VehicleVerdict

2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 168 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median E500 year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 7 E500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 46% of all reports (78 of 168), far ahead of brakes at 38.

168

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other E500 years?

E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted173 complaints2003: 143 complaints2004: 173 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 59 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints
E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System7846%
Brakes3823%
Suspension106%
Engine95%
Electrical System74%
Transmission64%
Airbags64%
Other42%
Speed Control42%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seat Belts21%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seats11%

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 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.

“The 2005 E500 W211 gas tank cracks leaking fuel sending unit and fuel pump. The odor of gas permeates the cabin, recall campaign number 2008-020001, and it’s extension information of 15 years dated Jan. 2015 signed by Ralph S. Fisher GM customer assistance center. The dealer in Hawai’i refuse…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 26, 2022

“Per incident was back glass detached from window and broke all over the road and on the back of my car while driving. 2: Sbcc pump goes in and out admittedly and type of a no brake issue at all hard as a rock will not move car only has 180,000 miles on it and it’s been doing that since 140,000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 16, 2023 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 E500 4MATIC MERCEDES HIT A GIANT POT HOLE BUSTING MY LEFT PASSENGER RIM N WHEEL. SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION BEGIN BY THE CAR NOT RISING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION. REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO SCDOT ON 12/5/2019. MY CLAIM WAS DENIED. I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE POT HOLE WAS FIXED A D…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 23, 2019

“SUFFOCATING OIL SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE AUTOMOBILE. PREGNANT WIFE BECAME NAUSEOUS AND HAD TO OPEN ALL WINDOWS AND SUNROOF. PASSENGER FRONT SUSPENSION HAS LIQUID SPLATTERING ON UNDERNEATH OF ENGINE HOOD. SUSPENSION MAKES EXTREME LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN GOING UP HILL OR OVER A BUMP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 5, 2015

“JUST RECEIVED MY E500 FROM THE MERCEDES BENZ REPAIR SHOP 2.5 WEEKS AGO. THEY FIXED THE PREVIOUS INTERIOR OIL SMELL, HOWEVER I NOTICED MY ALARM GOING OFF WHEN I WAS DRIVING OR BY ITSELF SOMETIMES WHILE THE CAR SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS HAPPENED TWO DIFFERENT DAYS BUT THE CAR STILL DROVE. THEN I WENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 10, 2015

2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 — common questions

Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 168 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 7 E500 years. It is one of the E500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 E500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (78 complaints), brakes (38 complaints), suspension (10 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. 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 E500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz E500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E500 years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2003. The cleanest record among E500 years belongs to 2009.

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.