2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 7%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,970miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class, 7% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,970 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.
“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 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
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