2003 Mercedes-Benz S600: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600: 1 recall, 6 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #04V228000 · 2004 · 6,238 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, corrosion May occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high-pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to heat and humidity. Over time, corrosion May deteriorate the inner steel portions of the hose.
Why it matters: This May result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage. Under some circumstances, leaking hydraulic fluid May come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possibility of fire.
The fix: Dealers will install new, corrosion resistant abc high-pressure distribution hoses. The recall began August 31, 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 has 6 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 16 S600 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 5). Complaints peaked in 2009 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 63,988 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (11 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (4 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | 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 S600.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600. 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 S600 problems?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (4), engine & cooling (2), electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.5 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 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.