The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is worse than average by owner complaints: 60 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 132, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 17 to 20 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2011.
Worse than average. 1.3× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2011
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 391 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 59K to 120K miles on the car (300 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 83K–127K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 88K–142K miles
- fuel system, gasoline complaints mostly came at 75K–120K miles
Recalls 3
- visibility 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
- visibility 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- visibility 2019
The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 110 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle is subject to torsion or when steering…
- Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
- Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFuel leakage from the fuel tank2013–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.2L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle experienced electrical problems and the vehicles air bag light illuminated and stayed on. The dealer has been notified.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10012026
More owner reports
1- vehicle (2003 Mercedes-Benz e55) was traveling at 65-70 mph on garden state parkway (nj). I was approaching exit 109 when a car entering from the right decided to cross three lanes of traffic, cutting me off.
NHTSA complaint 10083022
Intermittently when lifting foot off the brake pedal and commence to depress the brake pedal again it causes a lack of braking. Vehicle had been to the dealer, who informed the consumer that they could not locate a problem.
NHTSA complaint 10109036
Quick answers
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 132; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (32%), electrical (20%) and transmission & drivetrain (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
3 safety recalls (latest: visibility). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
17 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 59,900 and 120,000 miles. The middle report was at 90,200 miles, from 300 complaints.
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
3.2L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is better than the 2003?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works