The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a fuel leak, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. A diagnostic test revealed an Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) control system leak. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
The worst 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system29
- Airbags4
- Wheels4
- Brakes3
- Electrical3
- Suspension3
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Visibility2
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Engine1
- Seat belts1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500
Recalls 4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of previous the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Recall number 24V874000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall expands the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Recall number 22V954000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.
Recall number 21V196000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit:
- Risk
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Recall number 19V918000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500
Defect investigations
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
EA13003
Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported a high number of warranty claims for air bag warning lamp illumination due to a diagnostic fault code 9103 or 9123 indicating a high resistance in the driver's frontal air bag firing circuit.MBUSA's testing and evaluation have shown that this condition is the result of a faulty connector (specifically, improper wire crimp) but that it will not prevent proper deployment of the driver's frontal air bag.The faulty connector can cause the air bag circuit resistance levels to exceed the threshold that illuminates the air bag warning lamp, but they do not exceed a higher limit at which proper deployment of the air bag may no longer occur.The agency believes that further expenditure of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.During the investigation, ODI learned that MBUSA will initiate a warranty extension program to address the faulty connectors in subject model year 2005 and 2006 E-Class and other MBUSA model/model year vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.MBUSA will notify all affected vehicle owners of this action.A bulletin describing this program is available in the investigative file.
PE10017
Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 97
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The warranty on the SBC Hydraulic Unit for MY 2003-2006 Model 211, MY 2006 Model 219, and Model Year...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
2006 Mercedes Benz E500 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 23 | 18 |
What 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My father and mother were driving back home on the evening of 1/29/25 when all of a sudden they heard a loud pop/explosion and their seat belts tightened. They were traveling at a speed of approximately 35 mph on local roads. There was no accident, collision, or warning signs, but the driver's side airbags, left side of the car, deployed. The message on the odometer said SRS Restraint system malfunction. The car is a 2006 Mercedes E500 with 58,900 miles having one owner and all maintenance performed on time. This is a high safety concern as it could have caused a severe accident and if the front airbags had deployed erroneously, this could have injured my elderly parents. I put a call into Mercedes corporate on 1/31/25 at 9:30 am but so far they do not appear to be taking this issue seriously. When my father contacted his local Mercedes dealer, they too do not want too deal with the issue.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 500. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, she noticed arrows were pointing at the sunroof. The contact stated that the failure was due to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to a shortage in the lights. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Undergoing changing of front lights, wires under hood leading to the lights were found to be completely exposed in areas. The protective covering had disintegrated off, causing risk of fire or explosion from bare wires touching.
Very strong fuel odor present inside and outside vehicle after being driven. Smell prominent at left rear wheel well.
I just wanted to say that I am the origional owner and this is an e500 . I do not want anyone to get hurt so I am reporting. I do have all receipts.
I have had the same thing lately with my car as recall dated 12/20/2019. My sunroof has been leaking a little all the liner in my car is starting to fall down. It started with the sunroof and the mechanical part of the roof is deteriorating. I had to take off the panel for the sunroof because it was molding and not closing properly.
Also I have had the exact same thing happen to me in the recall dated 3/15/2013. After taking a long trip up to san francisco when I got home my oil tank was leaking -there was a strong odor of gasoline coming from my backseat. I took it in to the dealer they replaced my fuel tank but before they did that they sent me on the road without fixing and no rental car. I thought I would pass out from the smell of gasoline. The dealer told me to roll my windows down when driving what? I drove my car like that for approx 1 week before the fuel tank came in. They did pay for it. I was concerned if I where to smoke in the car what would happen?
This has actually happened 2x already-I was stationary at a light and when I went to accelerate the car stalled and would not start back up. There where many cars behind me and my car would not move. I turned car off and then it finally restarted and I was able to pull over on the side of the road . I was terrified. The second time the car was actually moving and then just died in the middle of the intersection. I took it to the dealer both times and since nothing came up on my dash they could not find out what was wrong. I am terrified this will happen again without a good outcome next time. I feel my car is unsafe to drive. I have tried talking to mbusa and told them what happened they did nothing. I wrote a letter they did nothing. I told hoehn mercedes I called the dealership who sold me the car nothing. 1st time car was stationary on city street, 2nd time in motion on a highway. Going straight. 2nd mechanic said he had heard of that happening before, random incident starter? I am the origional owner-paid $60,000 for this car I cannot even get $5,000 for it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz e500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the front driver's side tire struck an object and caused four air bags to deploy. The tire was destroyed on impact, but the vehicle was not damaged at all. There were no injuries. The contact called mercedes-benz of coconut creek at 954‑406‑1167 (located at 4250 n. State road 7, coconut creek, fl 33073) where the contact was provided with the manufacturer's number and was advised to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the same dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The technician diagnosed the vehicle and informed the manufacturer that the vehicle struck an object, which caused the air bags to deploy. The manufacturer informed the contact about the dealer's diagnosis and stated that the repairs would be at the contact's expense. The contact sent pictures of the tire, air bags, and vehicle to the manufacturer; however, that did not change the manufacturer's decision. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. *ln consumer stated complaint number 11268700 concerning to thousand and six mercedes e 500 after the airbag exploded inside the car this litter from mercedes USA responding to my complain to them what they saying the car impacted something before the airbag exploded. *jb *dt
Compare the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500
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Questions about the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500
Is the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 reliable?
Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500, close to a typical E500 model year.
What is the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 year score?
The 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz E500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 29 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles. Next is airbags (4).
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 have?
4 recalls, covering visibility.
What year does the Mercedes Benz E500 have the most fuel system problems?
The Mercedes Benz E500 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2004 (84 complaints), 2005 (76 complaints) and 2003 (41 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 get?
Official estimates for the 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 23 highway.
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