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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-MERCEDES-BENZ-E-CLASS
2005 · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems

0 safety recalls. 532 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

fuel system
132 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
brakes
91 reports · avg $450
severe
electrical
22 reports · avg $850
severe
airbags
21 reports · avg $1,100
severe
suspension
17 reports · avg $900
moderate
engine
13 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
10 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
7 reports · avg $700
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 E-Class · brakes
12/31/2014 HI, CUSTOMER CARE / TECHNICAL ADVISER, MB USA. I AM UNABLE TO CONTACT AND DISCUSS WITH ANY CUSTOMER CARE OR TECHNICAL CARE ADVISER TODAY. MERCEDES BENZ, E-500, 2005, V8, 4 DOOR SEDAN YESTERDAY, 12/30/2014 BETWEEN 9:30 TO 10:30 AM, WE BOTH (ME AND MY WIFE,…
12/31/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669331.0
2005 E-Class · fuel system
FUEL LEAK AND STRONG ODOR OF FUEL AFTER FILL UP. FUMES ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, TOXIC AND NOXIOUS. THOUGHT THIS ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED UNDER NHTSA ACTION # EA13003 (DATED DEC 19TH 2014) AND MERCEDES IS TELLING ME THEY ARE UNAWARE OF ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY TO CORRECT THIS HIGHLY…
12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668739.0
2005 E-Class · tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320 CDI (NA) EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES (MODEL AND SIZE UNKNOWN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT HAD THE TIRE CHANGED. THE VEHCIEL WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER TO REPLACE THE TIRE. THE…
12/29/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373242.0
2005 E-Class · brakes
I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, I FELT NO PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL BRAKES. I PRESSED HARDER ON THE BRAKES AND STILL THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW UNTIL I GOT TO A SLIGHT INCLINE AT THE END OF THE RAMP. THEN A RED WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD…
12/28/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668616.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 532 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is fuel system, with 132 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The fuel system is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz E-Class has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 532 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,200, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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