RoadVitals

2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
9
Latest Oct 9, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jul 7, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 22 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system555.6%
  • Electrical111.1%
  • Engine111.1%
  • Exterior lighting111.1%
  • Suspension111.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08V303000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jul 7, 2008
404 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2008 070001View on NHTSA.gov
05V133000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Apr 1, 2005
204,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY SHIFT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP FUNCTION MODE, DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION, OR DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP.
The risk: IN THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. ADDITIONALLY DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SBC PUMP UNIT IN SL VEHICLES PRODUCED DURING A LIMITED PRODUCTION PERIOD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2005070007 & 2005110View on NHTSA.gov
04V296000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Jun 22, 2004
143,387 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) IS DESIGNED TO MONITOR THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. IF AN UNACCEPTABLE PRESSURE GRADIENT IS DETECTED, THE SYSTEM WILL SWITCH, AS IT IS DESIGNED TO DO, INTO THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.
The risk: IF VEHICLES ARE NOT ROUTINELY SERVICED AND HAVE EXTREMELY HIGH MILEAGE COMBINED WITH A HIGH NUMBER OF BRAKE ACTUATIONS, OR A HIGH BRAKE ACTUATION FREQUENCY, THE PUMP MOTOR OF THE SBC MAY RUN OUT OF PERMISSIBLE TOLERANCES, THEREBY TRIGGERING THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21M 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2004050014View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE10017ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance

Opened May 14, 2010
Closed Nov 24, 2010

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported a high number of warranty claims for air bag warning lamp illumination due to a diagnostic fault code 9103 or 9123 indicating a high resistance in the driver's frontal air bag firing circuit.MBUSA's testing and evaluation have shown that this condition is the result of a faulty connector (specifically, improper wire crimp) but that it will not prevent proper deployment of the driver's frontal air bag.The faulty connector can cause the air bag circuit resistance levels to exceed the threshold that illuminates the air bag warning lamp, but they do not exceed a higher limit at which proper deployment of the air bag may no longer occur.The agency believes that further expenditure of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.During the investigation, ODI learned that MBUSA will initiate a warranty extension program to address the faulty connectors in subject model year 2005 and 2006 E-Class and other MBUSA model/model year vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.MBUSA will notify all affected vehicle owners of this action.A bulletin describing this program is available in the investigative file.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 9
Fuel system
Filed Oct 9, 2013

THE CAR HAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THEIR VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY AFTER REFUELING. IT APPEARS THAT THE GASKET ON THE FUEL TANK LEAKS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10547467
Incident
Sep 30, 2013
Mileage
105,276 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 17, 2012

DURING THE PAST 2-3 YEARS, MY WIFE AND I BEGAN TO NOTICE A GASOLINE VAPORS IN OUR CLOSED GARAGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER OUR 2005 E320 HAD BEEN REFUELED. WE ALSO NOTICED THAT AFTER A FEW DAYS DRIVING, THE GASOLINE VAPORS, DIMINISHED. MORE RECENTLY, IT ALSO SEEMED THAT THE GASOLINE ODOR HAS BEEN STRONGER AFTER REFUELING. IN ADDITION, MY WIFE, WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR, HAS RECENTLY BEGUN TO SMELL GASOLINE VAPORS FROM INSIDE THE CAR, AND WHILE DRIVING. DURING A RECENT VISIT TO MY DEALER FOR SERVICING, I ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THEY REMOVED THE REAR SEAT, FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AND THEN DISCOVERED GASOLINE LEAKING AND PUDDLING AROUND THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE DEALER TOLD ME TO EITHER 1) REPLACE THE ORIGINAL FUEL TANK WITH A SLIGHTLY REDESIGNED TANK, OR 2) WHEN REFUELING, FILL THE GAS TANK TO A LEVEL LESS THAN COMPLETELY FULL. THEY ADMITTED THAT THE EXISTING DESIGN PROBABLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE LEAKING. THE DEALER STATED ALSO THAT A REPLACEMENT FUEL TANK WOULD COST US AROUND $2,600 AND THE COST WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER ANY VEHICLE WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN DEC 2004 AND NOW HAS 75000 MI. IN ANOTHER 2 WEEKS, IT WILL BE 8 YEARS OLD. MY GREATEST CONCERN IS THAT THE GAS TANK DESIGN AND SUBSEQUENT GASOLINE LEAKAGE COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A VEHICLE FIRE AND SERIOUS BODILY INJURY IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. THIS IS NOT TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF HAVING TO BREATH GASOLINE VAPORS THAT ARE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING IT. WE BELIEVE THERE IS A SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT, AND THAT IT SHOULD BE REMEDIED BY MERCEDES-BENZ AND AT THEIR COST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. FURTHER, FOR US TO NOT ?FILL-UP? THE FUEL TANK AT ANY TIME, DOES NOT CORRECT THE FLAWED DESIGN, THUS IS NOT REALLY AN OWNERSHIP OPTION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10489061
Incident
Jul 1, 2009
Fuel system
Filed Nov 13, 2012

