MYRModel Year Report

2004 Mercedes Benz E320

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2004 Mercedes Benz E320
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
203
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Fuel/propulsion system

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2004: 203 complaints 2004 203 2005: 231 complaints 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints
1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1995 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 1999 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2003 2004: 203 complaints 2004 203 2005: 231 complaints 2005 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2007 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009
1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1995 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 1999 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2003 2004: 203 complaints 2004 203 2005: 231 complaints 2005 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2007 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009

2004: 203 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199411
199596
199645
199763
199837
199983
200044
200138
200223
2003214
2004203
2005231
200641
200717
200810
20098

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel/propulsion system

39% · 79 reports
Show complaint excerpts

After filled up the car with gas. Strong gas odor and gas leaking from drivers side rear of car. While driving and while parked in the garage extremely unsafe!!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-15

Ther is a strong gas smell inside car when the tank is over 3/4 full. Dangerous fire harzard. Think that it is a recall issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-31

Service brakes

25% · 50 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

This was one of 4 accidents or fender benders I've been in in the last 14 months due to brake malfunction.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-07-30

Sbc brake light came on car would not engage got it towed the repair cost $1600.00 to repair. I call mbz they said no help for me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-18

Fuel system, gasoline

19% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

Electrical system

6% · 13 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The glue around front windshield has deteriorated and has caused major damage to my interior lights, electrical essemblys , interior damage to seats , dash board and flooring.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-07

Also filed under Exterior lighting and seats

Structure

3% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing body and roof and pillars.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

On opening the driver's door from the inside, the driver suffered a deep laceration of the middle finger as a result of sharp edges of the chipping metal coat of the door handle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-13

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2004Complaint volume 203 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2013-03-15Engineering analysisClosed 2014-12-19 Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
  3. R
    2020-07-10Visibility19V918000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2025-01-10Visibility24V874000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel/propulsion system: 79 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 50 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 38 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
  • Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.