Owners have filed 281 complaints
about the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E320. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 23
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E320
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
523.8%
Body
419.0%
Headlights
314.3%
Frontal
314.3%
Front
29.5%
Front
29.5%
Occupant Classification
14.8%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
115.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
62.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
52.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
136.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3014.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4019.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7134.8%
150,000+ miles
2813.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2003peak 12Nov 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA13003Opened 15 Mar 2013Closed 19 Dec 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some d...
Recalls on the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V874000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V918000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 177,000 milesMerritt Island, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIX AND INSPECT MY SBC PUMP WHICH LEAD TO MY VEHICLE BEING TOTALED AND LOSING ESP.
NHTSA complaint #11360872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesMerritt Island, FLCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIX AND INSPECT MY SBC PUMP WHICH LEAD TO MY VEHICLE BEING TOTALED AND LOSING ESP.
NHTSA complaint #11360872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,000 milesLincoln, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND TORSO INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000.
NHTSA complaint #11166086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMcdonough, GAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2005. MERCEDES NEVER NOTIFIED US NOR MADE US AWARE OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE DEFECTIVE FUEL TANKS. A MECHANIC TOLD US ABOUT THE WARRANTY AND TOLD US TO CONTACT MERCEDES IMMEDIATELY. FEBRUARY 2018 I CONTACTED CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY TOLD ME TWICE THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR TAKEN TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM CONFIRMED THE ISSUE. TWICE MERCEDES CORPORATE OFFICE REPS TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT TO DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM EVALUATE THE CAR, CONTACT CORPORATE FOR AN " EXCEPTION". I DID JUST SO. THE CAR RUNS OKAY, HOWEVER, THE STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CAR IS FRIGHTENING AND I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I COULD NOT CHANCE MY DAUGHTER DYING IN A AUTOMOBILE EXPLOSION. AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE HAVE BEEN RENTING CARS FROM ENTERPRISE FOR MY DAUGHTER FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS SINCE HER CAR IS OUT OF COMMISSION. FOR GOD'S SAKE, SHE'S OUR DAUGHTER AND THE CAR COULD EXPLODE! THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK IS INDEED DEFECTIVE AND IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPS AT CORPORATE DECIDED TO NOT TO EXTEND THE "EXCEPTION" AFTER ALL. MERCEDES NEVER NOTIFIED US OF THE FUEL TANK DEFECT/RECALL/WARRANTY EXTENSION. THOUGH IT'S DRIVABLE, I REFUSE TO HAVE MY DAUGHTER RISK HER LIFE. I DID EVERYTHING CORP OFFICE SAID I SHOULD DO AND NOW THEY ARE BACK PEDDLING. THEY ARE MAKING US PAY FOR THE ROUNDTRIP TOWING AND THIS IS UNFAIR. GROSS MISREPRESENTATION. DRIVING WITH A FUEL TANK LEAK IS DEADLY. THEY NEED TO HONOR THIS REPAIR. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE INSTRUCTED ME TO TOW A CAR TO THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP IF THEY KNEW FROM THE BEGINNING THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO MAKE THE EXCEPTION.
NHTSA complaint #11112200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJacksonville, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES JUST WHEN OUT ON IT AND THEY HAVE A RECALL BUT IS GOOD FOR JUST 10 THEY NEED TO BE RESPONS FOR THIS PROBLEM MAKING CARS WITH NO BRAKES IS A DEITH WISH I HOPE YOU GUYS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT IS NOT SAFE AT ALL
NHTSA complaint #10794405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesOntario, CA2 injured
SUSPENSION
PROBLEM #1). THE INTERIOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES HAVE A CHROME TAPE OF SOME TYPE THAT COVERS THE HANDLES. THIS TAPE OVERTIME COMES OFF ON THE INSIDE AND IT IS EXTREMELY SHARP LIKE A RAZOR. I CUT MY FINGER TWICE ON THE DRIVER-SIDE AND A PASSENGER GOT CUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE A YEAR LATER. I CONTACTED MERCEDES ABOUT THIS AND THEY WOULDN'T DO OR OFFER ANYTHING. PROBLEM #2). THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISORS OVERTIME GET VERY VERY STIFF AND WILL NOT GO BACK ALL THE WAY UP. MY WIFE CAN NOT EVEN MOVE THEM AT ALL. I ALSO VERBALLY REPORTED THESE PROBLEMS TO PENSKE MERCEDES IN WEST COVINA, CA TO MY SERVICE WRITER AND HE STATED "YES WE ARE AWARE AS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM HOWEVER THERE IS NO RECALL ON THOSE ITEMS". HE WANTED TO CHARGE ME $275 FOR EACH SUN VISOR TO BE REPLACED AND THAT DID NOT INCLUDE LABOR TO INSTALL THEM. PROBLEM #3). LOWER BALL JOINTS GO OUT QUITE FREQUENTLY AND IS ALSO A "KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM".
