2005 Mercedes-Benz S500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 18%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,296miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S500, 18% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,296 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.
“Took my car to Mercedes-Benz of pembroke, pines florida I took my car to the dealer last mo Mercedes-Benz of pembroke pines florida for them to change the oil and filter in transmission. So, monday I took it back in and told them to check my key door locks, because the door would open. No key but would not lock by holding the handle. Also, to check the transmission which was harsh when down shifting when it was cold. I got a call the next day telling me I needed a new transmission. I said I only have 52,000 miles on the car and I don't use it that much. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455200, filed 2012-04, 55,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz s-500. The contact stated that the engine and service light illuminated and there was a loss of brakes. The failure has occurred 16 times. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The contact would not provide detailed information about the failures. The failure mileage was 3,591 and current mileage was 80,000. Update 06/10/08 the shifter would get stuck in park, the brake wear light illumininated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228778, filed 2008-05, 3,592 milesRelated 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
- 10176661May 1, 20205 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
- 10165839Jul 14, 2014Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- 10165844Jul 10, 2014Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S500
7 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S500
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