Owners have filed 151 complaints
about the 2005 Mercedes Benz AMG E55 with NHTSA between 2007 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 76
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz AMG E55. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2005 compares with every other Mercedes Benz AMG E55
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
32.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3323.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4532.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3323.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1913.7%
150,000+ miles
64.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2007peak 8Jul 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Mercedes Benz AMG E55
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA13003Opened 15 Mar 2013Closed 19 Dec 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some d...
PE12001Opened 23 Jan 2012Closed 18 Mar 2013FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel System (Tank/Sender) Leakage
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 20 consumer reports.All of the vehicles were E55 AMG models and the complainants alleged fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling.Some complainants alleged that the leaks may be related to a 2008 Mercedes Benz emission recall (Campaign No. 2008020001) on the fuel filter module. This recall pertained to model years 2003-2006 E and CLS AMG models only.These AMG models use a different fuel pump and fuel filter module than the non-AMG E-class, however,...
PE10017Opened 14 May 2010Closed 24 Nov 2010AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported a high number of warranty claims for air bag warning lamp illumination due to a diagnostic fault code 9103 or 9123 indicating a high resistance in the driver's frontal air bag firing circuit.MBUSA's testing and evaluation have shown that this condition is the result of a faulty connector (specifically, improper wire crimp) but that it will not prevent proper deployment of the driver's frontal air bag.The faulty connector can cause the air bag circuit resistance levels to exceed the threshold that illuminates the air bag warning lamp, but they do not excee...
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chattanooga, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump housing failed allowing gas to leak, further degrading parts of the fuel system, ultimately causing the locking ring to fail and gas to leak under rear passenger seat. Fumes filled the cabin while my family and I including two young children were inside. Fortunately, this issue was discovered rather quick, if not the fuel could have leaked onto the hot exhaust under the tank and ignited. I recently found this issue is well known in the Mercedes-Benz W211 chassis. You have multiple complaints on file. Mercedes had in fact issued an extended warranty of the fuel system however, it has since expired. The car provided no warning messages prior to failure. The car has yet to be inspected by the dealer, mechanic, or insurance.
NHTSA complaint #11599777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesFort Lee, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle and arriving to the residence; the contact became aware that after parking the vehicle in the garage, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact saw fuel leaking from the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was part of an Extended Warranty program however, the Extended Warranty Program had expired. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ozone Park, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas tank leak from under heat Shield Recall claims in 2012 it was extended for 15 years
NHTSA complaint #11527903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
MERCEDES BENZ OF FORT WASHINGTON HAS DENIED A REPLACEMENT OF SBC UNIT AND COMPONENTS UNDER A SAFETY RECALL. I LOST BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. 'DECREASED BRAKES POWER' RED MESSAGE APPEARED
NHTSA complaint #11383880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,400 milesCoppell, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SHARP GAS ODER WHEN ENTERING THE CAR CABIN AND DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11375728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesBurlington, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER FILLING VEHICLE GAS TANK, EXTREMELY STRONG FUEL ODOR NOTICED IN CABIN AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. SMELL EXISTED BOTH AT STANDSTILL AND AT STREET SPEEDS (40MPH) WITH WINDOWS DOWN OR UP.
NHTSA complaint #11327188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesStaten Island, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STRONG GAS ODOR AROUND AND INSIDE THE CAR
NHTSA complaint #11193923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesSmyrna, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS, GAS LEAKED OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE FUEL SENDER/FILTER IS LOCATED. THE FUEL WICKED UP THE FOAM WRAPPED AROUND THE SIGNAL/ POWER WIRES, CAME BETWEEN THE ACCESS PANEL SCREWED TO THE FLOOR AND THE FLOOR. THIS IS THE FLOOR DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. THE FUEL SOAKED INTO THE INSULATION BELOW THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND THE FOAM SEAT. THIS CONTINUES TO OCCUR AT ALL TIMES UNTIL THE FUEL LEVEL REACHES APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF A TANK.
