Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class with NHTSA between 2004 and 2013.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 29
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E Class. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 82
15.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
72% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E Class
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
526.3%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
315.8%
Median failure at 1,700 miles
Brakes
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 3,450 mi
Airbags
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 28,822 mi
Electrical System
210.5%
Median failure at 4,450 miles
Tires
15.3%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.3%
Median failure at 120 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 3,500 mi
Body & Structure
15.3%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
15.3%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
422.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
527.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
422.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
316.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15.6%
150,000+ miles
15.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2004peak 4Aug 2013
Recalls on the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202274010,460 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the sunroof glass may not be properly attached to the sliding roof frame. Over time, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Note: Vehicles that were inspected under Transport Canada recalls 2019-668 and 2021-478 also require this inspection. Safety Risk: A sunroof that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the bonding of the sunroof glass. Dealers will replace the sliding roof, if necessary.
Recall 2021478432 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles inspected under Mercedes-Benz recall 7891003 (Transport Canada recall 2019-668) that require a second inspection. On certain vehicles, the sunroof glass may not be properly attached to the sliding roof frame. Over time, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Note: This recall affects 2006 and 2007 models originally equipped with a sunroof. Additionally, some 2001-2011 models may have had an affected sunroof installed during a repair. Safety Risk: A sunroof that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the bonding of the sunroof glass. Dealers will replace the sliding roof, if necessary.
Recall 201966830,219 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the sunroof glass may not be properly attached to the sliding roof frame. Over time, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Note: This recall affects 2006 and 2007 models originally equipped with a sunroof. Additionally, some 2001-2011 models may have had an affected sunroof installed during a repair. Safety Risk: A sunroof that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the bonding of the sunroof glass. Dealers will replace the sliding roof, if necessary.
Recall 200824233 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles may have been programmed with incorrect software calibration data during the manufacturing process. This could affect various functions such as: The electric fuel pump may not receive a signal which, in case of a crash, may prevent the fuel pump from disconnecting as designed; The maximum speed limiter may not be activated; The fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; A stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; The speedometer may be out of tolerance which, as a result, may indicate inaccurate vehicle speed; The On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system may reduce the emission level applicable to the vehicle, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate incorrectly. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module.
Recall 20050949,256 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) unit may contain a pump piston which is out of permissible tolerances. Also, vibrations within the electrical connector may cause a loss of electrical continuity. Both conditions may result in the system reverting to hydraulic function mode. A loss of brake power assist would result in increased pedal effort and extended stopping distance. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the SBC pump unit.
Recall 20042106,579 units in Canada
Brakes
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 unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode. DaimlerChrysler AG has determined that in certain instances, if vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the SBC may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode. Correction: Dealers will re-program the SBC hydraulic unit. A software update will provide a clear maintenance notice on the vehicle display and assure continuous pump speed operation within tolerances.
Recall 2003338310 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr may prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances. Correction: Dealer will replace the affected seat belt buckles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 3,500 milesGrosse Pointe Shores, MICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MERCEDES BENZ E320 2004 - VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT OPERATOR ACCELERATION. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO HOME, GREAT CONCERN FOR THE POTENTIAL OF INJURY IF EVENT OCCURS AGAIN. VEHICLE SENT TO DEALERSHIP ( MB BLOOMFIELD, MI ) FOR EVALUATION. WEB SEARCH FINDS SIMILAR EVENTS WITH SAME MODEL 2003.
NHTSA complaint #10090684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesManhasset, NYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. *AK NOT ONLY DID THE AIR NAG FAIL TO DEPLOY BUT THE DASH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITH THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #10073609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesManhasset, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. *AK NOT ONLY DID THE AIR NAG FAIL TO DEPLOY BUT THE DASH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITH THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #10073609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 55,000 milesOviedo, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THERE'S STRONG GASOLINE ODOR FROM MY VEHICLE WHENEVER I REFUEL, PARTICULAR AFTER IT'S GARAGED. THE SMELL SEEMS TO GO AWAY ONCE I USED UP 1/3 OR 1/2 TANK. RECENTLY THE SMELL SEEMS TO BE STRONGER. I CAN SMELL IT EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT GARAGED.
