Owners have filed 173 complaints
about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 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 — 64
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 21
4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 11
6% 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 E500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
53.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
10.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1610.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3019.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3724.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5032.5%
150,000+ miles
138.4%
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 8May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA13003Opened 15 Mar 2013Closed 19 Dec 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some d...
Recalls on the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500
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.
United States — NHTSA
24V874000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
22V954000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V918000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Moreno Valley, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle started smoking and caught fire while I was driving. Pulled over and vehicle erupted in flames. It took firefighters 2 hours to put out that fire.
NHTSA complaint #11575528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,392 milesMiami, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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. HAD THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HAVE MET WITH A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 92,392 MILES. IT IS A 1-OWNER WITH ALL MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES DONE ONLY BY MERCEDES DEALER AND AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE VEHICLE IS 100% UPTO DATE ON ALL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR SUCH FAILURE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THERE ARE OTHER MERCEDES BENZ USERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. NOT ONLY WILL I EVER BUY A MERCEDES BENZ AGAIN, BUT I WILL NEVER RIDE IN A MERCEDES BENZ PRODUCT FOR THE SAKE OF MY SAFETY!!!
NHTSA complaint #10939556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesBloomington, MNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE SENT A COPY OF THE MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10691666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Charleston, SCFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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. WHEN I EXITED MY VEHICLE I OPENED UP THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR TO FIND SMOKE EMITTING FROM THAT AREA. I QUICKLY LEFT THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE SMOLDERING CAR AND WHEN I TURNED TO LOOK BACK, I SAW FLAMES UNDER MY CAR. I PROCEEDED TOWARDS THE OVERPASS WHILE MOVING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO FIND CELLULAR PHONE SIGNAL, I SAW MY CAR NOW BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. RE: (ODI NUMBER) IS: 10628900.
NHTSA complaint #10668072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesELK Grove, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON 12/6/07 MY FAMILY WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION THAT CAUSED BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. MY CONCERN IS REGARDING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED ACCORDING TO THE DASHBOARD CONSOLE. WHEN MY 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE ?PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF? LIGHT STAYED ON AND THIS WAS THE ONLY REASON WE LET HER RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. UNFORTUNATELY IN THIS ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED MINOR HEAD INJURIES. I CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ OF SACRAMENTO TO LOOK INTO THIS AND THEY INDICATED THAT IF THE LIGHT INDICATED THE AIRBAG WAS OFF, THE AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THE AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED IF THE PASSENGER WEIGHED LESS THAN 60 LBS. IN THIS SITUATION THE PASSENGER WEIGHED APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS. I ASKED MERCEDES BENZ TO CHECK THE VEHICLE FOR DEFECTS, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE EQUIPMENT TO CHECK THE CAR IN THE FIELD. I WOULD HAVE TO BRING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED. UNFORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE AND WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY SO I AM NO LONGER THE LEGAL OWNER. TO AVOID THIS SITUATION FROM HAPPENING TO ANY OTHER UNSUSPECTING FAMILY, I NEED TO KNOW IF WE WERE DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR IF THERE IS A MANUFACTURER?S DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10212726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Land O Lakes, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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. The history on my car is such that it has always been garage kept. The gasoline odor coming from my car started getting stronger and stronger while in my garage. On Memorial Day 2026 I called HQ, Mercedes Benz and told them about the gas odor coming from my car. After the call ended I decided that the car needed to be towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz service center. I considered that the gas order to be very dangerous so I parked my car in the driveway. Once parked in my driveway, there was no longer a gasoline order in my garage. Now even while parked in my driveway, I could smell gasoline around the rear of my car when I opened the doors the gasoline smell was very strong. All of this happens suddenly and only grew worse within the last four days. The gasoline smell was probably there for a long time but I didn’t notice it since I do not drive the car very often. That should be obvious because there is only approximately 56,300 miles on the car and those are original miles. I called Mercedes-Benz headquarters and requested a tow to the nearest Mercedes-Benz repair shop which is in Tampa Florida. As my car was being placed on the flatbed tow truck gasoline started spilling out onto the bed of the tow truck. That is a very dangerous situation. My car could’ve caught fire if it hit something hard or if I had been in an accident. I read where there is a 15 year extended warranty from year the analysis was actually completed in 2012 by the ODI NHTSA. I believe my car falls under the purview of the extended warranty. I’m reporting this problem because it is very dangerous and there could be other vehicles out there.
