2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system13092.2%
- Electrical32.1%
- Brakes21.4%
- Engine21.4%
- Suspension10.7%
- Interior & seats10.7%
- Powertrain (other)10.7%
- Airbags10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel pump housing failed allowing gas to leak, further degrading parts of the fuel system, ultimately causing the locking ring to fail and gas to leak under rear passenger seat. Fumes filled the cabin while my family and I including two young children were inside. Fortunately, this issue was discovered rather quick, if not the fuel could have leaked onto the hot exhaust under the tank and ignited. I recently found this issue is well known in the Mercedes-Benz W211 chassis. You have multiple complaints on file. Mercedes had in fact issued an extended warranty of the fuel system however, it has since expired. The car provided no warning messages prior to failure. The car has yet to be inspected by the dealer, mechanic, or insurance.
The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle and arriving to the residence; the contact became aware that after parking the vehicle in the garage, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact saw fuel leaking from the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was part of an Extended Warranty program however, the Extended Warranty Program had expired. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HAS HAD A CONSTANT STRONG GAS ODOR IN CAR. UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY THE VEHICLE HAS HAD... 2/8/08 LEFT SENDING UNIT CONNECT SEIZE AND CRACK REPLACED ALSO FUEL TANK REPLACED. 4/23/08 FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY FUEL FILTER REPLACED.10/7 +11/6ODOR CONTINUES. CONTINUE TO BRING IN CAR NOTHING HAPPENS 1/20 SENDING UNIT,SENSOR,SEAL RINGS REPLACED(SEALS LEAKING AROUND PRESSURE SENSORS. 2/2/10 ODOR CONTINUES 8/18 ODOR CONTINUES 7/22/11 REPLACE LEFTSENDING UNIT.3/4/14 FUEL TANK AND SENSORS RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER AT COST TO MYSELF. I HAVE ALL DEALER WORKSHEETS OF THIS FUEL LEAKING STRONG ODOR PROBLEM BEING A CONSTANT COMPLAINT. PLEASE HELP. *TR
I SMELLED A GAS ORDER THAT WAS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. I DECIDED TO PULL THE PASSENGER SEAT TO FOLLOW THE SMELL AND NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GAS ON TOP OF MY FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT. I DECIDED TO PULL OUT THE UNIT AND NOTICED THE UNIT WAS DISCOLORED AROUND THE CONNECTOR TERMINALS. I BELIEVE THE TERMINAL MELTED THE SENDING UNIT CAUSING THE SENDING UNIT TO LEAK FUEL. I HAVE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, PLEASE HELP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MERCEDES BENZ OF FORT WASHINGTON HAS DENIED A REPLACEMENT OF SBC UNIT AND COMPONENTS UNDER A SAFETY RECALL. I LOST BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. 'DECREASED BRAKES POWER' RED MESSAGE APPEARED
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E 55 AMG CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS SENT A RECALL #2005110001 AFTER PICKING CAR UP THE NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEMS HE WAS CHARGED FOR SERVICE AND WANTS TO REIMBURSED**CC THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE NEVER DROVE THE SAME. THE CONSUMER STARTED TO EXPERIENCE OTHER PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKING WAS DIFFERENT AND IT REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHT FLUID LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE SBS HYDRAULIC UNIT WAS DAMAGED AND LEAKING, WHICH WAS THE SAME PART THAT WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP UNDER RECALL. THE SEAT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE WORN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO ONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HAS HAD A CONSTANT STRONG GAS ODOR IN CAR. UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY THE VEHICLE HAS HAD... 2/8/08 LEFT SENDING UNIT CONNECT SEIZE AND CRACK REPLACED ALSO FUEL TANK REPLACED. 4/23/08 FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY FUEL FILTER REPLACED.10/7 +11/6ODOR CONTINUES. CONTINUE TO BRING IN CAR NOTHING HAPPENS 1/20 SENDING UNIT,SENSOR,SEAL RINGS REPLACED(SEALS LEAKING AROUND PRESSURE SENSORS. 2/2/10 ODOR CONTINUES 8/18 ODOR CONTINUES 7/22/11 REPLACE LEFTSENDING UNIT.3/4/14 FUEL TANK AND SENSORS RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER AT COST TO MYSELF. I HAVE ALL DEALER WORKSHEETS OF THIS FUEL LEAKING STRONG ODOR PROBLEM BEING A CONSTANT COMPLAINT. PLEASE HELP. *TR
AFTER I FINISHED PUMPING FUEL MY PASSENGER IN THE BACK SMELLED GASOLINE. I HAD JUST PUT FUEL SO I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS SOAKED WITH GASOLINE. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS CAN BE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. SEEMS THERE IS A HOLE NEAR WHERE THE GAS ENTERS THE PIPE THAT GOES DOWN TO THE GAS TANK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E 55 AMG CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS SENT A RECALL #2005110001 AFTER PICKING CAR UP THE NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEMS HE WAS CHARGED FOR SERVICE AND WANTS TO REIMBURSED**CC THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE NEVER DROVE THE SAME. THE CONSUMER STARTED TO EXPERIENCE OTHER PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKING WAS DIFFERENT AND IT REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHT FLUID LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE SBS HYDRAULIC UNIT WAS DAMAGED AND LEAKING, WHICH WAS THE SAME PART THAT WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP UNDER RECALL. THE SEAT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE WORN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO ONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E 55 AMG CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS SENT A RECALL #2005110001 AFTER PICKING CAR UP THE NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEMS HE WAS CHARGED FOR SERVICE AND WANTS TO REIMBURSED**CC THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE NEVER DROVE THE SAME. THE CONSUMER STARTED TO EXPERIENCE OTHER PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKING WAS DIFFERENT AND IT REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHT FLUID LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE SBS HYDRAULIC UNIT WAS DAMAGED AND LEAKING, WHICH WAS THE SAME PART THAT WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP UNDER RECALL. THE SEAT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE WORN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO ONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER NO FEWER THAN 4 TIMES FOR VARIOUS FUEL SYSTEM RELATED ISSUES. THE SYMPTOMS OF EACH PART FAILURE INVOLVE A PERVASIVE GAS SMELL FILLING THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE, AND GASOLINE USUALLY POOLS UNDER THE REAR SEAT. THE SMELL IS SO POTENT THAT THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE, AND THE POOLING OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN MUST BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE GAS TANK, FUEL SENDERS, FUEL PUMP, CHARCOAL FILTERS, AND GASKET BETWEEN THE TANK AND FUEL SENDERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE HAD TO FIGHT TO HAVE THIS PAID FOR UNDER MY EXISTING MERCEDES BENZ EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY WARRANTY EXPIRES IN JULY OF 2013, AND I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. MY MOST RECENT DEALER VISIT FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS 2 DAYS AGO. NOTHING WAS REPLACED, AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT OEM PARTS REPLACEMENTS HAVE BEEN USED TO FIX THE ISSUE EACH TIME...WHICH IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CONTINUE TO FAIL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E 55 AMG CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS SENT A RECALL #2005110001 AFTER PICKING CAR UP THE NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEMS HE WAS CHARGED FOR SERVICE AND WANTS TO REIMBURSED**CC THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE NEVER DROVE THE SAME. THE CONSUMER STARTED TO EXPERIENCE OTHER PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKING WAS DIFFERENT AND IT REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHT FLUID LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE SBS HYDRAULIC UNIT WAS DAMAGED AND LEAKING, WHICH WAS THE SAME PART THAT WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP UNDER RECALL. THE SEAT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE WORN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO ONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .