2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 Problems
- Complaints
- 70filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 74,296miles, 60 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report a strong gasoline odor and visible fuel leakage around the fuel tank and fuel sending units, usually noticed after filling the tank. Many complaints describe the smell inside the cabin and in the garage, with some owners finding pooled fuel under the rear seat. Complaints span a wide mileage range, and several owners note the symptom returned after an earlier repair under a 2008 campaign.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell and leak at sender units after filling
- 54 complaints (77%)
- median 73,593 mi at 10.0 yrs old (47 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2023
Owners describe a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin and around the outside of the car, most often right after refueling, especially with a full tank. Many report lifting the rear seat and finding fuel pooled on top of the fuel sending unit or pump assembly, and some see fuel dripping under the car. According to the complaints, dealers commonly replaced sending units, pumps, seals, or the tank itself, and some owners say the smell came back after the repair. Several complaints state an earlier 2008 campaign repair was already performed on the vehicle. Reported from roughly 40,000 to over 160,000 miles, typically right after filling the tank and more noticeable in warm weather or when parked in a closed garage.
What to check: Fill the tank fully and then check for a fuel smell inside the cabin, in the trunk, and around the rear wheel wells; lift the rear seat cushion to look for wetness around the sending unit covers. Ask whether any prior fuel-system campaign work was done and whether the smell returned afterward.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Strong fuel smell from the driver's rear side of the car, trunk and inside the car. My wife filled the car with close to full tank due to recent ca gas prices jumping 50c in one week. I have tried to ventilate the vehicle and park outside, but the smell is still very strong. There needs to be recall for the failing tank or sender unit.”
NHTSA complaint #10479291, filed 2012-10, 108,000 miles“My 2003 mercedes e55 amg sedan has a strong smell of fuel coming from the vehicle. I contacted my local dealer and they said the problem was fixed back in 2008. Apparently the problem has not been solved and I fear an explosion from my garage filling up with fumes and 2 sources of fire, my furnace and my water heater.”
NHTSA complaint #10375162, filed 2011-01, 93,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel pump failure causing stall or power loss
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
A smaller group of complaints describes the engine cutting out or losing power while driving, in some cases on the highway in traffic. Owners say the car restarted after a pause or had to be towed, and that fuel pumps or both pump and sender modules were replaced. In several accounts the same leak-and-stall pattern recurred after earlier pump replacements. Reported across a wide mileage range, including under 50,000 miles and past 110,000 miles, often while driving at speed after fuel-system work.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the fuel pumps or sending units have been replaced and how recently. A test drive that includes a steady highway-speed run can help confirm the car holds power without interruption.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I could smell fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, and after refueling. Went to mb dealership for tune up, oil, and air filter change. Two days later the vehicle stalled on me driving down 55 southbound interstate at 65mph. I was in dense traffic so I turned on my emergency flashers and tried to coast the car onto the shoulder to get safely off the road. Scary since traffic was so dense but I managed. I tried to start the car a few times and it wouldn't start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10547412, filed 2013-10, 123,465 miles“Engine suddenly stopped while in center lane in traffic while maneuvering to make left turn. Third time this happened. Low pressure fuel pump had been replaced with a new one twice before by mercedes dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10363904, filed 2010-11, 43,085 miles - Brakes
Sensotronic brake (SBC) warning and reduced braking
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Owners describe warning messages about diminished braking capability appearing on the instrument cluster, sometimes followed by noticeably longer stopping distances or a complete loss of braking at highway speed. One complaint says the car was towed and the ABS pump and master cylinder were replaced. Another references a Mercedes service bulletin discussing the system's service threshold. Reported between roughly 58,000 and 90,000 miles, typically while braking at highway speed or in traffic.
What to check: Ask whether the brake system has had its service-threshold work performed and whether any brake warnings have appeared. Before buying, have a shop scan for stored brake-system fault codes rather than relying only on the absence of a dash warning.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving the car on the highway, at highway speed, in traffic and in the leftmost lane. A warning message appeared on the car's dashboard that advised that the car had diminished braking capability. I applied the brakes to determine how diminished the brake system was as I was traveling at highway speed and in traffic. Upon application of the brakes the car did not brake or slow down, I had no brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10579343, filed 2014-04, 58,161 miles“This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control system that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system components may fail without warning causing a dramatic reduction of braking capacity. This occurs without warning and results in greatly increased stopping distance. Mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-0012a provides discussion concerning this issue. Mercedes ceased installing this system in 2006. Due to concerns with the engineering of this vital electronic safety system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10779479, filed 2015-10, 130,000 miles
Buying note. The fuel system dominates the complaint record for this model year, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on the tank, sending units, and pump area, plus a full-tank check for odor. Ask for records of any prior fuel-system campaign work, and have the brake system scanned for stored faults before committing.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 70 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55. 60 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 74,296 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 62 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system63 90%
- Brakes3 4.3%
- Electrical system3 4.3%
- Engine2 2.9%
- Air bags1 1.4%
- Engine cooling1 1.4%
- Seats1 1.4%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Upon filling the fuel tank, there is an obvious odor of fuel which is noticed outside the vehicle but difficult to pinpoint where it's coming from. I went to the dealer and they said all the recalls or safety recalls were performed on my vehicle already. But the odor of gas is very strong and not resolved yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10486211, filed 2012-11, 89,000 milesElectrical system: “My vehicle is currently experiencing an srs warning light that the dealership, mercedes benz of south bay, diagnosed as being a passenger seat weight sensor failure. They advised that this is a common failure on these models, which upon searching the internet I believe is the case, and quoted me over $4,000 for the repair. This failure turns off the passenger airbag unless the repair is performed. My understanding, having previously working for another oem for 15 years, was that airbags and their associated parts should last the life of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11309947, filed 2020-02, 96,000 milesEngine: “During initial warmup of vehicle (generally soaked at ambient temperatures 60f and below) a short term (5-8 seconds) unstable idle occurs 20-30 seconds after initial engine start and while in a forward drive gear. This unstable idle generates torque variations that will overcome a brake apply and incur vehicle movement. The brake apply is a level which would keep the vehicle stopped on level ground to counter act normal creep torque. Applying the brake heavier will prevent the vehicle from moving.”
NHTSA complaint #10809392, filed 2015-12, 115,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
20% of the 60 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 58,161 and 95,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 2003–2006, E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007 +20 more
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.
- 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 2003–2006, C230 2002–2007, CLS550 2006–2011 +18 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 2003–2006, E320 2003–2009, C320 2001–2005 +21 more
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…
Recall details for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA13003Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankClosed · Mar 15, 2013
- PE12001Fuel System (Tank/Sender) LeakageClosed · Jan 23, 2012
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 62 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
- 11017500Apr 28, 2025Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
- 11017496Apr 28, 2025Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Electrical system. Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 34 | 72,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 132 | 66,900 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 111 | 91,400 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 70 | 74,296 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55?
Owners of this model year most often report a strong gasoline odor and visible fuel leakage around the fuel tank and fuel sending units, usually noticed after filling the tank. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell and leak at sender units after filling; Fuel pump failure causing stall or power loss; Sensotronic brake (SBC) warning and reduced braking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 have?
NHTSA recorded 70 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 63 complaints (90% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 reported?
Among the 60 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 74,296 miles and the middle half falls between 58,161 and 95,000 miles; 20% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.