NHTSA complaint #11740023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wallingford, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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. The presence of fuel odor is not a normal operating condition and reasonably indicates a potential failure involving the fuel tank, fuel lines, or related fuel system components. Fuel vapors present a known fire and explosion hazard and constitute a safety risk to vehicle occupants, surrounding vehicles, and property. This condition was not present prior to the issue and has persisted despite inspection. I reported this concern to Mercedes-Benz USA and referenced that fuel odor and fuel tank-related defects have been documented in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. During my communication with Mercedes-Benz USA, I was informed that an extended or long-term warranty related to the fuel tank or fuel system had existed but was no longer applicable because the coverage period had expired. I was not made aware of this extended warranty at the time it was active and therefore had no opportunity to seek inspection or repair while coverage was in effect. Mercedes-Benz USA has acknowledged my complaint but has declined to provide corrective action beyond internal review. Given the safety implications of fuel system defects and the potential impact of inadequate disclosure of extended safety-related warranty coverage, I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether this condition represents a broader defect trend and whether recall or further investigation is warranted. This complaint is submitted to ensure the issue is formally recorded as a potential fuel system safety defect.
NHTSA complaint #11712043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moreno Valley, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle started smoking and caught fire while I was driving. Pulled over and vehicle erupted in flames. It took firefighters 2 hours to put out that fire.
NHTSA complaint #11575528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesWest Columbia, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon making a stop, he noticed fuel leaking onto the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall for the fuel tank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11483269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wallingford, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
the car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought it? this is very dangerous and can cause an explosion. the warranty should have been fixed rather than quoted and seems very greedy to not disclose that information but instead giving a quote. i have lung and heart problems and this is a definite safety issue that needs to be corrected regardless of the age of the car also brought it to dealership scared and they told me too bad it's been too long. how is a gas leak an ok thing to dismiss?????? i have been trying to get this fixed for years and this is my 2nd attempt for a recall with no response at all
NHTSA complaint #11447158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wallingford, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
the car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought it? this is very dangerous and can cause an explosion. the warranty should have been fixed rather than quoted and seems very greedy to not disclose that information but instead giving a quote. i have lung and heart problems and this is a definite safety issue that needs to be corrected regardless of the age of the car also brought it to dealership scared and they told me too bad it's been too long. how is a gas leak an ok thing to dismiss?????? i have been trying to get this fixed for years and this is my 2nd attempt for a recall with no response at all
NHTSA complaint #11447158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,700 milesMacon, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake malfunction warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the SBC hydraulic unit needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04V296000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 199,700.
