2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls and problems

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class has 3 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
9
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

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

2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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-133: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 1, 2005 · 204,000 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (Sbc) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.

Risk: In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure is required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.

Fix: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited production period. The recall began on august 8, 2005. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 04V-296: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jun 22, 2004 · 143,387 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (Sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.

Risk: If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the sbc may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on october 21m 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Unknown or Other1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Electrical System1
Suspension1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,319 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 E Class complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 105,276 miles · reported Oct 9, 2013
The car has a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling. It appears that the gasket on the fuel tank leaks.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Dec 17, 2012
During the past 2-3 years, my wife and I began to notice a gasoline vapors in our closed garage immediately after our 2005 e320 had been refueled. We also noticed that after a few days driving, the gasoline vapors, diminished. More recently, it also seemed that the gasoline odor has been stronger after refueling. In addition, my wife, while driving this car, has recently begun to smell gasoline vapors from inside the car, and while driving. During a recent visit to my dealer for servicing, I asked them to look into the issue. They removed the rear seat, filled the fuel tank, and then…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 90,000 miles · reported Nov 13, 2012
We first noticed a strong fuel smell when the vehicle was filled up, but shortly after we will the vehicle fuel started to drip onto the pavement near the drivers side rear wheel area.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 40,876 miles · reported Sep 16, 2012
I filled my gas tank and the next day I smelled gas both near my drivers side wheel well and inside the car in the rear seat area. I filled the car as I always did until click and I AM sure none spilled, as I AM very fussy about my car. I cannot put the car in the garage as it fills the garage with fumes. This has happened twice now upon fueling up. It never happened before. I have seen where others I know have the same type of problem with the same model mercedes.
Exterior Lighting · reported Nov 27, 2011
Poor visibility at night secondary to light lens fogging deterioration of plastic lens material necessitating using high beams all the time.

Other Mercedes-Benz E Class years

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class: 08V-303 (electrical system), 05V-133 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-296 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (5 reports), followed by unknown or other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,319 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.