2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 231 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320, 3% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“On a right turn the rack and pinion mechanical part failed. Steering became extremely difficult, and almost caused a move into oncoming traffic. The mechanical failure caused a blow back of fluid with metal filings into the power steering pump. The pump overflowed onto the belt. The belt then stressed the water pump until it too was broken. $8,000 worth of damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10458640, filed 2012-05, 65,000 miles“Cable harness and connectors in steering column airbag, poor connection from using steering wheel. Engine and transmission mounts disintegrated and needed to be replaced. Front thrust arms with bushings had torn boots and needed to be replaced. Crankshaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. Transmission data link connector was faulty and needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10477400, filed 2012-09, 75,113 miles“The vehicle smelled like something was burning and the steering wheel squeaked. The dealer was unable to find any defects after servicing the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10099130, filed 2004-11, 18,000 miles“My vehicle has had a serious steering problem to the right from day 1 of driving vehicle off the dealers lot. It has been in the service dept. For 5 to 6 time for the steering problem and pulling to the right. The dealership located me another vehicle a month after purchase,. I test drove the vehicle with the salesman, he put my name in the window of the upgraded vehicle and the pickup date. When I went back the next day to pick up the vehicle, the salesman and service manager would not let me have the upgraded vehicle as promised the day before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10358212, filed 2010-09Related service bulletins
- 10167000Feb 18, 2014Surface damage on steering wheel trim
- 10044181Mar 12, 2012Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 9% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320
122 complaintsBrakes
54 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 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