VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 sits mid-pack among Amg E55 years: 129 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 106, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 89% of all reports (115 of 129), far ahead of suspension at 3.

129

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Amg E55 years?

Amg E55 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted151 complaints2003: 82 complaints2004: 129 complaints2005: 151 complaints2006: 37 complaints
Amg E55 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Amg E55 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System11589%
Suspension32%
Brakes22%
Engine22%
Transmission22%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%
Electrical System11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Other11%

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

Defect

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

Consequence

A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TODAY I START THE CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE APPEARS. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND SCAN THE CAR. THE CODE WAS P0456 AND WE NOTICE A HARD SMELL OF FUEL. THEN I ENTERED THE CODE IN GOOGLE AND BEGAN TO SEARCH ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND SAW THAT A FEW MEMBERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY PUT A COMPLAIN ON IT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 15, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E55 AMG. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE AIR STRUT SUDDENLY EXPLODED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DROP TO THE FENDER WALL. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 6, 2010

“WHEN I WAS PARKING MY CAR I LOST FULL CONTROL OF MY FRONT BRAKES AND HIT MY FRONT BUMPER TO THE POLE TO AVOID A NEAR MISS WITH A PEDESTRIAN. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES AND THERE WAS NOT PRESSURE, MEANING I COULD PRESS THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WOULD BE NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 6, 2015 · crash

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. POTENT FUEL SMELL PRESENT WHEN GAS TANK FILLED ABOVE 3/4. FUMES ARE NOXIOUS AND PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. BURNING PLASTIC-LIKE SCENT ALSO FREQUENT EVEN WHEN TANK NOT FILLED ABOVE 3/4. VEHICLE MAY VIBRATE OR HESITATE WHILE MOVING, MAY JERK UNEXPECTEDLY FORWARD WHEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2012

“MELT BROKEN GAS TANK, FUEL LEAK: * DRIVE SHAFT HAS SIGN OF RUBBING THE HEAT SHIELD * BURNED/MELTED RUBBER TUBE THAT COVERS THE METAL EMERGENCY BRAKE LINE (PASSENGER SIDE) * BURNED/MELTED HEAT SHIELD NEAR DRIVE SHAFT (PASSENGER SIDE) * BURNED/MELTED GAS TANK (PASSENGER SIDE) THAT HAD A HOLE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 19, 2011

2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Amg E55: 129 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Amg E55 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (115 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Amg E55 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.