2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 5%of 214 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,195miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, 5% of the 214 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,195 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.
“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“I have had several problems with my car hesitating and jerking first few times they fixed it then my car stopped on the freeway in traffic going 40 miles per hour, then the engine light came on again and after changing the transmission it stopped again on the street going 30 miles per hour. My car is still hesitating and jerking. I am so tired of taking the car in all the time and them giving me a rental, my family and friends think its funny that I have driven a rental so many times. The car has been in the shop total of about 50-60 days total. …”
NHTSA complaint #10169373, filed 2006-09, 16,390 miles“Car is used only for work and mostly highway driving for appointments. At 70,000 miles the transmission went out on the E320. An investigation reveled that a valve had failed in the radiator causing coolant from the engine to mix in with the transmission fluid which in turn burnt out parts in the transmission. Also there is hesitation when stepping on the gas pedal the car sometimes sputters to shut off when stopping.”
NHTSA complaint #10508642, filed 2013-04, 70,000 miles“While driving at any speed and when depressing the brakes consumer heard a noise coming from the engine. The noise occurred at least 23 times since ownership of the vehicle. Also, transmission caused the vehicle to jerk when the gas pedal was depressed. Dealer examined the vehicle three times.”
NHTSA complaint #10073519, filed 2004-05, 50 miles“I purchased a Mercedes-Benz E320 in june 2003 and have continued to have an issue involving uncontrolled acceleration and speed surges since september 2003. The condition seems to be more prevalent when the vehicle is approaching low speeds or in a downhill plane the dealership has attempted to repair the vehicle during five (5) service appointments and has acknowledged they are aware of the uncontrolled power, or acceleration, fluctuations. They have attempted to repair the vehicle using m-b advice; without success. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072594, filed 2004-05, 1,164 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10032709Aug 13, 2009Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle is subject to torsion or when steering wheel is turned. This is mainly heard when the vehicle is stationary or…
- 10025663Apr 2, 2008Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ml 320 and gl320); 211.022 (e320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5 | 29% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 6 | 16% |
| 2000 | 7 | 16% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320
88 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSuspension
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