VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 sits mid-pack among E500 years: 59 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with 4 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 53% of all reports (31 of 59), far ahead of tires & wheels at 4.

59

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other E500 years?

E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted173 complaints2003: 143 complaints2004: 173 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 59 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints
E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3153%
Electrical System47%
Airbags47%
Tires & Wheels47%
Suspension35%
Brakes35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Steering23%
Transmission23%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%
Engine12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 have recalls?

4 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.

21V196000Visibility & WipersMarch 19, 2021 · 11,356 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

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. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.

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 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 1, 2014

“NORMAL DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS.CRACK IN ALLOY WHEEL (INSIDE EDGE) LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. MERCEDES 2006 E500 3RD INCIDENT IN PAST TWO YEARS, RESULTING IN NEED TO REPLACE. 1 TIRE & 3 ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS MERCEDES # A2114011702. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 22, 2011

“THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THE RECALL AS A REGISTERED OWNER AND THE RECALL EXPIRED AND THEY WILL NOT COVER IT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 17, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE CLUSTER FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE CLUSTER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 16, 2016

“DT*: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS, AND STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THERE WAS NO STOPPING POWER. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED HARDER AND THERE WAS SLIGHT POWER AND THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 22, 2006

2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the E500: 59 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 E500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (31 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), airbags (4 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 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 2006 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.