2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 4%of 231 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,113miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320, 4% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,113 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.
“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“Slowing down for light and car tries to stall. After getting it home and in the garage, noticed strong gas smell. Took to shop and guy said gas leak from top of tank. Read about lots of complaints about this issue with other people with E320's.”
NHTSA complaint #10546031, filed 2013-09, 106,000 miles“From a stop the car would not accelerate beyond an idle, despite depressing the accelerator. It happened once on the highway after a tollbooth and almost caused an accident while merging. It also happened in the neighborhood after a stop sign. Problem is intermittent. Dealer could not duplicate problem and did not make any repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10207046, filed 2007-10, 16,000 miles“Car would not properly accelerate from reduced speed. Incident occurred on three occasions. Last incident occurred on entry to florida turnpike. Car required considerably more than quarter of mile to reach 50 MPH. Almost rear ended by ten wheeler that could not move to passing lane. Very dangerous situation. Dealer claimed they could not reproduce situation. Dealer found faulty glow plug. Doubtful that this has anything to do with problem. Dealer now checking problem again. Incident occurred on three occasions during past ten days. Almost rear ended by ten wheeler”
NHTSA complaint #10172339, filed 2006-11, 29,000 miles“I brought my 2005 mercedes E320 [purchased oct. 2014] in for an oil change jan. 30, 2014. I mentioned to the service person a noise [like something broke] I heard while out of town visiting. He changed my oil and also found/replace a broken rear suspension spring. This occurred within 3 months of purchase. Repair cost: $551.17. My second incident occured feb. 19th. I noticed a puddle of fluid underneath the vehicle [not sure what kind of fluid] and immediately brought the car back to the dealer for service. I was told the transmission servo solenoid seals required replacing. Repair cost: $157. …”
NHTSA complaint #10585435, filed 2014-04Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint 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…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10032709Aug 13, 2009Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle is subject to torsion or when steering wheel is turned. This is mainly heard when the vehicle is stationary or…
- 10029504Feb 1, 2009Mercedes: replace transfer case on affected vehicles optimized transfer cases will reduce vibrations when cornering or when parking. Models 203, 211, 220.
- 10023776Jan 1, 2009Models e320, e500, e55, e350, e550, e63 and s430 4matic, s500 4matic. My 2005-2006 -- replace transfer case. *nj updated 5/13/09. Models c280, c350, c320 and c240. My 2005-2007.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5 | 29% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 6 | 16% |
| 2000 | 7 | 16% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320
122 complaintsBrakes
54 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsElectrical system
16 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 Nov 1, 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