2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 23%of 231 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320, 23% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I got a message on my dashboard to visit car shop for brakes. Thinking that I needed to replace brakes, I drove it for a couple of weeks ( I hardly drive) and took it in. Only to find out it was the hydraulic pump that went out and could leave me without any brakes at any second!! I had to leave it there for 4 days and paid 1544.”
NHTSA complaint #11073597, filed 2018-02, 157,000 miles“This vehicle is equipped with sbc - sensotronic brake system. Rolling at city speed limit, the brake pedal suddenly went to the floor with no advanced warning causing me to use the transmission and emergency brake to bring the car to a stop. Seems to me to be a serious safety issue with a mercedes benz who don't want to have anything to do with it in terms of repair cost”
NHTSA complaint #10965841, filed 2017-03, 114,000 miles“I was driving and my brakes failed causing me to almost crash. I was on a busy interstate and had to immediately get to edge of road and turn my car off and the restart.. Took to a aoto shop. Found out that it was the sbc ABS brake system. Was notified of a recall”
NHTSA complaint #11139645, filed 2018-10, 130,000 miles“Car shut off randomly by going safe mode while driving, constant break warning in bright red break visit workshop I went to multiple shops and a consistent electrical issue but, problem to be determined, car has been checked multiple times before I purchased it from the used car dealer with the srs light on, I did not know what it was. The car has had the alternator replaced 3 times, both batteries twice, one short was found in faulty wiring harness in truck being pinched. …”
NHTSA complaint #11143924, filed 2018-10, 12,300 miles“Our car's brakes have been maintained because stopping is an essential function. E.g. Pads and rotors as needed plus fluid flush periodically. Now we've learned we may be at risk of careening out of control with no brakes - perhaps into oncoming traffic or pedestrians - just because the mercedes' sbc (sensotronic brake control) software predetermines when the brakes have reached end of service and disables them. Worse, it may do this without warning! …”
NHTSA complaint #10716666, filed 2015-05, 105,350 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Complaint 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…
- 11020172Jul 2, 2025Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy AMG brake systems are designed for…
- 10186135Dec 9, 2020If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 11031725Aug 17, 2018The purpose of this letter is to advise you of additional benefits that Mercedes-Benz is providing to you regarding your vehicle ownership.
- 11031585Aug 17, 2018The warranty on the SBC Hydraulic Unit for MY 2003-2006 Model 211, MY 2006 Model 219, and Model Year 2003-2012 Model 230 was extended from the original 4 years/50,000 miles to 25…
- 10028644Dec 19, 2008Mercedes: vehicle fails star diagnosis test; inspect brake system for air." models 230, 219, and 211. Model years 2003-2009.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 17 | 41% |
| 2005 | 54 | 23% |
| 2004 | 50 | 25% |
| 2003 | 77 | 36% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 6 | 14% |
| 1999 | 5 | 6% |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320
122 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology