2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 214 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, 3% of the 214 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,800 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.
“Recently on today 7-12-16 at 174,000 miles the display on my 2003 E320 4s mercedes benz all of a suddenly displayed an illuminated message in bright white : brake service brake visit workshop. My vehicle was in motion on a busy major highway when the hydraulic brake system exhibited this message. Shortly prior to this messaging, I notice my brakes were more hard to apply pressure,. I am glad I wasn't driving fast, this could have been a serious tragedy to myself as well as those others on the expressway just a as I was. 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #10884444, filed 2016-07, 174,000 miles“Crankshaft position sensor - the engine shuts down without any warning, sometimes while driving at speed. I tried to restart it several times, but to not avail. It may restart after the engine has cooled off (after 20-30 minutes) but the problem repeats itself when the engine has been running and warm again. The check engine light came on and a malfunction message: battery protection - conventional functions temporarily unavailable displays. Once at the repair shop, the mechanic knew what the problem may possibly be even before testing for the check engine code. …”
NHTSA complaint #10564816, filed 2014-02, 111,600 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz e 320. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised her that the two valves and the fuel sending unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred a few months after the repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. The current mileage was approximately 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10505230, filed 2013-04, 91,000 miles“*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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11510219, filed 2023-03“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning while turning. The contact stated that all of the power windows became inoperative, as well as the horn and brakes. The vehicle continued to accelerate independently and was unable to be stopped. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery and alternator warning indicators flashed on the instrument panel. The contact replaced the battery and the alternator, but the failure recurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11140812, filed 2018-10Related service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
- 10135598Mar 25, 2015Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 25% |
| 2008 | 3 | 30% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320
88 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
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 29, 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