2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System (33.2% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints here are 6.4× the median for that category across the 1401 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 71 · 33.2% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 57 · 26.6% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 19 · 8.9% | No official action | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 18 · 8.4% | No official action | — |
| Air Bags | 16 · 7.5% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 16 · 7.5% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 214 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE A FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT IN THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10564776 — filed 02/18/2014 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“EACH TIME AFTER A REFUEL I GET A FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN, AND WHEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE I SEE THE GAS LEAKING UNDERCARRIAGE…”NHTSA complaint 10563177 — filed 02/05/2014 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, HE BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE FUMES FROM OUTSIDE OF…”NHTSA complaint 10557281 — filed 12/26/2013 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320?
Fuel/propulsion system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 71 of 214 NHTSA complaints (33.2%), followed by service brakes (57), electrical system (19), fuel system, gasoline (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have?
214 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 9 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
