How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Of 43 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is electrical system.

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 36,614 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 07V263000 2007-06-12 19,924 affected

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 04V285000 2004-06-09 16,690 affected

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.

Consequence

IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUSPENSION:FRONT

SUSPENSION

AIR BAGS

SEAT BELTS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INTERIOR LIGHTING

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

Total complaints43

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“The srs system (airbags) have been deemed inoperable by the dealer and may either deploy at any time or not deploy at all in a collision. This is due to a defective seatbelt buckle and a defective passenger recognition sensor pad located in the front passenger seat which disables/enables the…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2013-06-28

“The srs system (airbags) have been deemed inoperable by the dealer and may either deploy at any time or not deploy at all in a collision. This is due to a defective seatbelt buckle and a defective passenger recognition sensor pad located in the front passenger seat which disables/enables the…”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2013-06-28

“When temperature falls below 17 degrees f, the vehicle drop to unsafe level, and message says airmatic stop car vehicle too low. The tires will start rubbing on liner. Called dealer they said temperature in germany does not go that low, well this car is sold in us, and they need to make it work. *tr”

SUSPENSION:FRONT · reported 2011-01-21

“When vehicle gets cold( outside temp below 17 f), the car will lower, and airomatic warning message comes on saying airomatic vehicle too low stop visit shop. *tr”

SUSPENSION:FRONT · reported 2010-12-18

“Air bag-drivers side, steering wheel. I recently became aware of your site and thought it appropriate to inform you of this issue. The airbag warning light came on and the dealer cleared the fault code. This lasted one week and then the warning reappeared. They did not know if this condition would…”

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · reported 2010-04-27

“Shifter stuck in park due to the only plastic part ( shifter module) in the shifter box. Mercedes headquarters take no responsibility for such an expensive fix when plastic part breaks. *tr”

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · reported 2010-04-04

“Shifter stuck in park due to the only plastic part ( shifter module) in the shifter box. Mercedes headquarters take no responsibility for such an expensive fix when plastic part breaks. *tr”

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES · reported 2010-04-04

“My suspension is horrible!! Without warning my s430 airmatic light displayed "visit workshop", I pulled over and noticed my vehicle was riding extremely low...almost touching my front and back tires. Furthermore, there is a rubbing sound when the wheels are being turned. I contacted 4 dealers and…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2009-10-25