repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2006 Mercedes-Benz E500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 50 owner complaints about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 4 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 March 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 has problems
50 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
16Fuel/propulsion system
15Fuel system, gasoline
4Air bags
4Wheels
3Suspension
3Electrical system
2Service brakes
2Power train
2Steering
77 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 15 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 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 · 2023 Q2
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.
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.
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other E500 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 E500 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankNo recall
- Driver Air Bag Circuit High ResistanceNo recall
In owners' words
What E500 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ALSO I HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN TO ME IN THE RECALL DATED 3/15/2013. AFTER TAKING A LONG TRIP UP TO SAN FRANCISCO WHEN I GOT HOME MY OIL TANK WAS LEAKING -THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM MY BACKSEAT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY REPLACED MY FUEL TANK BUT BEFORE THEY…
AFTER FILLING GAS TANK, WHILED STOPPED, THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EVIDENT. THE SMALL SEEMS TO ORIGINATE NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. SOMETIME IT'S DETECTABLE INSIDE THE CAR, BUT MOSTLY IT'S READILY APPARENT OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR 10-30 MILES, THE SMELL GOES AWAY.…
2006 MERCEDES BENZ E500 - I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. OUTSIDE OF THE CAR YOU COULD SMELL GAS COMING FROM THE REAR END UNDER THE WHEEL WELL. INSIDE OF THE CAR IT WAS COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT AREA. I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE OFFICE WHICH THEN DIRECTED MY CALL TO CUSTOMER CARE.…
Own a 2006 E500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.