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2005 Mercedes-Benz S ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S Class, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints21 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage39kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 14, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S Class has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags10
Electrical system10
Service brakes, hydraulic11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2005 Mercedes-Benz S Class 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.

–no report yet

Interior lighting

Recall 06V-028 · Feb 2, 2006 · 36,911 vehicles

Risk. DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, THE DRIVER WILL BE UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS, SUCH AS THE SPEEDOMETER, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2005 vs. every other S Class 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 S Class median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'09'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What S Class owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN 2005 SMART CAR. MAINTENANCE BOOK SAYS GET TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY, SO WE DID. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED REPLACED. *TR
Complaint 10268698 · May 14, 2009 · 38,717 miles

Own a 2005 S Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.