NHTSA complaint #10489218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Newburyport, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The odor is strong just after filling the tank, and then it disappears at appox. 3 quarters of a tank. This issue has been physically challenging for me, making me dizzy and giving me migraines. I'm also very concerned about the safety issues relating to gasoline fumes inside the car... My understanding is that this is a common issue for the said Mercedes Benz model and year. It is a dangerous parts defect that is unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11628014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
MB USA is not honoring Recall 2005110001 for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for my car. The Mercedes Benz Representative agreed that she does see the car matches the 2003-2006 E class with chassis of A336226 falling between A0- and A7- for the recall. The Mercedes Benz Representative gave no explanation as to why the 25 year recall has closed prior to 2031. The faulty SBC has caused numerous problems. If the recall is not honored, I plan to file a lawsuit against Mercedes. A formal complaint is being filed with the NHTSA for MB USA's lack of adhering to the recall for the full 25 years.
NHTSA complaint #11602318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the braking system became inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 2005110001. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the sensotronic brake control (SBC) braking system. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11602322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
AIR BAGS
REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST
NHTSA complaint #11534246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
ENGINE
REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST
NHTSA complaint #11534246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST
NHTSA complaint #11534246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 202,800 milesTempe, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from underneath the vehicle, above the fuel tank. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,800.
NHTSA complaint #11530938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florissant, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.
NHTSA complaint #11510219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florissant, MO
ENGINE
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.
NHTSA complaint #11510219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florissant, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.
NHTSA complaint #11510219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, MS
AIR BAGS
System restraint malfunction seems like it the passenger side airbag won’t let you no if on or of
NHTSA complaint #11492801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, MS
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
System restraint malfunction seems like it the passenger side airbag won’t let you no if on or of
NHTSA complaint #11492801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longs, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Everytime I get in my car, the battery is dead! I have purchased several brand new batteries, and the same thing! I purchased a new battery, and my wife and I went on vacation, and as we was headed back home, we began to smell a real foul oder! We stop to the gas station, and looked everywhere, but didn't see anything! As we continue to drive, and turned in the drive way the battery light came on! I opened the trunk, and there was the foul smell, and the battery was so hot it could have caught fire, luckily we was home
NHTSA complaint #11484657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orosi, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes failed
NHTSA complaint #11474110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesValencia, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact removed the rear seat where the fuel tank was located and discovered that fuel was leaking into the vehicle underneath the rear seat instead of going into the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11473415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tipton, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After fueling up, a smell of gas occurs. Slight gas puddle forms under the car after every fuel up. Drops gas gauge down and after that no more smell of fuel but still slight puddle of gas after leaving the car parked. Noticed it about a month ago and it seems to get worse. Doesn't seem safe knowing the car is leaking fuel.
NHTSA complaint #11445844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesMerritt Island, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIX AND INSPECT MY SBC PUMP WHICH LEAD TO MY VEHICLE BEING TOTALED AND LOSING ESP.
NHTSA complaint #11360872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesMerritt Island, FLCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIX AND INSPECT MY SBC PUMP WHICH LEAD TO MY VEHICLE BEING TOTALED AND LOSING ESP.
NHTSA complaint #11360872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCamarillo, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN MY WINDOWS ARE DOWN AND IM DRIVING YOU CAN SMELL GASOLINE VERY STRONGLY IN THE CAR. EVEN WORSE IN THE BACK SEAT AREA. ESPECIALLY IF MY GAS TANK IS FILLED. IM CONSTANTLY GETTING A WARNING TO CHECK THE GAS CAP AND THE GAS LIGHT GOES OFF FLASHING THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO ON.
