2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 10%of 214 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, 10% of the 214 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my e-320 I heard a loud popping sound come through the speakers. After I heard the sound the rear speakers and the sub woofer began to make a noised that suggested they were busted. When I stop the car and shut it off I heard a buzzing noise come through the speakers. Now when ever I apply the brakes I hear what sounds like a faulty ground noise coming through the speakers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239587, filed 2008-08, 78 miles“While traveling in the far left lane on a four lane highway the engine on the car stops in addition to the check engine light coming on. I could not move to the left shoulder because it was an additional lane for high occupancy vehicles which was also barricaded. I immediately placed on my flashers and commenced to change lanes to get off of the highway. Where this also occurred was where an on-ramp connects which added on another obstacle in an attempt to get off of the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10414356, filed 2011-07, 118,893 miles“My car has stopped on the freeway as I was driving. Then again a few weeks later while driving it stopped on the street. Also it jerks and hesitates often. I am afraid its going to stop anytime. The dealer will not give me a new car or my money back. I have taken the car in 16 different times and its been in the shop for over 45 days total. My lease is going to be up in about 4 months, I think that is my they will not do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #10168315, filed 2006-09, 30,000 miles“2003 E320 mercedes brake failure!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I bought this car in 07 with 65,000 miles a good deal. Fine car! However...today while driving to work a red brake failure warning...flashes across the screen and my car would not stop!!! I am rolling across a small country rd bridge and thankfully am at the bottom of a steep hill. The brake pedal just flopped..nothing.. I managed to get it into park and get out with the car still running!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10359192, filed 2010-10, 113,000 miles“I purchased my car from a used car dealership of course I expected to have to have minor work done on it. Immediately noticed that the heater didn't work when I had it repaired I was told that some valve often gets stuck on these cars the dealership always run diagnostics on your car whether you want them to or upon running the diagnostic I was advised the my new used card would need about $6k in work done from the hood to the trunk I decided to keep the car and get the major work done in stages 1st thing I had done was front break pads and rotors although I opted to have the work completed…”
NHTSA complaint #10608457, filed 2014-07, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 10186141Dec 10, 2020NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186142Dec 9, 2020Unmotivated Reaction from Park Assist - model series 213 facelift / 238 facelift with option code 235 (active par- king assist) and option code 501 (surround view system)
- 10179951Jul 20, 2020AIRMATIC Fault Message "Max 80 km/ h (50 mph) " In Instrument Cluster
- 10205233Aug 5, 2013Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10033070Dec 16, 2009Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209…
- 10028686May 6, 2009Mercedes: air matic visit workshop displayed within instrument cluster. Models 164, 211, 219, 221 and 251. Included 4matic, amg (compressor) amg, bluetec and wagon. Model years…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 | 16 | 7% |
| 2004 | 13 | 6% |
| 2003 | 21 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 17% |
| 2001 | 13 | 34% |
| 2000 | 8 | 18% |
| 1999 | 8 | 10% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1996 | 12 | 27% |
| 1995 | 89 | 93% |
| 1994 | 7 | 64% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320
88 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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