Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class, the most recent reported on July 7, 2008 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (2 complaints), followed by seats (2).

How many 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 5 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls and problems

2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · reported July 7, 2008 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 404 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
The risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
The fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 05V560000 · reported December 20, 2005 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 61,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with sport model steering wheels fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." in certain low risk air bag deployment tests conducted by NHTSA, using an out-of-position unbelted 5th percentile female crash test dummy, irregularities were demonstrated indicating that occupants may not be properly protected in a crash.
The risk: In the event of a crash, an occupant may not be properly restrained which could result in injuries.
The fix: Dealers will install a new air bag inflator module free of charge. The recall began on march 15, 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train2
Seats2
Air bags1
Electrical system1
Equipment adaptive/mobility1
Vehicle speed control1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 28, 2014 · Seats · 81,000 miles
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK, LEFT BOLSTER, STARTED TO SMOKE AND BURNED A DIME SIZE HOLE IN THE LEATHER SEAT COVER. DRIVER'S SEAT HEAT WAS ON AT THE TIME. TURNING THE SEAT HEAT OFF SEEMS TO HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. SUSPECT SHORT IN SEAT HEAT WIRING. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD!

Jun 4, 2012 · Power train · 72,280 miles
WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE WOULD REV NORMALLY BUT VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IN NEUTRAL. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO SIDE OF FREEWAY SAFELY. PLACED CAR IN PARK AND THEN SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE, AND CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS…

Jan 5, 2012 · Electrical system · 105,000 miles
SEAT CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. 2 MODULES PER CAR, 1 FOR PASSENGER SEAT, AND 1 FOR DRIVER SEAT FAIL. THE DEFECTIVE SEAT CONTROL MODULE UNIT WILL DEPLETE THE CARS BATTERY OVERNIGHT RESULTING IN A NO-START CONDITION THE FOLLOWING DAY. A NEW BATTERY, OR A JUMP START, WILL GET THE CAR GOING AGAIN. THE COMMON IMMEDIATE…

Aug 27, 2010 · Power train · 24,000 miles
A O-RING CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LEAKING OUT TRANSMISSION FLUID AFTER MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR IN THE SNOW, THE BACK TIRES HAD SOME TRACTION PROBLEM DUE TO THE WET SNOW EARLIER. ONCE THE CAR REACHED HOME, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS DRIPPING ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 25K ON IT, IN MINT…

Jun 19, 2006 · Air bags
I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN APRIL THAT MY CAR WAS RECALLED BECAUSE OF AIR BAG SAFETY ISSUES. MERCEDES HAS NOT RECTIFIED THE SITUATION.

C Class model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2002	0	30	1	2
2003	0	9	1	0
2004	1	15	2	2
2005	2	5	0	0
2006	2	9	0	0
2008	1	13	2	2

All Mercedes-Benz C Class years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class, the most recent reported on July 7, 2008 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class?: Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (2 complaints), followed by seats (2).
How many 2005 Mercedes-Benz C Class complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 5 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 28, 2014.