2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 25%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, 25% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,500 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.
“My suspension is horrible!! Without warning my s430 airmatic light displayed visit workshop , I pulled over and noticed my vehicle was riding extremely low...almost touching my front and back tires. Furthermore, there is a rubbing sound when the wheels are being turned. I contacted 4 dealers and they all claimed the suspension and/or airmatic system has been a common problem ...my concern is why wasn't I notified about a recall? Secondly, after scheduling an appointment for this week, mb is claiming that I will be charged for service a. …”
NHTSA complaint #10291036, filed 2009-11, 84,500 miles“I cannot believe that there is not or will not be a recall on the suspension issue. I too had the fate of my car collapsing on my way home from work-which is 35 miles away-it happened. On the dash it stated in bid bold letters airmatic car too low . I pulled over and stepped out-my heart felt like it was going to come through my chest. Everyone in that situation understands just how I felt at that time. The front of the car was completely covering half of the front tires-if I turned the wheel it would have scraped the fenders. I left the car there overnite. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292477, filed 2009-11, 74,000 miles“The front end of the vehicle collapsed while parked. The dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10055275, filed 2004-02, 9,500 miles“Incident one: 1. While driving in atlanta, ga in february of 2007. The front airmatic suspension failed while crossing an inactive railroad track. Just imagine if it was active. Mercedes-benz towed the car and replaced the defect. 2. A few days ago, I'm driving on a 40 MPH speed limit road and my car starts to lower. Again. I was lucky that no one was behind me, otherwise it could have had a different outcome. How many times will someone need to report this safety hazard to the national highway and traffic safety administration. Does someone need to die, in order to be heard? Please help me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10273771, filed 2009-06“When vehicle gets cold( outside temp below 17 f), the car will lower, and airomatic warning message comes on saying airomatic vehicle too low stop visit shop.”
NHTSA complaint #10380786, filed 2011-02Related recalls
- 07V263000Jun 12, 2007On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive…Covers: Mercedes-Benz S Class 2000–2004, CL Class 2000–2004
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class
6 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 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