VehicleVerdict

2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 sits mid-pack among Amg E55 years: 151 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 106, with 3 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 92% of all reports (139 of 151), far ahead of electrical system at 3.

151

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Amg E55 years?

Amg E55 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted151 complaints2003: 82 complaints2004: 129 complaints2005: 151 complaints2006: 37 complaints
Amg E55 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Amg E55 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System13992%
Electrical System32%
Brakes21%
Engine21%
Airbags11%
Transmission11%
Other11%
Seats11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Consequence

A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL SMELL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT GASOLINE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 14, 2012

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 2014

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 9, 2020

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2013

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 1, 2013

2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 — common questions

Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Amg E55: 151 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 Amg E55 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (139 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.