2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Problems

I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The odor is strong just after filling the tank, and then it disappears at appox. 3 quarters of a tank. This issue has been physically challenging for me, making me dizzy and giving me migraines. I'm also very concerned about the safety issues relating to gasoline fumes inside the car... My understanding is that this is a common issue for the said Mercedes Benz model and year. It is a dangerous parts defect that is unacceptable.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from underneath the vehicle, above the fuel tank. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,800.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the braking system became inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 2005110001. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the sensotronic brake control (SBC) braking system. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

MB USA is not honoring Recall 2005110001 for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for my car. The Mercedes Benz Representative agreed that she does see the car matches the 2003-2006 E class with chassis of A336226 falling between A0- and A7- for the recall. The Mercedes Benz Representative gave no explanation as to why the 25 year recall has closed prior to 2031. The faulty SBC has caused numerous problems. If the recall is not honored, I plan to file a lawsuit against Mercedes. A formal complaint is being filed with the NHTSA for MB USA's lack of adhering to the recall for the full 25 years.

*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.

Everytime I get in my car, the battery is dead! I have purchased several brand new batteries, and the same thing! I purchased a new battery, and my wife and I went on vacation, and as we was headed back home, we began to smell a real foul oder! We stop to the gas station, and looked everywhere, but didn't see anything! As we continue to drive, and turned in the drive way the battery light came on! I opened the trunk, and there was the foul smell, and the battery was so hot it could have caught fire, luckily we was home

REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST

System restraint malfunction seems like it the passenger side airbag won’t let you no if on or of

THE AIR STRUT SUSPENSION HAS FAILED ON LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT

I HAVE PROBLEM WITH FRONT SUSPENCION ON FLOOR

DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIX AND INSPECT MY SBC PUMP WHICH LEAD TO MY VEHICLE BEING TOTALED AND LOSING ESP.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF FOR DAYS AT A TIME . BRAKE LIGHTS ON DASH STAY ON ALL THE TIME ABS WILL ALSO COME ON WHILE DRIVING AND MY CAR WILL STOP . I HAVE TO FORCE THE CAR INTO PARK ... PUMP MY BRAKES THE BREAKS MAKE A SOUND AND THEN THEY START WORKING AGAIN .... THERE IS A HUMMING NOICE WHEN I START MY CAR AS WELL AS THE SEAT BELT LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF EVEN WITH MY SEALS BELT ON.

REPORT NUMBER: CAL-03-07 NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST

*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND SPUTTER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT ANTI-FREEZE LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, WHICH CAUSED THE TORQUE CONVERTER TO FAIL. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $3,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

I PURCHASED A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320 CUSTOM ORDERED. THERE ARE ERRATIC, INCONSISTENT,INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS OF DEFECTIVE BRAKE OPERATION, RADIO,CD,SEAT CONTROLS,INSTRUMENTATION,WINDOWS CONTROL,TIRE PRESSURE INDICATION, RESTRAINT SYSTEM,TRANSMISSION OPERATION, SRS SYSTEM. THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR RANDOMLY. TWICE,WHEN I NEEDED TO BRAKE QUICKLY THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR. THE BRAKE ASSIST FEATURE DID NOT WORK. THE CAR'S BRAKES ARE TERRIBLE AND UNRELIABLE, AND CONSTITUTE SAFETY DANGER ON THE ROAD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS MALFUNCTIONS REPORTED BY CAR INDICATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ALL OR MOST OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GATEWAY MODULE*SOFTWARE*.THE CAN-BUS SYSTEM ON CAR,WHICH ALSO CONTROLS BRAKES,DOES NOT HAVE CORRECTLY-OPERATIONS OF WARE,AND IT AFFECTS MOST ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONS IN THE CAR. THERE ARE DATA COLLISIONS AND PACKET CONFLICTS ON THE BUS BECAUSE THE SOFTWARE IS NOT WRITTEN CORRECTLY OR THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE IS OVERLOADED. READING OVER THE 55 2003 E320 COMPLAINTS ON YOUR WEBSITE,IT IS CLEAR THAT MOST OF THEM ARE DUE TO THIS SOFTWARE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THE SELLING DEALER ,MERCEDES BENZ OF SAN DIEGO,*OVER 50 TIMES*DURING THE YEARS 2003-2007 WITH NO SOLUTION. THE CAR WARRANTY IS SET TO EXPIRE IN A WEEK, AND THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT YET FIXED. THE NHTSB DEMAND MERCEDES BENZ EITHER REDESIGN THE SYSTEM OR REWRITE THE SOFTWARE AND TEST IT FOR ABOUT 40,000 HOURS, OR REPLACE THE VEHICLES WITH POST-2003 E-CLASS MODELS, FREE OF CHARGE THE NHTSB HAS BEEN DUPED BY MERCEDES BENZ INTO BELIEVING THAT REPLACING HARDWARE COMPONENTS SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS THE NHTSB SHOULD TEST THE NETWORK SOFTWARE BY EXAMINING DATA FLOWS AND FUNCTION CALLS DURING THE OPERATION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEM FEATURES OF AN E320 AND DIAGNOSE FOR DATA COLLISIONS AND PACKET CONFLICTS DURING AUTOMOBILE FEATURE OPERATION. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR CEILING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT A CRACK IN THE RIM CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 06/21/16*LJ

MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320, INWHICH THE FUEL FILTERS ARE LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT, HAD A POWERFUL GASOLINE ORDER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BENZ REPAIR SHOP STATED IT WAS A HAIRLINE FRACTURE IN THE FUEL FILTER AND IT WAS LEAKING GAS. THEY REPLACED THE FILTERS, BUT I'VE SEEN THEM REPLACE THE SAME TYPE FILTERS IN 2008 MODELS. I THINK THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND A SAFETY HAZARD. IF ME OR MY SPOUSE HAD BEEN A SMOKER, OR CAUSED A SPARK, WE COULD'VE POTENTIALLY CAUSED A FATAL EXPLOSION. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR

DEALER CLAIMS MB HAS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR EVEN THOUGH NHTSA HAS A RECALL NUMBER: 19V918 FOR GLASS PANEL DETACHING FROM VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF NEXT STEPS TO GET DEALER COMPLIANCE.

I PUSHED THE REMOTE BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB TO UNLOCK THE CAR AND THE LEFT REAR DOOR POPPED OPEN , NOW I CANNOT CLOSE THE DOOR. THE LOCK WILL NOT CATCH TO CLOSE THE DOOR. HAD TO TIE THE DOOR SHUT WITH THE SEATBELT TO DRIVE IT HOME. I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE DOOR LOCK JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN WENT BAD , IT COULD HAVE HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE LOCK HAS TO BE REPLACED , COST ...OVER $500 IT SEEMS STRANGE TO ME THAT THIS PART IS SO OVERPRICED COMPARED TO OTHER MODELS. IT HAS TO BE A DEFECT THAT MERCEDES IS WELL AWARE OF. I'M GLAD I WASN'T IN MOTION WHEN IT HAPPEN . I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.

ON JUNE 6, 2013, WHILE BRAKING ON APPROACHING INTERSECTION, BRAKES FAILED AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED. MERCEDES CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALER, M-B GREENWAY, HOUSTON, TX, WHERE THE SERVICE ADVISOR EXPLAINED THAT THE PRESSURE RESERVOIR OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE UNIT HAD FAILED AND MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,350. I COMPLAINED THAT THE SBC UNIT WAS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 05V0133 AND TWO MBUSA RECALL CAMPAIGNS (2005070007 AND 2005110001) RESULTING IN THE EXTENSION OF THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS WITH NO MILEAGE LIMITATION. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY OR REPLACE THE ENTIRE SBC UNIT, BECAUSE THE ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC CODE REQUIRED BY MB USA, LLC FOR A DEALER TO FILE A WARRANTY CLAIM UNDER THE NHTSA 05V033 CAMPAIGN DID NOT APPEAR ON THE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. I PAID THE DISPUTED $1,350 CHARGE AND DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 6 MILES ON JUNE 6, 2013, AND THE BRAKES AGAIN FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED. MERCEDES CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE TOWED IT BACK TO M-B GREENWEAY, WHERE THE SERVICE STATED THE ENTIRE SBC UNIT HAD FAILED AND MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $2,030. I COMPLAINED THAT THE REPLACEMENT WAS MANDATED AT NO COST BY NHTSA 05V0133, BUT SHE SAID MB USA LLC WOULD ALLOW THE DEALER TO HONOR THE SBC WARRANTY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS "DRIVEN OUT OF THE SHOP." SHE ALSO REFUSED TO CREDIT THE $1,350 CHARGE I PAID FOR THE SBC PRESSURE RESERVOIR REPLACEMENT, BUT OFFERED TO "DISCOUNT" THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE SBC UNIT TO "$1,799." *TR

