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Electrical systemPart report

2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
7%of 231 total for the year
Median mileage
94,350miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320, 7% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,350 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“There is a high level of rf being emitted inside the cabin of the car. The level is so high it pushes pulsed rf waves against an aluminum emergency blanket that was set up to identify which direction it was coming from. This method showed it is coming from multiple direction within the cabin. This is with the engine off and windows rolled up. Also lf l leave the car and come back within less than a minute the climate inside will knock me out, or make me very sleepy. I have to immediately get out of the car and walk 50 to 70 feet away from it to stop this from happening if l catch it in time. …”

NHTSA complaint #11066957, filed 2018-02, 195,000 miles

“2005 mercedes E320 steering column wiring failure ( 'clock spring & steering wiring module & srs air bag failure). Partial repair corrected loss of turn signals, horn and speedometer at a cost to me ( owner of $749.). One day later srs (air bag fail indicator) came on again. Back to dealer who said a wiring harness in the steering column is also bad & needs to be replaced at an additional fee of $516. But that they would do repair for $429. ??? Did not affect repair yet. Just noticed defect investigation?? What should I do ?? (failure light for srs is still on etc.). …”

NHTSA complaint #10346783, filed 2010-08, 51,000 miles

“Battery light came on so it was charged then reconnected, everything good, turn key to on position everything good, turn key to start and bang! Loud bang and white smoke everywhere, engine continued to smoke for several minutes after explosion, hole in front of engine”

NHTSA complaint #11128362, filed 2018-09, 123,000 miles

“The car is being hacked into by multiple individuals across triple cities. The hackers are able to lock and unlock the doors, shift gears, turn on the check engine light, control the radio and cd player, open the hood to steal oil and control the complete functionality of the car. Including turning on the cabin lights, blacking out the odometer along with the fuel gauge, and shutting the car off when desired this includes in the middle of the street. Because they can unlock the doors and roll down the windows they have access to the hood and gas door. …”

NHTSA complaint #11066980, filed 2018-02, 195,100 miles

“Bought used one owner car w/88,500 miles in july 2015. After driving only 200 miles check engine light came on, engine would turn over but not start, it was towed to repair shop. Codes read crankshaft sensor, generator. Mechanic replaced crankshaft sensor and repaired wire to it. Did not replace alternator. Called and advised car was ready for pickup. Picked up car and drove less than 2 miles and check engine light came on again. Took back to mechanic who removed codes. Drove another 5 miles and check engine light came on again. …”

NHTSA complaint #10837501, filed 2016-02, 88,700 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2009113%
2007212%
200625%
2005167%
2004136%
20032110%
2002417%
20011334%
2000818%
1999810%
199813%
199758%
19961227%
19958993%
1994764%

Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320

Fuel system
122 complaints
Brakes
54 complaints
Air bags
22 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Engine
9 complaints
Engine cooling
8 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Seat 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