NHTSA complaint #11152648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walla Walla, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GASOLINE SMELL INTERIOR OF THE CAR. GETS WORSE WITH FULL GAS TANK. WE HAVE HAD IT IN THE MERCEDES DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM AND IT IS NOT FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11099043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,900 milesLincolnwood, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAD FILLED MY GAS TANK TO FULL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A LEAK BY THE DRIVERS REAR WHEEL. SMELLED LIKE GAS. I FOUND OUT THIS IS A RECALL FROM MERCEDES BENZ. "CHECK FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OR REPLACE IF NECESSARY" THE EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN IS: 2008020001
NHTSA complaint #10908344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesIrvine, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STRONG FUEL SMELL AFTER FILLING TANK, DRIVERS SIDE FUEL SENDING UNIT ON DRIVERS SIDE OF FUEL TANK LEAKING FUEL. NOTICEABLE CRACKS IN CORNERS OF UNIT AROUND FUEL PRESSURE SENDER.
NHTSA complaint #10788366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVER'S SIDE FUEL/PUMP SENDER UNIT IS LEAKING FUEL CAUSING STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE OF CABIN AND POSING SERIOUS SECURITY RISK TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. AFTER REMOVING INSPECTION COVER FROM DRIVER'S SIDE PUMP/SENDER UNIT, POOLED FUEL WAS OBSERVED ON TOP OF SENDING UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10785798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,745 milesRiver Edge, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL FILTER AND SENDING UNIT LEAKING UNDER REAR SEAT. BOTH PARTS REPLACED. REAR SEAT CUSHION SATURATED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT DUE TO STRONG FUEL SMELL IN VEHICLE. VEHICLE SERVICE HISTORY SHOWS SAME PART REPLACED AT 26,864 MILES BY PREVIOUS OWNER. SAME PART REPLACED AGAIN AT 69,383 MILES WITH SAME LEAKING ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10680114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,150 milesDowningtown, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. INSPECTED FUEL PUMP INSPECTION DOORS UNDER BACKSEAT TO FIND A POOL OF GASOLINE.
NHTSA complaint #10664652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,580 milesRockport, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CODE SCAN REVEALED CODE P0456. INSPECTION REVEALS FUEL LEAKAGE AT BOTH THE LEFT FUEL SENDER AND THE RIGHT FUEL PUMP HOUSINGS. LIQUID FUEL IS EXTERNALLY EVIDENT ALONG WITH THE ASSOCIATED SMELL OF RAW FUEL VAPOR. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR OF WHAT IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10664095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,350 milesMiami, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VEHICLE HAS HAD A CONSTANT STRONG GAS ODOR IN CAR. UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY THE VEHICLE HAS HAD... 2/8/08 LEFT SENDING UNIT CONNECT SEIZE AND CRACK REPLACED ALSO FUEL TANK REPLACED. 4/23/08 FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY FUEL FILTER REPLACED.10/7 +11/6ODOR CONTINUES. CONTINUE TO BRING IN CAR NOTHING HAPPENS 1/20 SENDING UNIT,SENSOR,SEAL RINGS REPLACED(SEALS LEAKING AROUND PRESSURE SENSORS. 2/2/10 ODOR CONTINUES 8/18 ODOR CONTINUES 7/22/11 REPLACE LEFTSENDING UNIT.3/4/14 FUEL TANK AND SENSORS RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER AT COST TO MYSELF. I HAVE ALL DEALER WORKSHEETS OF THIS FUEL LEAKING STRONG ODOR PROBLEM BEING A CONSTANT COMPLAINT. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10662312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,350 milesMiami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS HAD A CONSTANT STRONG GAS ODOR IN CAR. UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY THE VEHICLE HAS HAD... 2/8/08 LEFT SENDING UNIT CONNECT SEIZE AND CRACK REPLACED ALSO FUEL TANK REPLACED. 4/23/08 FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY FUEL FILTER REPLACED.10/7 +11/6ODOR CONTINUES. CONTINUE TO BRING IN CAR NOTHING HAPPENS 1/20 SENDING UNIT,SENSOR,SEAL RINGS REPLACED(SEALS LEAKING AROUND PRESSURE SENSORS. 2/2/10 ODOR CONTINUES 8/18 ODOR CONTINUES 7/22/11 REPLACE LEFTSENDING UNIT.3/4/14 FUEL TANK AND SENSORS RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER AT COST TO MYSELF. I HAVE ALL DEALER WORKSHEETS OF THIS FUEL LEAKING STRONG ODOR PROBLEM BEING A CONSTANT COMPLAINT. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10662312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,350 milesMiami, FL
