The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is better than average by owner complaints: 23 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 52, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 18 to 24 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 135 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2005 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 35K to 110K miles on the car (81 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 27K–122K miles
Recalls 4
- visibility 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
- visibility 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- visibility 2019
The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Show all 4 recalls
- airbags 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 73 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The engine oil line may come into contact with the radiator shroud, the steering gear or the…
- Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit
- Noise: A rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3300–4400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.6L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle flipped over and rolled and crash down and the front driver seat air bag did not deploy. The car was considered totaled. Sustained several injuries from air bag not deploying.
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10242681
More owner reports
Submission for reimbursement of payment for damaged to c230 2005 mercedes benz in which the air bags did not deploy at the time of accident certified mail.
NHTSA complaint 10157375
Vehicle was leaking transmission fluid, and air pressure was defective all of these defects were discovered by the dealer. After the vehicle was serviced it would not start.
NHTSA complaint 10101033
Quick answers
Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 52; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (39%), engine (35%) and tires (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
4 safety recalls (latest: visibility). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
18 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 35,600 and 110,500 miles. The middle report was at 78,000 miles, from 81 complaints.
Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 to $4400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.6L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2005?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works