repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2005 Mercedes-Benz E320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 231 owner complaints about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 19, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 has problems
231 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
81Fuel/propulsion system4 crash/fire/injury
43Service brakes5 crash/fire/injury
41Fuel system, gasoline
22Air bags6 crash/fire/injury
16Electrical system
10Power train
10Service brakes, hydraulic
9Engine
8Engine and engine cooling
4015 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 81 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 43 | 5 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 41 | 0 |
| Air bags | 22 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 3 |
| Power train | 10 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 10 | 1 |
| Engine | 9 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 40 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Mileage at failure
When do fuel/propulsion system problems start?
98kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 69 fuel/propulsion system complaints. 54% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles37under 100k miles32100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2005 vs. every other E320 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the E320 median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankNo recall
- Driver Air Bag Circuit High ResistanceNo recall
In owners' words
What E320 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The passenger compartment smells like gasoline. This is due to an issue that was already investigated by nhtsa however the warranty that was extended is expired by two years. I just purchased this vehicle used and it is unsafe to drive. It did not smell like gas a few weeks ago when it was…
FILLED UP GAS TANK AND HAD FUEL ODOR INSIDE CAR AND FUEL LEAKING OUTSIDE THE CAR UNTIL FUEL LEVEL WAS AROUND 3/4 OF A TANK. I BELIEVE THAT MINE FALLS UNDER ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS LISTED FOR FUEL LEAKS FOR OTHER W211 MERCEDES. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS WAS ONLY ALLOWED FOR ORIGINAL OWNERS AND…
BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SO IT WAS CHARGED THEN RECONNECTED, EVERYTHING GOOD, TURN KEY TO ON POSITION EVERYTHING GOOD, TURN KEY TO START AND BANG! LOUD BANG AND WHITE SMOKE EVERYWHERE, ENGINE CONTINUED TO SMOKE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER EXPLOSION, HOLE IN FRONT OF ENGINE
Own a 2005 E320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.