YearToAvoid

2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 logged 132 complaints, 98% tied to the Fuel System, and ranks 1 of 2 model years with data with the worst complaint index (100). Owners reported fuel-related leaks and smells at a median mileage of 66,900, with three recalls on file.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 2 AMG E55 years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
132
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
3
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Fuel System
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data

Top 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System130 (98%)
  2. Electrical System3 (2%)
  3. Brakes2 (2%)
  4. Engine2 (2%)
  5. Airbags1 (1%)
  6. Other1 (1%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (1%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (1%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain1 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report strong gasoline odor inside the cabin, especially after filling the tank.
  • Fuel sending unit sprays or leaks gas into the area beneath the rear passenger seat.
  • Insulation barrier and maintenance panel near the fuel filter assembly turn up soaked or puddled with gas.
  • Some owners had fuel system parts replaced under recall, only for the same leak to return within months.
  • One owner reported braking felt different after a recall repair and said new problems developed afterward.
2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 complaints: complaints filed per quarter162007 Q12011 Q32012 Q32013 Q32014 Q32016 Q32020 Q22024 Q3
132 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q1 to 2024 Q3; peak 2013 Q2 (16).

2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility & Wipers33,456 vehicles

    Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

    Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

  2. NHTSA 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility & Wipers131,653 vehicles

    Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

    Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

  3. NHTSA 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility & Wipers747,928 vehicles

    Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

    Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

2005 compared with other AMG E55 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005No verdict1001323—
2006No verdict0344—

All Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

What is the main problem with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55?
The top problem area is the Fuel System, accounting for 130 of 132 complaints (98%). Owners describe fuel leaks and gas odor inside the vehicle, with a median failure mileage of 66,900.
Does the 2005 AMG E55 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, all involving the sunroof glass panel bonding or improper installation on the Visibility & Wipers system. None are do-not-drive recalls.
How does the 2005 AMG E55 compare to other model years?
Among the 2 model years with data, 2005 ranks 1st worst with a complaint index of 100, versus 2006's index of 0 and 34 complaints.
Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these complaints?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported for the 2005 AMG E55.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.