2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,494miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class, 7% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,494 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2003 e-class mercedes benz purchased this year from ralley motors, roslyn, new york. Since I took the title to the vehicle, there has been uncontrolled mild acceleration at low speeds, the car bucks and shakes upon de-acceleration resulting in my having lost control of the vehicle and consequently requiring my jamming abruptly on the brakes to avoid hitting another vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, the car had significantly steered to the right at all times, requiring my constantly having to steer to the left in order to drive straight ahead. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047007, filed 2003-12, 500 miles“When the consumer attempted to shift the vehicle, it hesitated. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle. A loud noise was heard coming from the front and the vehicle vibrated while driving. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the control modular was replaced on this vehicle twice. The consumer informed the mechanic the problem has not been resolved. The mechanic informed the consumer a representative would come down to inspect the vehicle. Please fill in additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10083519, filed 2004-07Related service bulletins
- 10020183Jul 1, 2006Dirt can collect in the rear sleeves on the front axle carrier. Clean sleeves on front axle carrier and install new bolts and washers.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology