Owners have filed 37 complaints
about the 2006 Mercedes Benz AMG E55 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 19
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 2006 compares with every other Mercedes Benz AMG E55
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
720.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1338.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
720.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
514.7%
150,000+ miles
12.9%
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.
Nov 2009peak 3Nov 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 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.
National City, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving my car and the inside started to smell like gasoline, and after that I noticed it was leaking from outside, and when I started to investigate, it started to come from it looked like my fuel pump on the drivers side, fuel started to leak out the fuel pump or fuel tank and leaking to the outside to the rear left side of the car
NHTSA complaint #11624367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,877 milesRiverside, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALTER'S MERCEDES-BENZ OF RIVERSIDE (951-441-6182, LOCATED AT 3213 ADAMS ST, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP LEAKED FUEL. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUPPORTED THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,877.
NHTSA complaint #11278324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,500 milesLake Forest, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STEPPED INTO MY 2006 E55 AMG IN THE MORNING TO A STRONG FUEL ODOR, DROVE THE CAR A FEW MILES, STILL SMELLED THE FUEL. WHEN I CAME HOME I JUMPED ON TO THE COMPUTER AND SEARCHED ON GOOGLE ABOUT FUEL ODER INSIDE W211 CHASSIS CARS. FOUND A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SAME SYMPTOMS, CONFIRMED BY LIFTING UP REAR SEATS TO FIND FUEL PUDDLE UNDER THE SEAT CUSHION BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CUSHION, SOUND DEADENING MATERIAL AND WIRES WERE ALL WET FROM FUEL. IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO MERCEDES AT FOOTHILL RANCH IN CA, AND THEY STATED THERE IS A OPEN RECALL AND WARRANTY EXTENSION. HOPING TO GET THIS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10748810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,348 milesSalt Lake City, UT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL LEAK IN GAS SENDING UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10664445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,400 milesModesto, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS AS STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THAT PERMEATES THROUGHOUT THE CAR AND TRUNK. THE GAS TANK WAS JUST REPLACED 4 WEEKS AGO AND THE SMELL HAS NOT DECREASED AT ALL. THAT COST WAS IN EXCESS OF $1,800.
NHTSA complaint #10662249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesStockton, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E 55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES EMITTED IN AN AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10649703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesSharon, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FILLED UP GAS TANK, WHEN I PULLED IT INTO THE GARAGE I HAD A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE DRIVERS REAR SIDE WHEEL WELL.CAR WAS BROUGHT IN TODAY, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE A LEAKING FUEL SENDING UNIT ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE AND IT NEED TO BE REPLACED. COST IS $1050 INCLUDES LABOR AND PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10641770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,204 milesHope Mills, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STRONG SMELL OF GAS AROUND REAR OF DRIVER SIDE AND ALSO INSIDE OF CAR. I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT AND FUEL PUMP COVER TO FIND GAS POOLING INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. GAS WAS ALSO STEAMING OUT OF A PLASTIC PIECE CONNECTED TO A HOSE. PHOTOS WERE TAKEN FOR DOCUMENTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10629771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,204 milesHope Mills, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STRONG SMELL OF GAS AROUND REAR OF DRIVER SIDE AND ALSO INSIDE OF CAR. I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT AND FUEL PUMP COVER TO FIND GAS POOLING INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. GAS WAS ALSO STREAMING OUT OF A PLASTIC PIECE CONNECTED TO A HOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10627125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,100 milesLAS Vegas, NV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