NHTSA complaint #10535271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10524788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHarvey, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10487629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesBrevard, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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. DURING THIS TIME, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TO LET HIM DO A QUICK ONCE-OVER BEFORE HE LEFT FOR THE DAY. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING ONTO MY EXHAUST. BEING THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE THE TOOLS AND WHATNOT TO REPLACE THE SENDING UNIT, I HAD IT TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ. I WAS NOT GOING TO LET MY GIRLFRIEND DRIVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. NO WAY, NO HOW. SKYLAND AUTOMOTIVE(MY LOCAL MECEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP) FOUND A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER MY BACK SEAT. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT PARTIALLY UNDER MY THIRD PARTY WARRANTY. I, HOWEVER, HAD TO PAY ROUGHLY $500 OUT OF POCKET. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS ISSUE HAPPENING ON MANY W211 E CLASS CARS, IT HAS HAPPENED TO SOME MORE THAN ONCE. I'M AT 7X,XXX MILES NOW AND DEFINITELY DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN. FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND IS BAD ENOUGH, BUT LEAKING ONTO MY EXHAUST ISN'T TO BE TOLERATED. IT'S DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10467522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSacramento, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
AFTER REFUELING AND FILLING THE FUEL TANK, A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMITS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND INSIDE THE CAR. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE, PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT SEAL FAILURE CAUSING POOLING OF GASOLINE AROUND THE SENDING UNIT NEXT TO ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND DIRECTLY UNDER THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER SEAT. I REMOVED THE REAR SEAT AND ACCESS PANEL TO THE SENDING UNIT AND DISCOVERED POOLED GASOLINE AROUND THE SENDING UNIT. THE SENDING UNIT APPEARED TIGHT. I DID NOT NOTICE ANY CUTS OR FAILURE TO THE HOSE, JUST AROUND THE SENDING UNIT ITSELF. MY LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER CLAIMED THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS CONDITION, EVEN THOUGH THERE APPEAR TO BE MANY COMPLAINTS. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO BRING MY CAR IN TO BE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC TO TRULY DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10442586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,745 milesAlexandria, LA
AIR BAGS
THE SRS, (SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM) OR "AIR BAG" LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CAUSED BY THE SRSCONTROL UNIT EXPERIENCING AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAULT. THE FAULT DISPLAYED CODE 9120. MERCEDES VEHICLES OF THIS YEAR AND MODEL ARE KNOWN TO HAVE AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS ISSUES. EVEN THOUGH MY ISSUE WASN'T THE HARNESS ITSELF, IT PRESENTS A FLAW RESULTING IN A SAFETY AND STATE INSPECTION ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10434415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesRiverside, CA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK POSITION TO REVERSE OR DRIVE. *BF THE PLASTIC PIECE ATTACHED TO THE FENDER WAS LOOSE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE PLASTIC. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK WHICH HAD COME FROM THE PAN IN THE ENGINE. *SC WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO CHANGE THE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10111089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesRiverside, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK POSITION TO REVERSE OR DRIVE. *BF THE PLASTIC PIECE ATTACHED TO THE FENDER WAS LOOSE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE PLASTIC. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK WHICH HAD COME FROM THE PAN IN THE ENGINE. *SC WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO CHANGE THE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10111089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesRiverside, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK POSITION TO REVERSE OR DRIVE. *BF THE PLASTIC PIECE ATTACHED TO THE FENDER WAS LOOSE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE PLASTIC. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK WHICH HAD COME FROM THE PAN IN THE ENGINE. *SC WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO CHANGE THE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10111089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesRiverside, CA
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK POSITION TO REVERSE OR DRIVE. *BF THE PLASTIC PIECE ATTACHED TO THE FENDER WAS LOOSE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE PLASTIC. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK WHICH HAD COME FROM THE PAN IN THE ENGINE. *SC WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO CHANGE THE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10111089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,700 milesNEW Milford, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE 2004. SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOUR TIMES WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF PURCHASE FOR THE SAME ISSUE - TRANSMISSION OIL LEAK. DEALERSHIP HAS STATED THAT LEAK IS RELATED TO CONNECTOR (?) NOT BEING LONG ENOUGH AND HAS USED ANOTHER NON-MANUFACTURING SPEC'D CONNECTOR TO RESOLVE MATTER. VEHICLE IS ALSO LEAKING ENGINE OIL. ON LAST SERVICE IT WAS NOTED THAT SWEAT STAINS WERE SEEN AND GASKET REPLACED. AS OF TODAY - ENGINE OIL LEAK EVIDENCE CAN STILL BE SEEN. VEHICLE IS IN DANGEROUS STATE SINCE SERIOUS MALFUNCTION IS IMMINENT. LEMON LAW ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10106235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesWalnut, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. AS A RESULT, WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PULL OVER TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10094866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesGrosse Pointe Shores, MICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MERCEDES BENZ E320 2004 - VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT OPERATOR ACCELERATION. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO HOME, GREAT CONCERN FOR THE POTENTIAL OF INJURY IF EVENT OCCURS AGAIN. VEHICLE SENT TO DEALERSHIP ( MB BLOOMFIELD, MI ) FOR EVALUATION. WEB SEARCH FINDS SIMILAR EVENTS WITH SAME MODEL 2003.
NHTSA complaint #10090684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120 milesChicago, IL
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
WHEN BACKING OUT, ONE OF THE FEATURES OF THE VEHICLE IS FOR THE REAR VIEW MIRRORS TILT DOWN. THE MIRRORS DON'T TILT BACK UP UNTIL THE VEHICLE REACHES 8 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10087353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesManhasset, NYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. *AK NOT ONLY DID THE AIR NAG FAIL TO DEPLOY BUT THE DASH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITH THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #10073609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesManhasset, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. *AK NOT ONLY DID THE AIR NAG FAIL TO DEPLOY BUT THE DASH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITH THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #10073609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,900 milesLexington, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE DISTRONIC RADAR-CONTROLLED CRUISE CONTROL. IN EXTREME WET CONDITIONS THE CAR IN FRONT IS INTERMITTENTLY NOT SEEN BY THE SYSTEM CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT. THIS FAULT PERSISTS FOR SOME DAYS AFTER THE WET CONDITIONS SUBSIDE. THE CAR'S FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM SOMETIMES DETECTS THIS AS A FAULT, BUT RESETS ITSELF AUTOMATICALLY LEADING TO THE DANGEROUS CONDITION RECURRING RANDOMLY.
NHTSA complaint #10067575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10065011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesEL Cajon, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT DID NOT INFORM THE CONSUMER OF THE PARTS THAT WERE REPAIRED. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN, BUT CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY, AND DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10059197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.