Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Structure2
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Steering2
- Service brakes1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
2003
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
10V366000 · Exterior lighting5 Aug 2010 · 3,552 vehicles
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2010 G-CLASS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A GRILL COVER FOR FRONT TURN SIGNAL PROTECTION THAT, WHILE PERMISSIBLE, MAY IMPACT OVER TIME THE SIGNAL'S ABILITY TO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108.
08V303000 · Electrical system7 Jul 2008 · 404 vehicles
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mercedes-Benz told its dealers about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G500: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010755 | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see |
| 11009122 | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer l |
| 11009036 | Complaint "Active Emergency Stop Assist Currently Unavailable" and "Active Steering Assist Inoperative" instrument cluster messages along with Tire Pressure Light on in Instrument Cluster. Cause Both systems are temporarily unavailable due to low tire pressures. An active tire pressure monitor light may result in some assistance features being temporarily unavailable until tire pressures are corrected. Remedy Check/adjust tire pressures and reset monitoring through the instrument cluster. |
| 11008091 | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protrudin |
| 11008072 | Complaint White plastic insert present on microphone assembly. See figure A for example. Cause The insert (breathable filter) is designed to be inside for dust protection and air flow control. Remedy Do not remove the breathable filter from the microphone assembly. This part is designed to be in the microphone and should remain in the vehicle. Note: If TIPS support is required for microphone symptoms please open a TIPS case and reference this LI. |
| 11007974 | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for cor |
| 11007753 | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an eng |
| 11007673 | Complaint Damage or discoloration to paint protection films on vehicle. Cause Chip protection films are a wear item that may need to be replaced over the life of the vehicle. They are typically not covered by vehicle warranty. Remedy To properly install a paint/chip protection film, please follow the below guidelines: #1 - Utilize a solution that is 0.2% soap solution (1,000ml of water + 2ml of liquid soap). #2 - Clean the paint surface and ensure it is dust-free. #2a - When cleaning, you can utilize isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) to assist with cleaning. #2b - We recommend a lint-free ra |
| 11005294 | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the ve |
| 10248162 | Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material! |
| 10209877 | Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy Follow guided tests as described. |
| 10205803 | The mobile phone address book may not be transferred completely to the multimedia system COMAND, Audio 20, or MBUX. The contact list may not be fully populated and in some instances, the call list will display telephone numbers but no names. |
| 10205788 | When driving over speed limiters, speed bumps or rough roads;knocking noises may be heard from the rear area of the vehicle. |
| 10205247 | Traffic information service and posibly the voice control, nonfunctional after navigation software update. |
| 10205239 | "Anti-theft protection activated". |
| 10205237 | The COMAND unit does not start or the display remains dark. |
| 10205236 | "Metadata loss- Please reimport all media data". |
| 10205234 | Software update of COMAND Online control unit. |
| 10205217 | Sunroof leaks. |
| 10186141 | NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock |
| 10179966 | Incorrect time and/or instrument cluster message "SOS, service not activated" and/or Mercedes Me connect services nonfunctional |
| 10174355 | G facelift: Complaints regarding headlamp (ILS) |
| 10167564 | Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement. |
| 10167563 | The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30). |
| 10167507 | Vibrations at the steering wheel or steering system has excessive resistance |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)