AFTER FILL CAR WITH FUEL AND PARKING IT, THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10604570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,100 milesWest Hills, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I OWN TWO MERCEDES E55 VEHICLES. ONE IS 2005, ONE IS 2006. ON THE 2005 I HAVE HAD WHAT HAS BECOME A COMMON SYMPTOM OF FUEL SMELL FIRST OUTSIDE THE CAR (ESPECIALLY AFTER FILLING THE TANK COMPLETELY), WHICH MIGRATES TO INSIDE THE CAR AS THE PROBLEM WORSENS. I BELIEVE A RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS PERFORMED ON THE CAR IN 2011 TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE CAR IS OBVIOUSLY OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAS HAD THE ISSUE ADDRESSED A FEW TIMES NOW. AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I HAVE HAD FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF THE ISSUE OVER THE COURSE OF 9 YEARS. I DID NOT THINK TOO MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME, EXCEPT NOW THAT I HAVE ANOTHER 2006 E55... VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL... EXACT SAME THING IS HAPPENING. THE 2006 WAS PURCHASED USED IN JULY OF 2013. I COMPLAINED TO THE USED CAR DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE (IT CAME WITH A 6 MONTH WARRANTY) AND THEY SAID IT WAS POSSIBLY A LEAKING O-RING ON A SPARK PLUG. THE FUEL SMELL REMAINED AFTER THE REPAIR HOWEVER, VERY STRONG WHEN TANK FILLED OR THE CAR ON AN INCLINE... ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS. ONLY AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET DID I FIND THAT MANY OTHERS HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE... AND I WAS 2 FOR 2 ON MY CARS. SAME MODELS, SAME SYMPTOMS. THE 2006 UNIT IS FAR WORSE, HOWEVER AND MAY HAVE NEVER HAD THE ORIGINAL RECALL PERFORMED. I PULLED THE BACK SEATS AND INSPECTED THE FUEL AREAS... AND SURE ENOUGH SMALL PUDDLES OF GAS AND STAINS FROM PREVIOUS PUDDLES. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG NOW I AVOID USING THE CAR. WHEN YOU HAVE A SINGLE CAR WITH A SINGULAR PROBLEM YOU DON'T SUSPECT MUCH. WHEN YOU READ ABOUT OTHERS WITH A SIMILAR ISSUE, YOUR SUSPICIONS MAY RAISE A BIT. HOWEVER, I PROMISE YOU WHEN YOU BUY ANOTHER IDENTICAL CAR AND IT HAS THE EXACT SAME OVERWHELMING PROBLEM, THAT'S WHEN YOU WAKE UP. THE FUEL SMELL IS SO STRONG, I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE OCCUPANT NOT NOTICE IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. I'M PARKING THE CAR UNTIL I CAN FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET IT RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10588588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,500 milesFrisco, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I FILLED UP WITH GAS AND ONCE I GOT HOME AND CAR SAT IN GARAGE THERE WAS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS. COULD SMELL IT COMING INTO HOUSE. I COULD NOT SEE ANY VISIBLE GAS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS CONCERNS ME VERY MUCH.
NHTSA complaint #10575740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSalinas, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SMELL IN CABIN AFTER SLOWING TO A STOP. FUEL SMELL OUTSIDE VEHICLE. NO FUEL LEAKS SEEN ON GROUND OR IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10556023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,800 milesForest Hill, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE AFTER FILL UP, OR WHILE SITTING ON AN INCLINE. REMOVE ACESS COVERS TO FUEL PUMP AND FUEL SENDING UNIT, PUDDLED GAS OBSERVED ON TOP OF TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10553297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesCorpus Christi, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND WAS REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. A FEW YEARS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL SMELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #10552238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meridian, ID
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
AFTER FILLING UP THE CAR WITH GAS, IT SMELLS OF GAS FUMES FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL. HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO FILL THE TANK. I'VE BEEN FILLING GAS TANK TO ONLY 3/4 TANK TO REDUCE THE GAS FUMES EMANATING FROM THE CAR AFTER GAS FILLUPS. MAYBE POOR SEAL WITH FUEL PUMP AND GAS TANK ITSELF. CAR WAS LOOKED AT IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS, AND BASED ON ONLINE REPORTS, IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10550670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,991 milesEast Sandwich, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
