2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 214 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, 2% of the 214 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,150 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 pushed the remote button on the key fob to unlock the car and the left rear door popped open , now I cannot close the door. The lock will not catch to close the door. Had to tie the door shut with the seatbelt to drive it home. I'm being told that the door lock just all of a sudden went bad , it could have happen while driving. The lock has to be replaced , cost ...over $500 it seems strange to me that this part is so overpriced compared to other models. It has to be a defect that mercedes is well aware of. I'm glad I wasn't in motion when it happen . I feel this should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11023316, filed 2017-09, 121,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489218, filed 2012-12, 73,000 miles“Dealer claims mb has no recall on this car even though NHTSA has a recall number: 19v918 for glass panel detaching from vehicle. Please advise me of next steps to get dealer compliance.”
NHTSA complaint #11297485, filed 2020-01Related service bulletins
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Complaint 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…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Complaint 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…
- 11009122Oct 23, 2024Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump…
- 10151924Jul 2, 2018Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
- 10166081Jul 12, 2014Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest…
- 10033067Jun 4, 2009Mercedes benz: tailgate does not open fully in cold weather. The tailgate not opening fully in cold weather, do not replace the struts.
- 10025649Feb 22, 2008Water entry at a-pillar on model 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 282, 283 (e320 cdi; e320; e500;e55amg; e320 4matic; e500 4matic; e320 wagon; 320 4matic). Unknown years.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 10% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 5 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 14% |
| 1997 | 4 | 6% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
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 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
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 30, 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