general problems of the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320

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.

Report number: cal-03-07 new car assessment program (ncap) frontal barrier impact test.

Brakes failed.

Dealership failed to fix and inspect my sbc pump which lead to my vehicle being totaled and losing esp.

I have a 2003 E320 Mercedes Benz with sbc brake system. The company has admitted having issues with the system and has extended the warranty to 25 years on the sbc pump. My car has on about 4 or 5 incidents gave me a red warning on my dash to stop the vehicle and see workshop. Each time this happens my braking ability is significantly reduced to the point of needing a lot of distance to stop. I have had the brake system flushed, that worked for a while. Around January of 2018 the dealer updated some kind of software package. January 2020 the brake issue happen again. I am being told that unless a certain default code is indicated they cannot replace the pump. I told mercedes customer service that how will I know that the next time my braking is reduced will be my last time that will cause death or property damage to other drivers or my self before this default code comes up, a code no one will tell me what it is. I was told that they understood my concern but until this default code comes up they cannot replace the sbc . I find that statement to be not consider of life and property damage on our national highways.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz E320. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning while turning. The contact stated that all of the power windows became inoperative, as well as the horn and brakes. The vehicle continued to accelerate independently and was unable to be stopped. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery and alternator warning indicators flashed on the instrument panel. The contact replaced the battery and the alternator, but the failure recurred. The battery was disconnected and reconnected several times in an attempt to correct the failure. A dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

I purchased my current vehicle 18 months ago used. This weekend the giant stop light came on asking me to take the car into the dealership due to defective brakes. It turns out it's the sbc pump which was recalled by Mercedes Benz. Except, benz will not repair it as it's a 2003 and out of their 10 year rule. It's a $2100 I cannot afford and cannot sell vehicle with this issue as I fear it may cause harm to others. A friend suggested I ask for NHTSA's help as benz is unwilling to stand by the recall and repair the safety issue.

Brakes seeemed to working fine and out of no where at 65mph a red notification came on the dash saying "reduced braking effect/longer stopping distance visit workshop". Mercedes is aware of this because they extended the warranty on the sbc unit the is needed to safely operate the car but didn't do a recall and eventually stopped installing this part in the models. If the vehicle is 10 years old plan to shell out thousands since the part isn't covered and it is unsafe to drive because your brakes may go at any time. I have 96k on my vehicle and because it is over 10 years old the faulty part that the manufacturer knew about is not covered. The part is designed to malfunction at 300,000 compressions and this can happen at any time. This is unsafe and should be recalled! I hope someone doesn't have to die for benz to do something about it!.

Mercedes dealer says that my VIN number is not under this recall. I bought the car on July 31,2009 and the recall for the brake pump came out in October 2009. I have had the car serviced at the same mercedes dealer for 8 years and they have never told me about any recall. Is my car covered under this recall. I understand there is a 10 years limit on the recall and mercedes has been regularly servicing my car since year 6 to year 10 I. E. @009 to 2013 and they have never mentioned any recalls in any of the times I have had the car serviced since July 31, 2009.

I own a 2003 E320 Mercedes Benz with 67,000 miles. I took my car to a dealership and was told my sbc unit needs to be replaced. I was also told that the warranty on this component was extended but is now outside the extended warranty period. Why was not covered by a recall rather than just an extended warranty? this seems to indicate mercedes is acknowledging a faulty component. This appears to potentially affect safety so I would hope mercedes would be eager to replace the sbcs.

The contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz E320. While driving 30 mph down an incline, a "brakes are defective" message appeared. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop. The contact had to shift into neutral and apply the emergency brake lever to get the vehicle to come to a complete halt. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sensatronic module for the brake system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the failure was previously repaired per a voluntary recall. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The sbc unit for the brake system is bound to fail there was a 10 year recall on this but not all vehicle where done now mercedes attitude is OH well bad luck pay us and we will fix our faulty part.

Sbc pump went out in the middle of the night, on a lonely, dark two lane road without any notice that there was a brake issue, approximately 200+ miles from my home. Message indicator in car started beeping and an emergency message displayed stating brake malfunction, stop vehicle. Car hardly any brake power and could not be driven over 35 mph. Pulled over and now car would not come out of park. Had to wait 3 hours for a tow truck! luckily I did not have my family with me of which includes small children!.

Brakes just when out on it and they have a recall but is good for just 10 they need to be respons for this problem making cars with no brakes is a deith wish I hope you guys do something about it is not safe at all.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 mercedes E320. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicles service brakes-visit workshop light becomes illuminated. The light stays on and only goes away when it is reset. The contact also was hearing a motor running coming from the engine that comes on and off periodically. The vehicle wa not taken to a dealer or repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. Ed.