WE FIRST NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED UP, BUT SHORTLY AFTER WE WILL THE VEHICLE FUEL STARTED TO DRIP ONTO THE PAVEMENT NEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL AREA. *TR

NHTSA ID
10484554
Incident
May 2, 2011
Mileage
90,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 2, 2012

FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING UNDER THE BACK SEAT WHEN FILL UP TANK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10478287
Incident
Apr 11, 2011
Mileage
72,319 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 16, 2012

I FILLED MY GAS TANK AND THE NEXT DAY I SMELLED GAS BOTH NEAR MY DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL AND INSIDE THE CAR IN THE REAR SEAT AREA. I FILLED THE CAR AS I ALWAYS DID UNTIL CLICK AND I AM SURE NONE SPILLED, AS I AM VERY FUSSY ABOUT MY CAR. I CANNOT PUT THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AS IT FILLS THE GARAGE WITH FUMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW UPON FUELING UP. IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. I HAVE SEEN WHERE OTHERS I KNOW HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MODEL MERCEDES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10475532
Incident
Sep 4, 2012
Mileage
40,876 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 27, 2011

POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT SECONDARY TO LIGHT LENS FOGGING DETERIORATION OF PLASTIC LENS MATERIAL NECESSITATING USING HIGH BEAMS ALL THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10437420
Incident
Nov 9, 2009
Suspension
Filed Aug 26, 2009

ON OR ABOUT JUNE 22, 2009, I WAS DRIVING HOME ON INTERSTATE 64 WHEN THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I DID NOT HIT A POT HOLE AND THE CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT SHOCK TO IMMEDIATELY BREAK. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR FELL ONTO THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE MERCEDES DEALER COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CORRESPONDED BY E-MAIL WITH 2 MERCEDES REPRESENTATIVES WHO TOLD ME THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY WAS OUT AT 50,000.00 MILES AND THE CAR HAD APPROX. 56,000.00 MILES AT THE TIME. I EXPLAINED THAT I KNEW THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN I CALLED, HOWEVER, I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A PREMATURE FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THE MERCEDES REPS TOLD ME I PURCHASED THE CAR AS A USED VEHICLE AND THEY COULD DO NOTHING AND HOPED THAT MY CONFIDENCE IN MERCEDES WOULD BE RESTORED AS I CONTINUED DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE CAR WOULD NOT BE SAFE UNLESS I REPLACED THE SPRING AND SHOCK ON BOTH SIDES. THE REPAIR BILL WAS JUST UNDER $1,800.00. *TR

NHTSA ID
10281886
Incident
Jun 22, 2009
Mileage
56,500 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 24, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG AND ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 03/28/06. *JB

NHTSA ID
10151126
Incident
Oct 1, 2005
Mileage
5,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI68.05-P-059193

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink

SB-59783

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

MERCEDES-BENZ: THERE ARE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTION QUALITY ISSUES THAT CAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *RM

SB-090930

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS; TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

MERCEDES: THE LIMITED WARRANTY ON THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT FOR MODELS 211, MODEL 219 AND MODELS 230 WAS EXTENDED FROM THE ORIGINAL 4 YEARS/50,000 MILES TO 10 YEARS WITH NO MILEAGE LIMITATION. THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT EXTENDED LIMITED WARRANTY APPLIES TO ALL CONDITIONS THAT JUSTIFY THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT UNDER THE STANDARD WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS. *PE

P-B-82.10/626

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

MERCEDES-BENZ: MODEL 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 276, 282, 283 (E-CLASS). VIN A564853 AND X161341; EQUIPPED WITH BI-XENON AND CURVE ILLUMINATION. CURVE ILLUMINATION NONFUNCTIONAL. *PE

PB-82-10/612

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

MERCEDES BENZ: MODEL 211.026, 056, 065, 070, 072, 076, 077, 082, 083, 087, 090, 256, 265, 276, 277, 282, 283, 287 EQUIPPED WITH OPTION CODE 615 (BI-XENON). HEADLAMP RANGE ADJUSTMENT NONFUNCTIONAL WITH DTC CODES 9010, 9011, 9012, 9013 OR 9024 (UP TO VIN B111276); PARKING LIGHT LED NONFUNCTIONAL (UP TO VIN B100720). *PE

2008020001

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CHECK FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OR REPLACE IF NECESSARY. MODELS 211 AND 219 AMG. MODEL YEARS 2003-2006. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz E Class by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2008500—
2006101144.1
2005Viewing931—
2004154049.9
2003454046.7
2002800—
2001150238.7
2000341343.5
1999131239.6
1998240237.7
1997381243.9
1996162143.7
1995212048.5
1994382053.8
1993720—
1992020—
1991010—
1990010—
1989010—
1988010—
1987010—
1986010—
1985010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.