2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 5%of 214 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, 5% of the 214 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 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.
“While pulling into a parking space the front rt. Side suspension began to sink. I got out of the car to take a look and noticed the airbag suspension had completely collapsed. I tried pressing a few buttons to raise the suspension and nothing. The collapse of the airbag suspension was instantaneous and with brief notice.”
NHTSA complaint #10259916, filed 2009-02, 69,000 miles“Left coil spring broke while I was driving, and the car veered abruptly to the left approximately 3 feet. The car should've been towed, but I was so close to mitch carrs's that I drove it very slowly to them.”
NHTSA complaint #10531637, filed 2013-07, 82,811 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“I'm lucky to be alive! I purchased this car in 2005 and ever since I purchased my 2003 merc. Benz E320, it's been a crazy ride! Here's a list of different issues that happened to me over the course of me owning this vehicle, which unfortunately I still do. I was driving with my little girl in tow and my brakes went out on me several times, my battery dies constantly, I had an issue when after I pumped gas you could smell fuel both inside my car & outside of my car, I literally one time had fuel pouring from the back of my car that ended on my garage floor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632340, filed 2014-09, 140,000 miles“Safety and reliability of the mercedes benz airmatic suspension systems is a major issue, please check car owner forums as there are many cars as new as 2007 and 2008's that have airmatic suspension safety and reliability issues, these cars are prone to airmatic suspension problems from the c class sport models to the e and s classes as well, I have never seen such mass repair and safety issues, however most or all people that have the airmatic suspensions will at some point have repairs that can result in the car dropping to the ground while driving with no warning, we are speaking cars…”
NHTSA complaint #10236625, filed 2008-08, 64,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10151948Jul 19, 2018Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
- 10044180Aug 11, 2011Xentry: 'airmatic- service required' or 'elc- service required' in display- 'fc5151- b22/3 (rear axle sensor): signal implausible' stored.
- 10032727Sep 17, 2009Mercedes: following fault codes are entered in the control unit and displayed-fc5320 drain valve:open circuit or insufficient valve current in models series 211, 219; fc5260…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 2 | 9% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 5 | 11% |
| 1999 | 10 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 19% |
| 1997 | 32 | 51% |
| 1996 | 19 | 42% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320
88 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsAir bags
19 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 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