2004 Mercedes Benz E500
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 125 |
| 2004 | 142 |
| 2005 | 140 |
| 2006 | 50 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 56 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Approximately in March 2026, I started noticing a very strong gasoline odor coming from my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-matic with original miles approximately 56,300. The fuel odor always got stronger whenever I would fill up the gas tank.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260526
I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety-related defect involving the fuel system of my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. I have experienced a persistent gasoline odor originating from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260120
STRONG FUEL SMELL IN CABIN
NHTSA ODI report, 20180126
18% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 26 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING HOME I SMELT SMOKE. I STOPPED THE CAR TO INVESTIGATE THE SMELL OF SMOKE THAT WAS OVERPOWERING THE NOW NORMAL SCENT OF GAS WHICH FILLED MY VEHICLE CABIN DUE TO A FUEL PUMP LEAK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141223
14% of complaints: suspension — 20 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
"TAKATA RECALL" MY MERCEDES BENZ E500 BACK AIR SHOCKS STOPPED LIFTING THE CAR WHEN I STARTED IT IN THE MORNING AND THE RED INDICATOR LIGHT WANT GO OFF UNLESS I STOP IT WILL LIFT UP AN THEN GOES BACK DOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180622
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SUSPENSION AIR BAGS FAILED ACTIVATE TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. THE MESSAGE "STOP CAR, PARK TOO LOW" REMAINED ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180419
13% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. THERE WAS A SUDDEN 100% PRESSURE LOSS IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I WAS LESS THAN 20 FT FROM GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170104
THE CARS BRAKES JUST QUIT WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHICH I WAS DRIVING, AS DESCRIBED BELOW. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150302
5% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
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.
Campaign 19V918000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918.
Campaign 22V954000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Mercedes Benz E500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (56 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 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 E500?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 have?
3 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.