ENGINE
VEHICLE HAS HAD A CONSTANT STRONG GAS ODOR IN CAR. UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY THE VEHICLE HAS HAD... 2/8/08 LEFT SENDING UNIT CONNECT SEIZE AND CRACK REPLACED ALSO FUEL TANK REPLACED. 4/23/08 FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY FUEL FILTER REPLACED.10/7 +11/6ODOR CONTINUES. CONTINUE TO BRING IN CAR NOTHING HAPPENS 1/20 SENDING UNIT,SENSOR,SEAL RINGS REPLACED(SEALS LEAKING AROUND PRESSURE SENSORS. 2/2/10 ODOR CONTINUES 8/18 ODOR CONTINUES 7/22/11 REPLACE LEFTSENDING UNIT.3/4/14 FUEL TANK AND SENSORS RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER AT COST TO MYSELF. I HAVE ALL DEALER WORKSHEETS OF THIS FUEL LEAKING STRONG ODOR PROBLEM BEING A CONSTANT COMPLAINT. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10662312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesWoodbridge, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I SMELLED A GAS ORDER THAT WAS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. I DECIDED TO PULL THE PASSENGER SEAT TO FOLLOW THE SMELL AND NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GAS ON TOP OF MY FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT. I DECIDED TO PULL OUT THE UNIT AND NOTICED THE UNIT WAS DISCOLORED AROUND THE CONNECTOR TERMINALS. I BELIEVE THE TERMINAL MELTED THE SENDING UNIT CAUSING THE SENDING UNIT TO LEAK FUEL. I HAVE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10658736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesWoodbridge, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I SMELLED A GAS ORDER THAT WAS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. I DECIDED TO PULL THE PASSENGER SEAT TO FOLLOW THE SMELL AND NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GAS ON TOP OF MY FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT. I DECIDED TO PULL OUT THE UNIT AND NOTICED THE UNIT WAS DISCOLORED AROUND THE CONNECTOR TERMINALS. I BELIEVE THE TERMINAL MELTED THE SENDING UNIT CAUSING THE SENDING UNIT TO LEAK FUEL. I HAVE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10658736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesModesto, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I FILLED MY TANK WITH GAS DROVE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN MY GARAGE. LATER I WENT OUT TO THE GARAGE AND SMELLED A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GAS. I THOUGHT MY HUSBAND MIGHT HAVE LEFT A CONTAINER OF GAS IN THE GARAGE. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I WENT TO A FRIENDS HOME IN THE COUNTRY SIDE AND NOTICED AN INTENSE SMELL OF FUEL IN MY CAR. I THOUGHT SOMEHOW MAYBE MY HUSBAND TRANSPORTED GAS IN A CONTAINER IT THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, BUT HE HAD NOT. I HAD TO CALL ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE BECAUSE ON THE RETURN TRIP NOT ONLY WAS THE GAS SMELL MORE INTENSE, BUT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. IMMEDIATELY ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE CAME CHANGED THE TIRE AND TOOK US HOME AND DROVE THE CAR TO THE MB DEALERSHIP. I PAID FOR A NEW TANK TO BE INSTALLED AND THEY PAID TO REMOVE THE PADDING AND LINER AND REPLACE IT FROM THE SEAT BEHIND THE TANK. FROM 2010 TO 2014 THREE MORE EVENTS OF FUEL SMELL IN AND OUT OF THE CAR AFTER FILLING THE TANK HAVE SINCE OCCURRED AND REQUIRED REPAIR. ONCE IT WAS SAID TO BE THE LINES OR INJECTION SYSTEM. AFTER THE LINES WERE REPAIRED THOUGH THE SMELL REMAINED AND THIS WAS SOLVED BY PLACING A NEW TANK AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2012. THE LATEST LEAK OCCURRED JUST AS THE FIRST, AND ON NOVEMBER 7, 2014 A NEW TANK HAS NOT BEEN PLACED YET. THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR IS INTOLERABLY CAUSTIC WITH GAS FUMES. I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND AM DRIVING AN EXPLOSIVE TIME BOMB FILLED WITH CARCINOGENIC PETROLEUM. THESE CARS NEED A RECALL. I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT FOR THIS DANGEROUS HAZARD. THE TANK FUEL LEAK FOR THE S CLASS AND E CLASS SPANNING 2003-2008 IS DISCUSSED ON MERCEDES BENZ FORUMS, AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10654775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesStockbridge, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TOPPED THE GAS TANK WITH GASOLINE ON 11/02/14, ONLY TO FIND THE SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. LATER THAT SAME DAY MY WIFE AND KID NOTICED THE SMELL AS WELL AND THAT MADE IT A CONCERN FOR ME TO FIND THE PROBLEM. AFTER A SNIFF TEST, I LOCATED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL EMITTING FROM UNDER THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT. I DETACHED THE REAR SEAT CUSHION AND THE COVER PLATE THAT CONCEALS THE FUEL SENDER UNIT. WHEN I REMOVED THE COVER PLATE, GASOLINE WAS SITTING ATOP OF THE FUEL SENDER UNIT AND AROUND THE GAS TANK- FUEL SENDER CONNECTION AREA. AT THIS TIME THE SMELL OF GASOLINE WAS VERY STRONG AND WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT FEED POWER TO THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WHICH SITS ATOP/CONNECTED TO THE FUEL SENDER UNIT MAKES FOR A VERY EXPLOSIVE SITUATION. AFTER DRYING THE GASOLINE, I NOTICED A LARGE NUMBER OF SMALL HAIR LINE CRACKS ALL AROUND THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDER UNIT. IN THE PROCESS OF PRICING FUEL SENDER UNIT FOR REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10653828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,600 milesChicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS I HAVE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT SMELL OF FUEL WHENEVER I GET IN AND OUT OF MY E55. I HAD THE DEALER LOOK IT AT DURING MY LAST SERVICE A MONTH AGO AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG... I HAVE NOT NOTICED ANY FUEL LEAKING FROM BELOW THE CAR. AFTER VIEWING THE HUNDREDS OF THREADS AND COMMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING 30 PAGES ON A MERCEDES FORUM, I DECIDED TO HAVE A LOOK FOR MYSELF: HTTP://MBWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/W211-AMG/363759-URGENT-NOTICE-03-06-E55-S-WERE-INVOLVED-FUEL-SENDER-RECALL-BOMBS.HTML WHEN I TOOK OFF THE METAL COVERS ON TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE SENDING UNITS I FOUND FRESH FUEL ON TOP OF BOTH UNITS. THE PASSENGER WAS VERY LITTLE. THE DRIVER SIDE WAS SIGNIFICANT AND SQUIRTING OUT FROM A PLASTIC NIPPLE THAT IS PART OF THE SENDING UNIT. MERCEDES REFUSES TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM BASED ON THE 30+ PAGES FOUND ON THE LINK ABOVE. YOUR ORGANIZATION IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, THERE IS EVEN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST MBNA. I WILL HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE BY MY OWN MECHANIC BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE PATIENCE TO PUT UP WITH AN ARROGANT SERVICE ADVISOR WHO WILL SURELY DENY THIS IS WAS EVER A PROBLEM ON THE W211 E55 MERCEDES. I THINK ITS TIME THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION FORCE MBUSA/MBNA TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10652377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesCastlerock, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #10643352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesCarlsbad, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
JUST FOUND OUT MY FUEL SENDING UNITS ARE LEAKING, STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL.. HG MOTORSORTS DIAGNOSED, WILL BE TAKING TO ACG AUTOMOTIVE FOR SECOND OPINION..
NHTSA complaint #10640281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.