When I'm stoping the car, the breaks did not work as it should, and the stop distance increased by 50% !! on August 10th I was in the on the way between charlotte and nashville, in the mountains curves way down, I used the breaks, the car almost got out of control. . . . I felt like the front and rear breaks don't do any synchronization to stop the car, its making the car losing control on the curves. . . . . I red on this issue on internet I found that mercedes has used a new breaking system for this car and stop installing this system it in 2006! the reason why they stop using this because it 100% electronic breaks system, it called sbc (sensotronic brake control ) when this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142. 46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.

Vehicle presented with red light indicating to take vehicle to workshop in red. Braking was extremely difficult, srs system stalled the vehicle, emergency mode was activited,we were unable, at first to turn on the ignition switch. The vehicle operated as if it was paralyzed. We finally got the vehicle to run and reset the code by turning the steering wheel. The vehicle is very dangerous to drive if you are not prepared for longer stopping distances, thankfully my husband was able to get the vehicle to the dealership. I found myself not strong enough to press on the brake pedal for adequate braking distance. This car left me with no brakes at all driving with children in the car. This I'd not safe!.

This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I do believe that this issue is relayed in the mercedes service bulletin s142. 46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. I purchased the vehicle in December of 2007 as a used vehicle with aprox. 40,000 miles. I have not been sent anything from mbenz notifying of this issue. Vehicle put in shop 4-16-20015 at mercedes. Diagnois was faulty sbc pump system at a cost for repair $2400. 00. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed. Lastly, passenger air bag light has been on since shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Known as the srs system. This issue is spelled out as a major safety concern in mercedes e class operator's manual, told by mercedes service dept,this is a $800. 00 bill to have repaired. Question,, does something tragic have to happen before, Mercedes Benz live up to their obligation of keeping those who purchase their vehicle,,,,,safe.

This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142. 46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.

This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142. 46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.

The w211 mercedes (e-class) have sensotronic brake control (sbc) units for the brakes. When, not if, but when they go out, there is no prior warning or anything at all. All braking ability just stops out of nowhere. This is obviously a huge safety concern because all brakes in the car stop working. This issue is well known and mercedes needs to change out the sbc pumps on these cars because the consequences can, and will, be disastrous.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320. The contact stated that the brake warning indicator illuminated continuously without the ignition being turned to the on position. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the sbc united needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

Vehicle presented with red light indicating to take vehicle to workshop in red. Braking was extremely difficult, srs system stalled the vehicle, emergency mode was activited,we were unable, at first to turn on the ignition switch. The vehicle operated as if it was paralyzed. We finally got the vehicle to run and turned vehicle into mb dealership. We were informed that the sbc unit was in need of replacement, we were beset with 1,800. 00 repair. The vehicle is very dangerous to drive if you are not prepared for longer stopping distances, thankfully my husband was able to get the vehicle to the dealership. I found myself not strong enough to press on the brake pedal for adequate braking distance. Fuel: upon fueling vehicle, the fuel handle will stop and immense amounts of fuel will spurt out from fuel tank. There is also a smell of gas/fuel in the cabin after fill up. This creates a huge spill and notification to attendant. Takes up a great amount of time to fill up tank. Surprisingly we haven't been charged for fuel spills. Srs: light on for safety response system, shortly after visit at mb dealership. Have not taken vehicle to mb dealership for fear of another expensive repair.

Mercedes-benz has diagnosed my sbc pump unit, in writing, as "faulty. " they have then gone on to deny and refuse to acknowledge the recall published on this website: NHTSA campaign number: 05v133000. According to 2 mercedes dealerships, and mbusa customer care and claim department, there is no such thing as a recall on the sbc unit, or have they ever heard of NHTSA campaign number: 05v133000 -- there is, however, a limited warranty for the sbc pump. After doing some independent research, it is clear that after recall: NHTSA campaign number: 05v133000, had been submitted to the NHTSA, it has gone completely unacknowledged from that point on. Mercedes has instead "rebranded" it as a warranty-recall, under internal campaign #2005110001, which no longer covers the sbc pump itself, only the wiring around it. There is clearly a conflict/contradiction here, as the mbusa. Com website refers to the service on my car (by VIN) as 05v-311, but the invoice I received from mercedes-benz refers to it as 2005110001.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320. The contact stated that the brakes visit workshop! warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the sbc pump failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate 139,000. Ne.

I was driving ewa bound on beretania street at about 7:45pm at speed 25mph. The car had a red warning and beeps said brake malfuntion, stop vehicle! at this time my car can not brake at all because the brake was completely not working when my car is driving. I have to put in neutral and use the assistance brake to stop the car. Luckily I was not on highway with fast speed! I found out this is common happen to this model due to the fault of sbc abs brake pump. Parts is breaking down but not on brake pump happen when the car is driving. It is totally dangerous! mercedes should have recall to correct the problem. Please investigate and enforcing mercedes to improve. Thanks.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed with a delayed response from the vehicle. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the sensotronic brake control would need to be replaced. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04v296000 (service brakes, hydraulic), however the contact's VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

First incident, brakes! visit workshop! message was illuminated on the information system. Took the vehicle to the dealer and vehicle was diagnosed with sbc pump failure. Dealer replaced part under extended warranty for this part because it has a known defect. Second incident, on April 25, 2013, one day after I took my car from the dealer, stop!, reduced brake power, esp malfunction message appeared. I stopped the car and had it towed to the dealer. Dealer replaced the part again stating that they only have re-manufactured ones and the one I had got was a bad re-manufactured part. Dealer replaced part again. Third incident, on may 1 2013, 5 days after I picked up my car stop!, reduced brake power and esp malfunction light came on again when I was pulling into a garage at a hotel. I came close to hitting the car in front of me that was taking a ticket to get into the garage. I don't know what could have happened if I was going faster than I was. The brake will not work at all once these messages appear.

Vehicle suddenly showed brake reduce "require longer braking distance". I had the same issue before but I did not pay special attention of it because I thought it would just be a brake pad replacement indicator. Until I sent the car in at the dealer for service, they told me that it was an issue related to the sbc unit. Later, I found it online that it was a common known issue for 2003-2005 model. This could be very dangerous for people who was driving the vehicle on freeway if something like this happened. I called the manufacture and all they said was the unit would only be covered within a 10 year period and they did not have any other solution provided.

While driving at 45mph to go to work my car lost the brakes. The display showed brakes defective. Luckily I had plenty of space to stop the car with emergency brakes. I did diagnostic on the car and the sensotronic brake control sbc unit as mercedes-benz calls it (the brake unit) was defective. This is unacceptable defect and could be life threatening to others if they loose the brakes like I did while driving. Dealer diagnosed the car as well and replaced the sbc pump.

It started with a esp warning on the cluster, with increased brake distance, after restart the warning was gone, after many months the warning came back on in Nov of 2013, went back off and came back on Jan 14 2014, called the mercedes dealer in nashville TN, was advised that the auto did have a recall on the sbc unit, which is the abs brake system, but the recall ended on 11-12, which I do not understand how a saftey recall can exprire with mileage or date. The repair will cost about $2000. 00 with no manufacture support or help. Merecedes has know about the bosch system have only so many brake cycles, I purchased this vehicle used in 2009 and have never received any infomation on the recall. This is not the way a recall is supposed to work. . Mercedes said sorry, thats not good enough, this is the saftey of my family and others that own these vehciles.

On several occasions when starting my vehicle, the dashboard would go completely red, followed by beeping and an esp warning, saying limited breaking. The pedal would go to the floor at that point. Sometimes I would already have the shift engaged before the lights went off and would have to use the emergency brake to stop the car. We researched and found the recall regarding the hydraulic braking system and took the car to a mercedes dealer for repair. We were advised by the repair shop that if the recalled part was the problem, then the dashboard would light up and we'd have no brakes. We explained that that is exactly what happens, but they would not repair the vehicle until they saw that happen themselves. After keeping the car for 3 days, they returned it saying it was the reservoir which would cost appox. $1800 to replace. We called mercedes corporate about this also, but they have yet to call us back. Looking into the recalled unit, it appears this is all one system and therefore should have been replaced under the recall. I had the car for a couple weeks without another incident until this weekend when I had been driving the car for approximately one hour and after about a half hour of not braking the dashboard lit up red while I was doing approximately 45-50 mph. I tried to brake, but there were no brakes. Fortunately it was very early in the morning and very few people on the road. I was able to pull to the side and use my emergency brake to stop the car. After turning the car off and on about five times, it finally stopped warning me and I was able to drive and park the car safely. If this braking system is known as faulty and was part of a massive recall, why can't I get my car fixed?.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320. When the contact exited the interstate, an alarm began to sound, indicating that there were no brakes. The following day, the brakes were working properly. The dealer replaced the sbc controller for free. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 05v133000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The VIN and speed were unknown. The failure mileage was 35,000.

I was driving my 2003 Mercedes Benz e 320 and all of a sudden a sign appeared on the dash board that brake was disabled and I was unable to control the vehicle without a brake and still it was running. Some how I managed to drive the vehicle to a parking lot on left and stopped it by changing the gear to parking. If it was happening after 10 second it would have collided with other vehicles in high speed in a major intersection and I wouldn't be in the face of the earth today. Later I found out that the brake system of 2003 e 320 was in recall. When I checked with the dealer they said it was replaced before and there is no more warranty. I had to pay $2500 to fix the problem from my pocket. I am so upset about this incident - more than the money - the negligence of Mercedes Benz can risk the life of many people like me driving mercedes 2003 E320 model with faulty brake which break down without any warning while going in high speed. What shall I do in this matter?.