VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C320 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

23

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other C320 years?

C320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted117 complaints2001: 117 complaints2002: 102 complaints2003: 38 complaints2004: 23 complaints2005: 19 complaints2006: 2 complaints2007: 2 complaints
C320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz C320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System522%
Other313%
Engine29%
Visibility & Wipers29%
Electrical System29%
Tires & Wheels29%
Airbags29%
Steering14%
Body & Structure14%
Suspension14%
Latches & Locks14%
Brakes14%

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C320 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES E320. THE CONTACT STATED FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 8/27/14*CN UPDATED 09/5/2014…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 7, 2013

“My right rear tire wares from the inside to the middle only the rest of the tire is good. I’ve had two blowouts because I can’t see that part of my tire without getting down on the ground to look at it. The part I see looks good. My tire seems to be kicked out a bit at the bottom. This is the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 19, 2022

“I OWN A 2004 MB C320 AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN IT REACHED 40,000 MILES THE CAR ITSELF STARTED MALFUNCTIONING FROM THE REAR WINDOW SHADE WOULDN'T GO DOWN FOR WHICH I ONLY USE OCCASIONALLY; THE AIR CONDITIONING WOULD TURN ON AND OFF; THE TEMP GAUGE IS INACCURATE; THE PASSENGER VISOR CAME OFF; THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 2, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ C320. WHILE STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE, BACK, HEAD, AND SHOULDER INJURIES. WHILE WAITING ON POLICE AND MEDICAL SERVICE TO ARRIVE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 21, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 9, 2004

2004 Mercedes-Benz C320 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C320 reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2004 C320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), other (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (2 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz C320 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C320 years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005. The cleanest record among C320 years belongs to 2007.

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.