2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls and problems

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class has 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls

Recall 08V-303: Electrical System

Reported Jul 7, 2008 · 404 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (Scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

Fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 05V-560: Air Bags

Reported Dec 20, 2005 · 61,000 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with sport model steering wheels fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." in certain low risk air bag deployment tests conducted by NHTSA, using an out-of-position unbelted 5th percentile female crash test dummy, irregularities were demonstrated indicating that occupants may not be properly protected in a crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash, an occupant may not be properly restrained which could result in injuries.

Fix: Dealers will install a new air bag inflator module free of charge. The recall began on march 15, 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train2
Seats2
Air Bags1
Electrical System1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 81,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Seats · at 81,000 miles · reported Feb 28, 2014
Driver's side seat back, left bolster, started to smoke and burned a dime size hole in the leather seat cover. Driver's seat heat was on at the time. Turning the seat heat off seems to have solved the problem temporarily. Suspect short in seat heat wiring. Potential fire hazard!
Power Train · at 72,280 miles · reported Jun 4, 2012
While driving experienced sudden loss of power. Engine would rev normally but vehicle acted as if in neutral. I was able to move over to side of freeway safely. Placed car in park and then shifted back into drive, and car behaved normally. After doing research, I have discovered that this is a common problem with this model. According to, http://jayauto.wordpress.com, mercedes is in a fight with its own suppliers because they produce a low-quality part. If you have problems with your 7-speed transmissions, please report it to: NHTSA. Only this organization can enforce mercedes to do a…
Electrical System · at 105,000 miles · reported Jan 5, 2012
Seat control module failure. 2 modules per car, 1 for passenger seat, and 1 for driver seat fail. The defective seat control module unit will deplete the cars battery overnight resulting in a no-start condition the following day. A new battery, or a jump start, will get the car going again. The common immediate resolution is to unplug the seat control module which would impact the seats ability to respond in an accident. The replacement part and diagnosis from mb dealer is approx $700/ module. This is a huge liability for mercedes owners and the repair should be investigated for seat function…
Power Train · at 24,000 miles · reported Aug 27, 2010
A o-ring connected to the transmission started leaking out transmission fluid after my wife drove the car in the snow, the back tires had some traction problem due to the wet snow earlier. Once the car reached home, transmission oil was dripping onto the garage floor. The car has less than 25k on it, in mint condition. She was told by our neighbor that she should not drive it until the problem is fixed. The was taken to the shop and fixed in january when I returned from my oversee mission. The mercedes shop indicated it was a defect in the o-ring design and that a better replacement o-ring was…
Air Bags · reported Jun 19, 2006
I received a notice in april that my car was recalled because of air bag safety issues. Mercedes has not rectified the situation.

Other Mercedes-Benz C Class years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz C Class years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class: 08V-303 (electrical system), 05V-560 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class?

Owners report power train problems most often (2 reports), followed by seats (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 81,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.