2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 Problems
- Complaints
- 132filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,900miles, 122 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owner complaints for this model year are dominated almost entirely by a fuel smell and fuel leak traced to the fuel sending unit and tank area under the rear seat, typically noticed after filling up. Reports range from odour alone to visible fuel pooling on top of the tank, and many owners describe the problem returning after previous repairs. Complaints appear from roughly 20,000 to 170,000 miles, so mileage alone does not rule it out.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell and leak from fuel sending unit / tank top
- 128 complaints (97%)
- median 66,500 mi at 8.0 yrs old (119 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $1,400 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2010–2024
Owners describe a strong gasoline odour inside the cabin and around the car, most often right after refuelling, and several report finding liquid fuel pooled on top of the fuel tank or in the well under the rear seat after lifting the seat cushion. Dealers and independent shops in the complaints typically diagnosed a leaking or cracked fuel sending unit, seals or gaskets, and in some cases recommended replacing the fuel tank as well. A number of owners say the same repair was done more than once and the smell returned months later. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 20,000 to 170,000 miles, most often within a day of filling the tank and frequently noticed when the car is parked in a garage.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel sending unit, seals or tank have been replaced and keep the receipts; after a fill-up, smell inside the cabin and around the rear wheel wells, and lift the rear seat cushion to look for fuel or staining.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Existing issue NHTSA action number ea13003 fuel sender leakage already 116 reports on the e55amg model per the report. This will increase to 117. Total cost to me quoted at $1300.00 in 2012 I paid approx. $2000.00 for a separate issue with the fuel system. I am the original owner of the car and have had all service performed by mercedes.”
NHTSA complaint #10632555, filed 2014-09, 88,700 miles“After I finished pumping fuel my passenger in the back smelled gasoline. I had just put fuel so I pulled over and noticed my rear passenger wheel well was soaked with gasoline. I just don't understand how this can be normal wear and tear. Seems there is a hole near where the gas enters the pipe that goes down to the gas tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10544788, filed 2013-09, 125,000 miles - Fuel system
Recurring leak after prior recall or repair work
Mentioned in 12 of 60 sampled complaints
Several owners say the fuel smell came back after earlier repair or service-campaign work on the fuel sender and filter module, in some cases more than once. Complaints describe dealers telling them the earlier work had already been done, or that further repairs would be at the owner's cost because the vehicle was outside warranty. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 130,000 miles, often months to a few years after earlier fuel-system repairs.
What to check: Request the full service history for the fuel system specifically, and check whether any prior fuel-system campaign or warranty extension still applies to the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car is leaking fuel after filling up the tank. I have read that this is a common problem. I know for a fact that recall work was performed on my car for this issue prior to my purchasing it based on research at a mercedes benz dealership as well as by a sticker attached to the bottom of my hood. However, the problem is recurring. Strong odor of fuel is prevalent as well as large observable leak around rear drivers side tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10549853, filed 2013-10, 64,874 miles“The fuel sending units eventually get cracks which allow fuel to leak and pool throughout the rear of the car. This issue has been addressed on my car twice previously. May 2010 both fuel sending units replaced and fuel ring ($2200) feb 2012 both fuel sending units replaced and the ring again (only $1953 this time) I have begun smelling fuel again so I know the problem has returned for a 3rd time. This smell is noted at home away from any fuel sources. …”
NHTSA complaint #10492867, filed 2013-01, 43,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel odour after topping off the tank
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the smell appearing reliably once the tank is filled close to full, either inside the cabin or from the left rear wheel arch area, and fading again once the level drops. Some say they simply stopped filling the tank completely, and others report the smell only in cooler months. Reported from about 30,000 to 95,000 miles, typically the same day as a fill-up and easing as the level falls.
What to check: Fill the tank fully during a test drive or inspection and check for odour in the cabin and near the left rear wheel well a few hours later.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I smell fuel inside and outside the car after filling the tank. I smell this more in cooler months than warmer months. I've been smelling fuel for over 2 years now but didn't think much of it. I have recently had an engine light come on and did some research. The fault points to the fuel system. I'm wagering that when I remove the back seat, I'm going to find evidence of a fuel leak like many others online have found. The car has not been in any recorded accidents that I'm aware of. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508841, filed 2013-04, 163,500 miles“Reference NHTSA action# pe12001 fuel smell strongest in left rear seat area. Removed seat, opened cover over fuel pump and found fuel sitting exposed. Removed the sitting fuel, and did research. Found many such complaints that match my situation. If I don't fill the fuel tank for an extended time, the fuel smell dissipates, but any time I fill the fuel tank, the noxious fuel smell returns within hours and is obvious as soon as opening the left rear door. Previous owner had similar problem and had fuel pump/sender replaced apr. …”
NHTSA complaint #10493376, filed 2013-01, 94,592 miles
Buying note. The fuel smell and leak under the rear seat is the issue owners report by far the most, and sometimes returns after repair, so a pre-purchase inspection should include pulling the rear seat cushion and checking the tank area. Ask for documented fuel-system and brake work and confirm whether any related warranty extensions still apply to the car.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 132 consumer complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55. 122 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,900 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 80 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system130 98%
- Electrical system3 2.3%
- Brakes2 1.5%
- Engine2 1.5%
- Air bags1 0.8%
- Other or unknown1 0.8%
- Seats1 0.8%
- Suspension1 0.8%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “I started smelling a fuel odor for the past few weeks now. My car is not under warranty so I didn't take it to the dealership due to charges. I took my rear seat out to find a huge puddle of fuel under it. The fuel sending unit fitting was snapped. (I think there is a group of us having this same complaint for many years now).”
NHTSA complaint #10588209, filed 2014-05, 95,000 milesElectrical 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, filed 2014-11, 85,000 milesBrakes: “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, filed 2020-12, 170,000 milesEngine: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10662312, filed 2014-12, 32,350 milesMileage when problems were reported
23% of the 122 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 51,500 and 88,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 2003–2006, E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007 +20 more
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.
- 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 2003–2006, C230 2002–2007, CLS550 2006–2011 +18 more
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.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 2003–2006, E320 2003–2009, C320 2001–2005 +21 more
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…
Recall details for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA13003Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankClosed · Mar 15, 2013
- PE12001Fuel System (Tank/Sender) LeakageClosed · Jan 23, 2012
- PE10017Driver Air Bag Circuit High ResistanceClosed · May 14, 2010
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 80 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11037487Sep 1, 2026Brakes. Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy The intent of this document is to reduce noise from high…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029062Feb 25, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
- 11028989Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 34 | 72,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 132 | 66,900 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 111 | 91,400 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 70 | 74,296 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55?
Owner complaints for this model year are dominated almost entirely by a fuel smell and fuel leak traced to the fuel sending unit and tank area under the rear seat, typically noticed after filling up. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell and leak from fuel sending unit / tank top; Recurring leak after prior recall or repair work; Fuel odour after topping off the tank.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 have?
NHTSA recorded 132 consumer complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 130 complaints (98% of the total), followed by electrical system with 3.
Has the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 reported?
Among the 122 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,900 miles and the middle half falls between 51,500 and 88,000 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.