CAR IS USED ONLY FOR WORK AND MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING FOR APPOINTMENTS. AT 70,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THE E320. AN INVESTIGATION REVELED THAT A VALVE HAD FAILED IN THE RADIATOR CAUSING COOLANT FROM THE ENGINE TO MIX IN WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH IN TURN BURNT OUT PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO THERE IS HESITATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR SOMETIMES SPUTTERS TO SHUT OFF WHEN STOPPING. *TR

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF FOR DAYS AT A TIME . BRAKE LIGHTS ON DASH STAY ON ALL THE TIME ABS WILL ALSO COME ON WHILE DRIVING AND MY CAR WILL STOP . I HAVE TO FORCE THE CAR INTO PARK ... PUMP MY BRAKES THE BREAKS MAKE A SOUND AND THEN THEY START WORKING AGAIN .... THERE IS A HUMMING NOICE WHEN I START MY CAR AS WELL AS THE SEAT BELT LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF EVEN WITH MY SEALS BELT ON.

SMELLS GASOLINE WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN GARAGE AND SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING SMEELS GASOLINE IN CABIN..SRS RESTRAINTS MALFUNCTION LIGHTS KEEPS COMING ON.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE SUN ROOF GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS QUOTED A COST TO REPLACE THE GLASS PORTION OF THE SUN ROOF. THE SUN ROOF GLASS WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE SUN ROOF WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

PROBLEM #1). THE INTERIOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES HAVE A CHROME TAPE OF SOME TYPE THAT COVERS THE HANDLES. THIS TAPE OVERTIME COMES OFF ON THE INSIDE AND IT IS EXTREMELY SHARP LIKE A RAZOR. I CUT MY FINGER TWICE ON THE DRIVER-SIDE AND A PASSENGER GOT CUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE A YEAR LATER. I CONTACTED MERCEDES ABOUT THIS AND THEY WOULDN'T DO OR OFFER ANYTHING. PROBLEM #2). THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISORS OVERTIME GET VERY VERY STIFF AND WILL NOT GO BACK ALL THE WAY UP. MY WIFE CAN NOT EVEN MOVE THEM AT ALL. I ALSO VERBALLY REPORTED THESE PROBLEMS TO PENSKE MERCEDES IN WEST COVINA, CA TO MY SERVICE WRITER AND HE STATED "YES WE ARE AWARE AS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM HOWEVER THERE IS NO RECALL ON THOSE ITEMS". HE WANTED TO CHARGE ME $275 FOR EACH SUN VISOR TO BE REPLACED AND THAT DID NOT INCLUDE LABOR TO INSTALL THEM. PROBLEM #3). LOWER BALL JOINTS GO OUT QUITE FREQUENTLY AND IS ALSO A "KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM". *TR

HEADLIGHT STANDARDS FOR PASSENGER CARS. TRANSFERRED TO RULEMAKING. *MR *CB

PROBLEMS WITH C-240 HEADLIGHT EQUIPMENT.*MR THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS AIMED PROPERLY FOR THE LOW BEAM, THERE IS NO FURTHER ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE FOR THE HIGH BEAM. *CB

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E320. THE VEHICLE HAD FULLWAY FULDA TIRES, TIRE SIZE 245/35Z/R2095. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIRES EXHIBITED CRACKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS OF PURCHASE. THE CONTACT SAID THAT HE WAS INFORMED BY THE TIRE AUTO SHOP THAT THERE IS A NO TREAD WARRANTY BECAUSE THE TIRES WORN QUICKLY.

