2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 power train problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the gear shifter failed to shift out of gear. The contact mentioned that the vehicle required to be restarted in order for the gear shifter to function. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”
filed Dec 3, 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle downshifted and the brakes failed. The vehicle shut off and was able to be restarted. After the vehicle was restarted, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…”
filed Sep 25, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause…
LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 14, 2026Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in…
LI33.30-P-056665 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in…
LI33.30-P-056665 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 21, 2025
Power Train problems in other E500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 E500 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 E500 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 E500 | 7 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.