NHTSA complaint #11425955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,111 milesVAN Alstyne, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL. WHEN I FILL CAR UP WITH GAS IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TANK AND ON THE GROUND. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SAID I MISSED THE TIME FOR THE RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE RECALL ENDED IN 2019 SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE MCKINNEY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP AND I INFORMED HIM THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE CALL THE SPC HYDRAULIC PUMP. TURNS OUT THAT IS ALSO A RECALL THAT IS WIDELY KNOWN.AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT SO THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE IT UP THERE AT THE TIME DUE TO COVID. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HONOR THIS SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO A DEADLY SITUATION IF NOT ADDRESSED. THEY HAVE BEEN DECEPTIVE BY MARKING THIS IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. THEY PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME SINCE I DON'T HAVE MY CAR WORKED ON AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION. THEY MENTIONED HAD THE CAR BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND NOT AT THE INDEPENDENT SHOO THAT I USED I MAY HAVE HAD A BETTER CHANCE AT THEM COVERING THE CHARGES FOR THIS TANK REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11408466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,111 milesVAN Alstyne, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL. WHEN I FILL CAR UP WITH GAS IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TANK AND ON THE GROUND. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SAID I MISSED THE TIME FOR THE RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE RECALL ENDED IN 2019 SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE MCKINNEY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP AND I INFORMED HIM THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE CALL THE SPC HYDRAULIC PUMP. TURNS OUT THAT IS ALSO A RECALL THAT IS WIDELY KNOWN.AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT SO THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE IT UP THERE AT THE TIME DUE TO COVID. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HONOR THIS SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO A DEADLY SITUATION IF NOT ADDRESSED. THEY HAVE BEEN DECEPTIVE BY MARKING THIS IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. THEY PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME SINCE I DON'T HAVE MY CAR WORKED ON AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION. THEY MENTIONED HAD THE CAR BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND NOT AT THE INDEPENDENT SHOO THAT I USED I MAY HAVE HAD A BETTER CHANCE AT THEM COVERING THE CHARGES FOR THIS TANK REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11408466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesPrincess Anne, MD
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RELEASING THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH AN AUDIBLE CHIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED LATCH SECURELY IN THE BUCKLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CENTER SEAT BELT TONGUE CEASED IN THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V534000 (SEAT BELTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
NHTSA complaint #11337935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesBrewster, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR DETECTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS RED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GOLDENS BRIDGE 321 NY-22, GOLDENS BRIDGE, NY 10526, (914) 232-8122 TO BE DIAGNOSED. A FUEL LEAK WAS CONFIRMED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11297903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesBrewster, NY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR DETECTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS RED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GOLDENS BRIDGE 321 NY-22, GOLDENS BRIDGE, NY 10526, (914) 232-8122 TO BE DIAGNOSED. A FUEL LEAK WAS CONFIRMED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11297903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesMilpitas, CA
POWER TRAIN
THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE IS THAT WITH ITS CURRENT TCM( TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) IN A 722.9 TRANSMISSION, THE CONDUCTOR PLATE THAT HOLDS THE SENSORS IN PLACE BECOME DEFECTIVE AND CREATES A PROBLEM IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR. THIS CAUSES A MAJOR PROBLEM DRIVING ON ROAD WAYS THAT ARE +45MPH BECAUSE THE VEHICLE CANNOT DRIVE OVER 25MPH FURTHER CAUSING MORE PROBLEMS THAT MAY ACTUALLY FREEZE UP THE ENGINE CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP. IF THE CAR IS STOPPED AND BEGINS TO GO AGAIN, THE RMP'S CAN GO VERY HIGH WITHOUT ANY POWER OR MOTION IN THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 2 OF MY PERSONAL FRIENDS ALREADY WITH THE 722.9 TRANSMISSION. IN PARTICULAR THE CONDUCTOR PLATE OR VALVE BODY WAS CORRUPTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FAIL. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THE PART CAN FAIL ANYTIME DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE DRIVER AND OTHERS AROUND WHEN THIS MAY OCCUR. MANY OTHER OWNERS (I'VE READ ONLINE) WITH THIS 722.9 TRANSMISSION CONDUCTOR PLATE FAULT IS ALSO FRUSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT NOT ONLY MERCEDES-BENZ DOESN'T ALLOW FOR A CONSUMER TO BUY THE PART BUT MANY WARRANTIES ARE VOIDED WITH THIS FAULT. MY VEHICLE (MERCEDES-BENZ E500 2004) ALSO IS ONLY AT 56,000 MILES ON THE SPEEDOMETER. CONSIDERING THE MILEAGE, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE PREMATURE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED BY A MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER BUT HAS NO SERVICE FOR THE VERY COMMONLY FAULTED PART.
