2005 Mercedes Benz S500
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 2001 | 34 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
7 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Electronic dash instrument cluster went black and the speedometer could not be seen and all other driver information on the remaining gauges were also not visible.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-28
Took my car to Mercedes-Benz of pembroke, pines Florida I took my car to the dealer last mo Mercedes-Benz of pembroke pines Florida for them to change the oil and filter in transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-12
Also filed under Power train and latches/locks/linkages
Exterior lighting
3 of 11 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing turn signal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Mercedes Benz S500. While driving 65 MPH, the instrument panel lights went out. In addition, the turn signals would not illuminate. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the fuse.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-09
Also filed under Interior lighting
Service brakes
2 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
2 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Structure
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Mercedes Benz S500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 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 S500?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.