LEAKING FUEL FROM TOP OF DRIVERS SIDE TANK. FLOW OF FUEL ALLOWS IT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM. FIRE RISK VERY POSSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #10544517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,873 milesPeoria, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
GAS FUMES FROM INSIDE CAR CAUSED WIFE AND DAUGHTER TO BECOME SICK AND NAUSEAS (DAUGHTER HAS ASTHMA). DROPPED OFF VEHICLE AT SCOTTSDALE SCHUMACHER EUROPEAN FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT ON AUGUST 23TH, 2012. I FILED A WRITTEN COMPLAINT WITH MERCEDES-BENZ AT THE SAME TIME OF DELIVERY. RECEIVED BACK A WRITTEN LETTER FROM CUSTOMER RETENTION MANAGER/[XXX] ON SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2012 DENYING/ REFUSING REFUND OR REPLACEMENT. ON SEPT 11TH, 2012 I PICKED UP AND PAID $1167.00 FOR LABOR TO REPLACE FUEL TANK AND ASSEMBLY (DEALERSHIP DID NOT CHARGE FOR PARTS). ON AUGUST 23RD, 2013 THE FUEL SYSTEM IS ONCE AGAIN CAUSING UNBEARABLE GAS FUMES INSIDE CAR. THE FUMES ARE SO STRONG THAT ANY SPARK MAY INDEED SET THE CAR ABLAZE..UPDATED 09-18-13 *BF UPDATED 9/24/2013 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10537458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,097 milesSimpsonville, SC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SENDER UNIT LEAKED UNDER BACK SEAT. PRESSURE VALVE FAILED IN FUEL TANK. I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS. POOL OF GASOLINE UNDER READ SEAT. STRONG ODOR OF GAS WHEN THE CAR WAS FILLED UP. LOCAL DEALER GOODILLED PART OF THE REPAIR DUE TO MY CONSTANT BUSINESS AND PREVIOUS PURCHASES.
NHTSA complaint #10512696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,097 milesSimpsonville, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SENDER UNIT LEAKED UNDER BACK SEAT. PRESSURE VALVE FAILED IN FUEL TANK. I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS. POOL OF GASOLINE UNDER READ SEAT. STRONG ODOR OF GAS WHEN THE CAR WAS FILLED UP. LOCAL DEALER GOODILLED PART OF THE REPAIR DUE TO MY CONSTANT BUSINESS AND PREVIOUS PURCHASES.
NHTSA complaint #10512696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesSmyrna, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER FILLING VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE THE CAR SMELLED OF GAS FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE STOPPED. ALSO IT WAS NOTICED INSIDE THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10511720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION # PE12001. AFTER REFUELING CAR, INTERIOR WOULD HAVE AN OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GASOLINE AFTER LEAVING IT PARKED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED FUEL POOLED UP UNDERNEATH REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10500504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION # PE12001. AFTER REFUELING CAR, INTERIOR WOULD HAVE AN OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GASOLINE AFTER LEAVING IT PARKED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED FUEL POOLED UP UNDERNEATH REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10500504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesPlantation, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, HE COULD SMELL GASOLINE INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK SEALS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE SEALS, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS ALSO CRACKED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT REPLACED AND AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #10487448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,486 milesPalmdale, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR DEVELOPED STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE CABIN. DURING 100K MILES SERVICE, DEALER SUGGESTED POSSIBLE FUTURE REPLACEMENT OF FUEL SENDING UNIT AT CUSTOMER'S EXPENSE. AFTER SERVICE VISIT TO DEALER, FUEL SMELL INSIDE CABIN BECAME STRONGER AND REAR SEAT WAS REMOVED BY CUSTOMER AND DISCOVERED FUEL FLUID ACCUMULATING BENEATH REAR SEAT. INSPECTION COVER WAS REMOVED AND THE SENDING UNIT WAS FOUND LEAKING FUEL FROM TOP COVER OF SENDING UNIT THROUGH A CRACK ON IT. FUEL LEAK IS CONFIRMED TO GENERATE THROUGH A HAIRLINE CRACK AT TOP OF SENDING UNIT. IT IS NOT FROM SEALS OR THREADED COVER.
NHTSA complaint #10480147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.