NHTSA complaint #11220227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,587 milesCumming, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ENGINE STOPPED WHILE RUNNING THE CAR. HAD TO HAVE A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP REPLACE BOTH SENDING UNITS AND SEALS/GASKETS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A RECALL ALREADY BUT I PAID FOR IT?
NHTSA complaint #11209995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,154 milesNational City, CA
SUSPENSION
AIRMATIC SUSPENSION DROPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. RED LIGHT WARNING FLASHED THAT VEHICLE WAS LOW. TRIED TO RAISE CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT RAISE. CAR WAS VERY CLOSE TO GROUND AND WOULD NOT RAISE..BEGAN LOOKING UP, IF OTHER SAME MODELS AS OURS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DO. READ SEVERAL CONSUMERS COMPLIANTS/ CONCERNS WHO ALSO OWN A MERCEDES BENZ THEY SEEM TO HAVE THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX AT A DEARLERSHIP. LOOKS LIKE THIS VEHICLE MAY HAVE A PROBLEM/DEFECT WITH THEIR AIRMATIC SUSPENSION AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY UNKNOWING THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS DROPPING TO GROUND.THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR AIRMATIC SUSPENSION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11123939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SUSPENSION SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. IN ADDITION, THE 'STOP DRIVING/VEHICLE DRIVING LOW' WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11112749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesWilson, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"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 complaint #11103451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesWilson, NC
SUSPENSION
"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 complaint #11103451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBaytown, TX
SUSPENSION
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11089029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesProspect, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STRONG FUEL SMELL IN CABIN
NHTSA complaint #11065278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,359 milesKansas City, MO
SUSPENSION
CAR WAS AT A STOP AND BACK END OF CAR WENT DOWN, STOP CAR TOO LOW CAME ON THE DASHBOARD
NHTSA complaint #10983760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesCedar Rapids, IA
SUSPENSION
SBC UNIT HAS A LIMIT THAT IS SHOWING A FAULT YET BRAKES SEEM FINE NOW MUST FIX AND ALL THAT IS AVAILABLE ARE REMANUFACTURED UNITS.
NHTSA complaint #10965857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesCedar Rapids, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
SBC UNIT HAS A LIMIT THAT IS SHOWING A FAULT YET BRAKES SEEM FINE NOW MUST FIX AND ALL THAT IS AVAILABLE ARE REMANUFACTURED UNITS.
NHTSA complaint #10965857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
SUSPENSION
RED LIGHT CAME ON STATING THAT THE CAR WAS TOO LOW
NHTSA complaint #10956716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A PRIOR GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION AND RELATED EXTENSION OF WARRANTY. THE GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION DETERMINED LEAKS COULD OCCUR FROM THE GAS TANK PRESSURE SENSOR, THE OUTLET OF THE GAS TANK FILLING LIMITER VALVE AND AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. DETERMINED LEAKS COULD OCCUR FROM THE GAS TANK PRESSURE SENSOR, THE OUTLET OF THE GAS TANK FILLING LIMITER VALVE AND AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. AS A RESULT, BENZ EXTENDED ITS WARRANTY TO 15 YEARS ON GAS TANK COMPONENTS IN 2003-2009 E-CLASS VEHICLES AND 2006-2011 CLS-CLASS VEHICLES. CONSISTENT WITH THE PROBLEM, MY FUEL PUMP FAILED LAST WEEK; THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OAKLAND MERCEDES FOR SERVICE UNDER THE WARRANTY. BENZ WAS NOTIFIED AND INSPECTED THE CAR LAST WEDNESDAY. THE DEALER TOOK POSSESSION ON FRIDAY. I HAVE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT MANY TIMES TO LEARN STATUS OF THE CAR. BENZ TELLS ME THE CAR STILL HAS NOT EVEN BEEN ASSIGNED A SERVICE ADVISOR. THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION RE THE STATUS OF MY CAR AND WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS AMOUNTS TO A REFUSAL TO FULFILL THEIR PROMISES GIVEN UPON THE DISCOVERY OF THEIR FAULTY FUEL TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10944022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.