2005 Mercedes Benz E500
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 125 |
| 2004 | 142 |
| 2005 | 140 |
| 2006 | 50 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 55 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE FUEL TANK, PUMP AND SENDER STARTED LEAKING. FUEL HAD POOLED ON TOP OF SENDER UNIT. THIS MADE MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT SO ILL WE HAD TO TAKE HER TO URGENT CARE. I CALLED A DEALER. BOUGHT "IMPROVED SEALS FOR THE SENDER AND PUMP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130411
24% of complaints: service brakes — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Per incident was back glass detached from window and broke all over the road and on the back of my car while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230225
14% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 20 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. There was an abnormal odor of fuel inside the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231221
STRONG SMELL OF FUEL WHEN TANK IS HAS BEEN FILLED UP. AT FIRST IT WAS JUST PRESENT STANDING OUTSIDE THE CAR AT THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. NOW I CAN SMELL IT INSIDE. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEED A $1300 DOLLAR REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120322
6% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2005 e500 mercedes benz,after full tank of gas I filled. I noticed very strong gas inside my car and outside. It can catch on fired. cause cancer and lung issues.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240523
REAR END GOES DOWN WHEN THE CAR IN PARKED. "STOP" MESSAGE (RED) APPEARS ON DASHBOARD. DO NOT DRIVE CAR AND TAKE TO MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I START CAR AFTER 15 TO 20 MIN MESSAGE GOES AWAY AND CAR AGAIN COMES TO NORMAL POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171203
6% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
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 E500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (20 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.
FAQ
Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz E500 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 E500?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz E500 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.