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2003 Mercedes Benz S430 problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 is electrical system, typically around 81,563 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical S430 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
41
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 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.

  • Electrical
    12
  • Suspension
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 41

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 41 bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430

2003 Mercedes Benz S430 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 8‑cylRWD152218

What 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Body · 93,268 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated he opened the hatch however, the hatch quickly closed independently. The contact stated he was able to hold the hatch before it closed totally. The contact stated that the passenger’s side spring was detached from the hatch. The contact stated he attempted but was unable to repair the passenger’s side spring. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,268.

Filed Feb 21, 2019 · Airbags, Seats · 178,789 miles · KS

Srs codes is being thrown. If you move a little in the passenger seat it triggers code to be thrown. Started throwing it out of now where.

Filed Nov 29, 2018 · Electrical · 141,000 miles · GA

Electrical/fuse/cluster panel lights are out in dash vehicle was stationary

Filed Mar 10, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 90,000 miles · NC

I have a 2003 mercedes s430. The other day my wife was going down the highway at 65 MPH when it just shut off in the middle of the road. This is very dangerous. How do we allow a vehicle to operate on the highway that would just cut off in the middle of the road without at least giving you a chance to get out of the road. Thanks

Filed Jan 28, 2018 · Lights · 158,000 miles · NY

Instrument cluster went blank nothing works in cluster.drivinghour or two went blank no reason

Filed Jan 18, 2017 · Suspension · MD

The suspension on my 2003 s 430 4-matic is stating stop, too close. It will not lift up. Is this a recall issue? Please contact me at [xxx]. Thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 23, 2016 · Electrical · 121,000 miles · MA

While driving getting ready to enter the highway my 2003 mercedes s430 instrument panel went out. The gauges got stuck on what they were while driving. I wasn't able to see anything on the panel. I took it to the nearest shop and they changed the fuse, however the fuse blew right back out each time they changed it. The car was still drivable. I haven't had this car for 1 year yet and I am lost at what to do. The shop said the instrument chaise will work but something is blewing the fuse. I was also told that the aluminator in the instrument panel is faulty and needs to be replaced. Any help with this issue is helpful.. Please help as this car has become a nightmare (instrument panel, doors don't lock, passender seat moves at wierd times, and the air strut busted) instead of a good dream. I have read a number of issues with the instrument panel failure in these cars. I wish I would of seen this before I purchased it. Mercedes needs to cover the cost in fixing this issue.

Filed Aug 6, 2016 · Suspension, Transmission · NY

Heater and air conditioner fan motor failed on my 2003 s430. Which is dangerous in seasonal climate conditions I've had to replace this part 2x at 700.00 on both occurances at my own expense which I dont understand when there is a recall for this same issue for previous years 2000,2001.. Recall#2004 070010. I've also had to change my shifter gear box which jams in the park position and doesn't allow you to drive the vechicle this is caused by a plastic piece that is susceptible to break within the gear box this issue is also expensive for just 1 faulty trans shifter piece that can totally leave your car inoperable.

Filed Oct 21, 2015 · Electrical · 81,563 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s430. While attempting to turn the key to the on position, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,563.

Filed Jul 2, 2015 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s430. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized and was unable to move to another gear. The contact had to pull and jerk the shifter in order for it to move into another gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

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Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430

Other model years

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Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430

Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430, close to a typical S430 model year.

What is the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 year score?

The 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz S430: 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 S430?

Electrical system, with 12 complaints, typically around 81,563 miles. Next is suspension (4).

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Mercedes Benz S430 have the most electrical problems?

The Mercedes Benz S430 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2001 (37 complaints), 2002 (20 complaints) and 2000 (14 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.

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