2003 Mercedes-Benz E320: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320: 2 recalls, 214 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #19V918000 · 2019 · 747,928 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame May deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2019/rmisc-19v918-4126.pdf
Why it matters: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #24V874000 · 2024 · 33,456 vehicles
What's wrong: Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel May not be properly secured and can detach.
Why it matters: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel & propulsion (71): the most common themes are leaks (29), stalls / loses power (7), warning light on (5).
- Brakes (57): the most common themes are warning light on (18), brake failure / soft pedal (10).
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Airbags (19): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4), warning light on (3).
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 has 214 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 E320 model years for complaints (2.9× the average E320 year). Complaints peaked in 2013 (38 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 99,850 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (23 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (203 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?
Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (71), brakes (57), electrical (21).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.