VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 243 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median E320 year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 16 E320 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 49% of all reports (119 of 243), far ahead of brakes at 50.

243

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other E320 years?

E320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted287 complaints1994: 19 complaints1995: 129 complaints1996: 62 complaints1997: 80 complaints1998: 51 complaints1999: 109 complaints2000: 81 complaints2001: 54 complaints2002: 27 complaints2003: 281 complaints2004: 243 complaints2005: 287 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 13 complaints2009: 11 complaints
E320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System11949%
Brakes5021%
Electrical System177%
Airbags62%
Engine62%
Body & Structure62%
Other62%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Lighting52%
Suspension42%
Speed Control31%
Seat Belts31%
Latches & Locks31%
Transmission31%
Seats31%
Steering21%
Tires & Wheels21%

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

2 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.

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 BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 2012

“WHILE PULLING INSIDE OF A PARKING SPACE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT COLLIDED INTO A GLASS WINDOW OF A BUSINESS. NO INJURIES REPORTED. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 31, 2005 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A PAVED ROAD, WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AND MY ESP CAME ON, VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND ALMOST RAN ME INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CAUSED ME TO RUN INTO THE DITCH. NOW I'M FINDING OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SBC UNIT, WHICH IS WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY CAR, BUT THE RECALL IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 6, 2016 · crash

“The sunroof has a recall due to the fact that it has a bad seal, which could fly off due to this issue. I know the seal is bad because the whole roof leaked a few years ago and fried all the electronic; e.g. lights, sunroof controls, trunk light controls, side door controls. I went to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 3, 2024

“HEAVY FUEL ODOR EMANATING FROM VEHICLE. VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY STRUCTURES COULD CATCH FIRE IF FUEL IS LEAKING AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS INTRODUCED. ONLY VIABLE REASON WHY FUEL ODOR IS PRESENT IS EITHER THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AT A LOCATION OR THE VENT HAS FAILED. VEHICLE FUEL ODOR IS ESPECIALLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 5, 2018

2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 243 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 16 E320 years. It is one of the E320 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 E320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (119 complaints), brakes (50 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320. 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 E320 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999. The cleanest record among E320 years belongs to 2009.

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.