Airbag light came on in 2005 smart car. Maintenance book says get to dealer immediately, so we did. This is a common problem that should be a recall. The wiring harness needed replaced.
The worst 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
Recalls 1
Interior lighting
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.
- Risk
- Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 06V028000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class 5
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning
- Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped...
- Mercedes benz: water in tail lamp housing on either right side or left side.
- Inspect transmission pilot bushing at electrochydraulic unit and replace if necessary
2005 Mercedes Benz S Class 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.4L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 20 | 15 |
| 5.5L 12‑cyl | RWD | 11 | 17 | 13 |
What 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Mercedes benz s 500 had total brake failure. Vehicle has about 12,000 to 14,000 miles on it. Dealer is trying to blame brake failure on rust on rotors due to lack of use of vehicle. I don't think the manual warns about this. Sounds like a make up story to me. I have had mercedes vehicles for about 30 years and never had a problem like this before. Brake failure caused an accident but since at very low speed no injuries. If it had happened at a high speed it could have LED to serious injuries or death.
Compare the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class
Other model years
Questions about the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class
Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class, fewer than a typical S Class model year.
What is the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class year score?
The 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class scores 94 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz S Class: 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 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Airbags, with 1 complaint. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class have?
1 recall, covering interior lighting.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Mercedes Benz S Class range from 13 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 8-cyl, 4WD) gets 15 city and 21 highway.
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