2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, 11% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Shifter stuck in park due to the only plastic part ( shifter module) in the shifter box. Mercedes headquarters take no responsibility for such an expensive fix when plastic part breaks.”
NHTSA complaint #10326942, filed 2010-04, 68,000 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 2006-06“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz s55. The contact stated that the seat belt would not retract properly whenever there were warmer temperatures. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and the dealer was unable to determine the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk lid would either become resistant when attempting to close the hatch, or it would close independently. On one occasion, the trunk lid closed unexpectedly on the contact as she attempted to remove items from the trunk area. As a result, the contact sustained a contusion to the right leg. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509561, filed 2013-04, 50,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V285000Jun 9, 2004On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.Covers: Mercedes-Benz S Class 2003–2004, CL Class 2003–2004
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 11% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 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 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