NHTSA complaint #11339854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdonough, GA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HIT A POT HOLE WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATLANTA SOUTH (3775 ROYAL S PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30349) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN AN AIR BAG RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF CONSUMER STATED SINCE THE INCIDENT, MANUFACTURE SENT A LETTER STATING THERE WAS A RECALL WITH THE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA complaint #11331129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesSemenol, FL
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE SUN ROOF GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS QUOTED A COST TO REPLACE THE GLASS PORTION OF THE SUN ROOF. THE SUN ROOF GLASS WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE SUN ROOF WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11330151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashua, NH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SMELL COMING FROM WITHIN CABIN FIRST NOTICED OCTOBER 2018 TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY WAS CHARCOAL FILTER NOT A BIG DEAL WHEN FILLING TANK WITH FUEL IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS, AND WAS RECENTLY NOTICED WHEN TIRES WHERE CHANGED THAT FUEL SMELL AND LOOKED LIKE LEAKAGE OF GAS. WAS TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN DEFECT AND AS THE SECOND OWNER WAS NEVER INFORMED IN ANY CAPACITY. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WHICH IN MY OPINION IF THEY KNEW, ALL OWNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED ASAP. I AM NOT SURE WHAT I CAN DO, OR CAN BE DONE, BUT THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT ACCEPTABLE IF IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT. THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING. I WANT THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO KNOW, WE MAY HAVE OTHERS OUT THEIR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM NOT KNOWING THIS. WHAT A SHAME FOR MERCEDES IF THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED PEOPLE. I STARTED REVIEWING WHAT I COULD FIND ON WEB SITES, ATTACHED IS A NHTSA DOCUMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11328798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesLighthouse Point, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN FILLING FUEL TANK VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS INSIDE OF CAR AND OUTSIDE. WHEN TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE FAULT AND THEY WANTED $5000 TO CORRECT ISSUE.FOUND OUT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, AND THEY REFUSED TO EXPEDITE AS THEY SAID IT WAS FOR 15 YEARS AND THAT HAD EXPIRED. NO RECALL NOTICES HAD BEEN SENT TO ME OR THE PREVIOUS OWNER.I HAVE HAD CAR FOR 4 YEARS, PREVIOS OWNER HAD IT FOR 6.CONTACTED HEAD OFFICE IN ATLANTA STILL WOULD NOT COVER THE ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11316026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 216,722 milesLOS Angeles, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES AND SPC WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKES AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER BUT FAILED TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL FLUCTUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO W.I. SIMONSON MERCEDES-BENZ (1626 WILSHIRE BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 (855) 677-2690), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPC RESERVOIR WAS DEFECTIVE, AND HYDRAULIC UNIT ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 216,722.
NHTSA complaint #11311703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,645 milesTallahassee, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE A 2003 E320 MERCEDES BENZ WITH SBC BRAKE SYSTEM. THE COMPANY HAS ADMITTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SYSTEM AND HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 25 YEARS ON THE SBC PUMP. MY CAR HAS ON ABOUT 4 OR 5 INCIDENTS GAVE ME A RED WARNING ON MY DASH TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SEE WORKSHOP. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS MY BRAKING ABILITY IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED TO THE POINT OF NEEDING A LOT OF DISTANCE TO STOP. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSHED, THAT WORKED FOR A WHILE. AROUND JANUARY OF 2018 THE DEALER UPDATED SOME KIND OF SOFTWARE PACKAGE. JANUARY 2020 THE BRAKE ISSUE HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM BEING TOLD THAT UNLESS A CERTAIN DEFAULT CODE IS INDICATED THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE PUMP. I TOLD MERCEDES CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE NEXT TIME MY BRAKING IS REDUCED WILL BE MY LAST TIME THAT WILL CAUSE DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO OTHER DRIVERS OR MY SELF BEFORE THIS DEFAULT CODE COMES UP, A CODE NO ONE WILL TELL ME WHAT IT IS. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD MY CONCERN BUT UNTIL THIS DEFAULT CODE COMES UP THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE SBC . I FIND THAT STATEMENT TO BE NOT CONSIDER OF LIFE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE ON OUR NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
NHTSA complaint #11302713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.