2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 21%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, 21% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 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.
“I was driving on a highway when car just stopped. I had to get out of the car and push it for it to start again. After 500 it stopped again and had to be towed away.”
NHTSA complaint #10137974, filed 2005-09, 55,000 miles“This auto's command (communications) system (radio/cass/cell phone/navigation system) has failed, intermittantly eleven times over the past 2 years. Since I purchased this auto for monthly trips between maine and georgia, I really need safe and consistent communications and navigation systems to operate properly. I've now lost faith in the safe operation of this vehicle; purchased expressly for safe, long distance, all-weather, & dependable trips of 2,600 miles each month. While the factory has attempted to repair/replace the command system ten times, it has now failed for the eleventh time! …”
NHTSA complaint #10113945, filed 2005-03, 127 miles“My 2003 mercedes s500 has twice electronically self-closed it's trunk on two separate users, on two separate occasions. This vehicle has been taken to two separate mercedes dealers for the problem. One of those dealers replaced a number of parts. Despite doing so, the second occurrence (last night), left my other half in tears, pain, with a recess in her head and a headache. The electronic trunk lid has had instances where it does not open all the way, does not close all the way, or a combination of the two. …”
NHTSA complaint #10160181, filed 2006-06Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class
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