2004 Mercedes Benz E Class
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 38 |
| 1995 | 21 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 38 |
| 1998 | 24 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2000 | 34 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2003 | 45 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 10 |
| 2008 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
MY E 320 HAS GAS SMELL IN MY GARAGE AFTER REFUELING SINCE JUNE/2012. THE SMELL IS GETTING EVEN STRONGER FOR LAST A FEW MONTHS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130715
HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. CAN NOT FILL MY FUEL TANK IF SO THE FUEL SMELL FILLS MY HOME BECAUSE I PARK IN THE GARAGE. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD TO WATCH FOR FLAMES IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121207
I CAME OUT TO MY GARAGE ONE MORNING TO FIND A MY CAR WREAKING OF FUEL. I DECIDED TO DRIVE THE CAR AROUND FOR A FEW TO SEE IF IT THE PUNGENT ODOR WOULD GO DISSIPATE ALTOGETHER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120724
2 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THEY BRAELY FUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A BUS. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A SIGNAL FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING AIR BAGS MALFUNCTIONED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040513
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY HAVE A BURR ON A METAL COMPONENT OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM. THE PRESENCE OF THE BURR COULD PREVENT THE SEAT BELT FROM LOCKING UNDER CERTAIN CI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 03V534000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) IS DESIGNED TO MONITOR THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. IF AN UNA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21M 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 04V296000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY SHIFT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP FUNCTION MODE, DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION, OR DUE TO PREMATU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. ADDITIONALLY DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SBC PUMP UNIT IN SL VEHICLES PRODUCED
Campaign 05V133000 — check if this car was fixed
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 C
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 08V303000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Mercedes Benz E Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V534000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V296000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V133000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V303000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.