2005 Mercedes Benz 211
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › 211 › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Mercedes Benz 211. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
13 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Service brakes
While driving the car will shut off randomly at high speeds on the freeway and I will lose steering and my braking abilities. The sbc pump already had been replaced and mercedes has not made any attempt to reimburse me, multiple areas of the wiring harness will crumble in your hand inside the…
While driving the car will shut off randomly at high speeds on the freeway and I will lose steering and my braking abilities. The sbc pump already had been replaced and mercedes has not made any attempt to reimburse me, multiple areas of the wiring harness will crumble in your hand inside the engine compartment, the trunk had pinched wires shorting out and caught fire luckily I had been in the garage at that time to witness and put it out. The car will start up and drive and stall out randomly now at any speeds or even being stopped.
- Service brakes
Car went into brake failure barely could stop the car once in park could not get into drive
- Service brakes
This vehicle IS equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold IS reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent…
This vehicle IS equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold IS reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit IS and replace them at the dealer's expense. This IS a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.
- Service brakes
I was driving my mercedes E320 2005 on I-75 and took exit 107. When I pushed my brake peddle I had what seemed to be no brakes and a red warning light came on the dash. I ran the car off on the grass to slow the car down. I had a green light and ran on the side street. This could have been a very dangerous situation. I am upset that mercedes would design a system that could do this.
- Service brakes
Sbc brake failure almost causes accident. I was driving down a 2 lane highway at 60mph and stepped on the brakes. At the moment I stepped on the brakes the dashboard started to blink red and beeping with brake failure message and there was no noticeable brake power. I pushed the pedal all the way…
Sbc brake failure almost causes accident. I was driving down a 2 lane highway at 60mph and stepped on the brakes. At the moment I stepped on the brakes the dashboard started to blink red and beeping with brake failure message and there was no noticeable brake power. I pushed the pedal all the way to the floor and felt no resistance and very little braking power. I'm estimating 5% power from normal. I had to swerve to avoid the car in front of me. Luckily, there was no traffic in the intersection because I blew straight through it and eventually managed to get the vehicle stopped after about 200 yards. This happened with no prior messages or warnings on the dashboard. I turned off the car and restarted it and braking power resumed as normal. There are currently no messages about brakes. It's like it never happened. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong smell of gasoline vapors in garage when vehicle has a full tank. Faint smell detectable in passenger compartment. Smell subsides when fuel tank level reaches 3/4 to 1/2 full.
- Service brakes
This vehicle IS equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold IS reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent…
This vehicle IS equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold IS reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit IS and replace them at the dealer's expense. This IS a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.
- Service brakes
Car brakes did not work. the car brakes failed while driving. a red light came on the dash saying "reduced braking power".
- Fuel/propulsion system
While driving my vehicle, I began to notice a strong fuel odor inside my vehicle. I pulled over and checked to see if any fuel was leaking onto the ground. nothing appeared to be leaking. I then opened up the hood for the engine, and observed the compartment for about a minute to see if the odor…
While driving my vehicle, I began to notice a strong fuel odor inside my vehicle. I pulled over and checked to see if any fuel was leaking onto the ground. nothing appeared to be leaking. I then opened up the hood for the engine, and observed the compartment for about a minute to see if the odor was detectable from the engine. it was not. I walked back to the rear drivers side and began to detect the odor once more. I opened the drivers side passenger door and from the back seat I could detect a very strong fuel odor, so I got down on the ground to see if the vehicle was leaking fuel from under the passenger compartment. no fuel detected. the next day, after the vehicle was sitting overnight, as soon as I got into the vehicle there was a really strong odor of fuel. I started the vehicle normally, but the vehicle took longer to start, it turned over several times before starting. this was not normal for my vehicle. I got out and go into the back seat and the odor was overwhelming, the odor of fuel was coming from underneath the rear passenger seat.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong smell of gasoline near left rear of vehicle when tank IS filled. When tank gets to half full smell goes away. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I filled the car up with gas and it set over night in front of house. Upon my returning to my car the next day a strong gas odor was outside on driver side.when I enter the car the odor was also strong. After doing some investigating I found this problem IS common. After further investigation I…
I filled the car up with gas and it set over night in front of house. Upon my returning to my car the next day a strong gas odor was outside on driver side.when I enter the car the odor was also strong. After doing some investigating I found this problem IS common. After further investigation I also found gas under the back seat of the car on the driver side. It was a puddle of gas. This IS not safe or healthy. Please help. *tr
- Fuel system, diesel
After filling the fuel tank and for several hundred miles after until the fuel level IS used down to almost half full, there IS s very strong smell of raw fuel coming from under the back seat and when parked, from underneath the car when it IS parked especially in the garage. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I am the owner of a 2005 mercedes E55 AMG (aka 211 & W211). I have experienced strong gasoline odor after refueling my car on numerous occasions. The smell of gas IS strong not only inside the car, but fills the entire garage and fumes are noticed inside the house as well. I took the car to the…
I am the owner of a 2005 mercedes E55 AMG (aka 211 & W211). I have experienced strong gasoline odor after refueling my car on numerous occasions. The smell of gas IS strong not only inside the car, but fills the entire garage and fumes are noticed inside the house as well. I took the car to the local mercedes dealership. The diagnosis was a leaking fuel tank and fuel filter modules need to be replaced. There IS a recall sticker referencing 2008020001 from 2009 on the under side of my hood. This IS from a previous attempt by mercedes to fix this known problem which states to "replace fuel filter modules if needed". The recall from mercedes also states that it "does not expire". In spite of this information, I have been informed by the mercedes dealership that the cost of repairs IS my responsibility and quoted a price of $4000. There have been no attempts to fix the issue mercedes as instructed by the recall. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10135900Fuel Odor In the Area of the Fuel Tank
- 10058130Mercedes-benz model years 2003-2009 model 211, model years 2006-2011 model 219: fuel odor in the area of the fuel tank . Warranty extension has been issued on fuel tank components for certain vehicles. Updated 10/6/15.
- 10057241Mercedes my-all models 164.195 212.095, 221-195 222-163, 245.286 . Vehicles must be examined immediately after an accident to avoid damage to hv battery.
Every Mercedes Benz 211 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.