Mercedes Benz / E320 / 2003
2003 Mercedes Benz E320 problems
Owners have filed 281 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 with NHTSA. Fuel/propulsion system accounts for 25.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of service brakes at 20.3%.
Complaints281
Crashes12
Fires1
Injuries16
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Fuel/propulsion system 25.3% · 71
Service brakes 20.3% · 57
Electrical system 7.5% · 21
Air bags 7.1% · 20
Fuel system, gasoline 6.4% · 18
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.4% · 18
Suspension 4.3% · 12
Power train 3.9% · 11
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 16 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Mercedes Benz E320 in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 16 in the last three years against 22 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 97,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320. The contact stated that after refueling, a strong odor of fuel emitted inside the vehicle and then subsided after driving some distance. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall related to the fuel system however, the vin was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 181,000. Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 181,000 miles
Recently, my 2003 E320 Mercedes Benz continue to produce a very strong odor of gasoline immediately after fill up. I checked the car surrounding for any available leak but I could not find any. I had the car for more than seven (7) years with the smell could someone explain why? All indicators on the panel says normal please help!!! Before the explosion!!!!!!!!!!! Fuel/propulsion system
Strong gas smell in garage after filling gas tank. Appeared to come from left rear side of the car. A few days later, the check engine light came on. Diagnosis by dealer is that there is a crack in the upper part of the gas tank. Gas tank and fuel assembly must be replaced. Estimate is for $3,000. Not covered by warranty and customer must pay full replacement cost. Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 80,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…