2006 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
32% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 16 distinct reports on file.
24% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I RECENTLY NOTICED IN MY 2006 E500 4MATIC THAT AFTER I PUT A FULL TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR, THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF GAS COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BACK SEAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120413
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120328
FUEL SMELL INSIDE CABIN AFTER REFILLING TO 100% CAPACITY. ONLY GOES AWAY ONCE CAR HAS CROSSED 3/4 TANK WHICH IS NORMALLY ABOUT 75 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120315
8% of complaints: wheels — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE STRUCK AN OBJECT AND CAUSED FOUR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE TIRE WAS DESTROYED ON IMPACT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191015
8% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
My father and mother were driving back home on the evening of 1/29/25 when all of a sudden they heard a loud pop/explosion and their seat belts tightened. They were traveling at a speed of approximately 35 mph on local roads.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250131
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE STRUCK AN OBJECT AND CAUSED FOUR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE TIRE WAS DESTROYED ON IMPACT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191015
6% of complaints: suspension — 3 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 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...
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.
Campaign 21V196000 — 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
2006 Mercedes Benz E500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V196000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2006 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 2006 Mercedes Benz E500?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 have?
4 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.