03 MERCEDES E320 CUSTOMER BELIEVES THAT VEHICLE IS A LEMON**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY BRAKE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD WHILE IN ACCELERATION MODE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED DEFECTS, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SIGNAL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AND PADS WERE REPLACED. THE WIPER BLADES WERE REPLACED. THE LEFT REAR TIRE HAD A SLOW LEAK

I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 5, BRANCH AVE., NEAR CLINTON, MD, ABOUT 30 MPH, DOWN SLIGHT DECLINE OF A HILL, APPROACHING A PLACE IN THE ROAD WHERE CARS CAN ENTER THE HIGHWAY FROM BOTH THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT. AS WE NORMALLY DO, I PRESSED ON THE BREAKS TO SLOW DOWN, IN CASE ONE OF THE CARS SITTING ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT, DECIDED TO ENTER ON TO BRANCH AVE. MY BRAKES FAILED - THE FOOT PEDDLE WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WHEN I WAS TRYING TO SLOW DOWN, THERE WAS LITTLE TO NO CONTROL IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD AND IT WAS LIT UP IN RED WARNING LIGHTS , FIRST SAYING BRAKE NEED MAINTENANCE (OR SOMETHING) AT FIRST. I MANAGE TO GET THE CAR TO STEER TOWARDS THE RIGHT TO GET ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HOPING THE ROUGH TERRAIN WOULD HELP TO SLOW THE CAR TO A STOP. BY THIS TIME THE RED WARNING LIGHTED UP DASH BOARD SAID STOP, BRAKE FAILURE OR SOMETHING. THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED AND I TURNED IF OFF. I AM 59 YEAR OLD WOMAN AND WAS ABSOLUTELY PETRIFIED - MY WHOLE BODY WAS SHAKING FROM THE FEAR THAT I WAS GOING TO WRECK ON THIS BUSY HIGHWAY. LUCKILY FOR ME THE CARS WAITING TO ENTER THE ROAD, DID NOT AND CARS ON THE HIGHWAY SLOWED DOWN AND WENT AROUND ME WHILE THE CAR WAS COASTING TOWARDS THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT TELLING ME TO GET THE BRAKES SERVICES - THEY JUST FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I CALLED MERCEDES ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR THEM TO PICK UP THE CAR. AFTER AN HOUR AND THEY HAD NOT ARRIVED, I TURNED THE CAR ON, THERE WAS NO RED LIGHT. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT DIDN'T GO TO THE FLOOR BUT IT WAS SOFT AND WENT NEARLY TO THE FLOOR. I KEPT PUMPING THE BREAKS - SOMETHING I USED TO SEE MY FATHER DO - THINKING THAT WOULD BRING THE BREAKS BACK UP SO THAT I COULD AT LEAST DRIVE BACK HOME TO AWAIT SERVICE TRUCK. I LET MERCEDES SERVICE KNOW, THEN I SLOWLY DROVE BACK, SIDE ROADS, PULLING OVER TO ALLOW CARS TO PASS UNTIL GOT HOME.

NEW MERCEDES E320 WAS PURCHASED ON MAY 31, 2003 FROM BOBBY RAHAL MOTORCAR COMPANY IN WEXFORD, PA. THE CAR HAS HAD TWO SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITHIN 25 DAYS OF ITS PURCHASE, BOTH BEING SERIOUS AND COULD BE LIFE THREATNING:*AK 1. THE SEAT EASY FUNCTION MALFUNCTIONED. IT PUSHED THE SEAT RIGHT TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALMOST CAUSED CHOKING DUE TO PRESSING OF THE CHEST AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL(JUNE 13, 2003) 2. LOST THE PUMP FOR THE FLUID PRESSURE TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT 35 MILES/HOUR ON A HILLY CURVING ROAD. STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD AND STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT - ALMOST RIGID TO TURN. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH OPPOSING INCOMING TRAFFIC ( JUNE 25, 2003) DEALER REPAIRED IT BUT REFUSES TO GIVE ANY ASSURANCE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. WHEN HE WAS SUGGESTED TO REPLACE THE CAR FOR SAFETY ISSUES THAT HAD OCCURRED IN 25 DAYS, HE HAD REFUSED.

THERE IS A SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT IS DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO TURN OFF, EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER IS PROPERLY SEATED. *TR