2005 Mercedes Benz C Class
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 49 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 31 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK, LEFT BOLSTER, STARTED TO SMOKE AND BURNED A DIME SIZE HOLE IN THE LEATHER SEAT COVER. DRIVER'S SEAT HEAT WAS ON AT THE TIME. TURNING THE SEAT HEAT OFF SEEMS TO HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140228
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE WOULD REV NORMALLY BUT VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IN NEUTRAL. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO SIDE OF FREEWAY SAFELY. PLACED CAR IN PARK AND THEN SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE, AND CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120604
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
A O-RING CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LEAKING OUT TRANSMISSION FLUID AFTER MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR IN THE SNOW, THE BACK TIRES HAD SOME TRACTION PROBLEM DUE TO THE WET SNOW EARLIER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100827
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE WOULD REV NORMALLY BUT VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IN NEUTRAL. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO SIDE OF FREEWAY SAFELY. PLACED CAR IN PARK AND THEN SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE, AND CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120604
1 of 5 total reports mentions: equipment adaptive/mobility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPORT MODEL STEERING WHEELS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN CERTAIN LOW
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 05V560000 — check if this car was fixed
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 C
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.
Campaign 08V303000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Mercedes Benz C Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V560000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V303000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz C Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes Benz C Class?
The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz C Class have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.