Model year
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 28 complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 2 recalls and 46 complaints under S220, S430, S500, S55, and S600. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5), SUSPENSION:FRONT (5), SUSPENSION (4). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 14–18 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,550–$5,850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 81 complaints
- 2001 36 complaints
- 2002 48 complaints
- 2003 28 complaints
- 2004 15 complaints
- 2005 2 complaints
- 2006 32 complaints
- 2007 66 complaints
- 2008 24 complaints
- 2009 2 complaints
- 2010 34 complaints
- 2011 19 complaints
- 2012 1 complaints
- 2013 9 complaints
- 2014 25 complaints
- 2015 51 complaints
- 2016 29 complaints
- 2017 20 complaints
- 2018 26 complaints
- 2019 17 complaints
- 2020 9 complaints
- 2021 35 complaints
- 2022 46 complaints
- 2023 10 complaints
- 2024 5 complaints
- 2025 2 complaints
- 2026 1 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
07V263000 · Jun 12, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; SUSPENSION
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.
04V285000 · Jun 9, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.
Complaints
28 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 3, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| S220 | 1 | 0 |
| S430 | 0 | 26 |
| S500 | 0 | 10 |
| S55 | 0 | 4 |
| S600 | 1 | 6 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE07042 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE · SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:LINES AND FITTINGS; SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:SPRINGS/BAGS;… | Aug 14, 2007 | Nov 20, 2007 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S430 · 4.3L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| S430 4matic · 4.3L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 20 | 17 | — | — | $4,850 |
| S500 · 5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 20 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
| S500 4matic · 5L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
| S55 AMG · 5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 20 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| S600 · 5.5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 12 | 17 | 14 | — | — | $5,850 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.