2003 Mercedes-Benz S430 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 8%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, 8% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,500 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 have a 2003 mercedes S430. The other day my wife was going down the highway at 65 MPH when it just shut off in the middle of the road. This is very dangerous. How do we allow a vehicle to operate on the highway that would just cut off in the middle of the road without at least giving you a chance to get out of the road. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #11078449, filed 2018-03, 90,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed that the front passenger's side of the vehicle was sitting abnormally low. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle however, once he reached 60 MPH a warning light illuminated, indicating that the vehicle was too low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but did the contact did not have a diagnostic test performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension). …”
NHTSA complaint #10494993, filed 2013-01, 113,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430
12 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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