors do not lock. Dealer notified.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500
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Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500 reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500, 3.5 times a typical G500 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500?
Brakes, with 3 complaints. Next is body (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz G500 have?
2 recalls, covering exterior lighting and electrical system.
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