The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE has too few complaints to score: 11 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about engine, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 14 to 15 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 31 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mercedes-Benz M/GLE 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 25K to 90K miles on the car (27 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 86 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit
- Thumping noises from front axle when driving over bumps on road
- Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $5300–5700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving at a low speed transmission failed to shift into first or second gear. Consumer had vehicle towed to dealer.
2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE owner · NHTSA complaint 10117665
Quick answers
Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 11 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (27%), transmission & drivetrain (18%) and equipment & accessories (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
14 to 15 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 25,000 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 61,000 miles, from 27 complaints.
Does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $5300 to $5700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
3.7L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2005?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2011.
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