2005 Mercedes Benz E320
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 45 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 37 |
| 1999 | 83 |
| 2000 | 44 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2003 | 214 |
| 2004 | 203 |
| 2005 | 231 |
| 2006 | 41 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 10 |
| 2009 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
35% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 81 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE REAR SEATS AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING UNDER THE SEATS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131219
WHEN 2005 E320 HAS GAS TANK FILLED, THERE IS AN OVERWHELMING FUEL ODOR IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES DISSIPATE WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL DECREASES FROM FULL TO 3/4.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130711
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130501
19% of complaints: service brakes — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
A warning in Red came up on the dashboard which said something like "catastrophic break failure" ..I was going slow about to stop at the Red light and the brakes did not work and I hit a mini van
NHTSA ODI report, 20231115
THE SBC BRAKING SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING. DONG ROAD AT 35 MPH ONLY WAY TO AVOID RUNNING INTO SOMEONE OR CARS WAS TO DRIVE THIS INTO TREE. I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR ME. THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME WITH ALL THESE MODELS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180712
I WAS DRIVING 40MPH ON A CITY STREET, WHEN THE CAR DASH FLASHED IN RED, "BRAKE MALFUNCTION, SEE WORKSHOP SOON". A RED LIGHT WAS COMING UP, SO I WENT TO PRESS BRAKES & ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES!
NHTSA ODI report, 20180426
17% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 39 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY7% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THERE IS A HIGH LEVEL OF RF BEING EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE CAR. THE LEVEL IS SO HIGH IT PUSHES PULSED RF WAVES AGAINST AN ALUMINUM EMERGENCY BLANKET THAT WAS SET UP TO IDENTIFY WHICH DIRECTION IT WAS COMING FROM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180205
SAFETY TIMELINE
Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
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.
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.
Campaign 19V918000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V954000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (81 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes Benz E320?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz E320 have?
3 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.