VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 173 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median E500 year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 7 E500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 50% of all reports (87 of 173), far ahead of brakes at 28.

173

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other E500 years?

E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted173 complaints2003: 143 complaints2004: 173 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 59 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints
E500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System8750%
Brakes2816%
Suspension2414%
Engine106%
Electrical System85%
Transmission74%
Other42%
Tires & Wheels21%
Steering11%
Seat Belts11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 21, 2014 · fire

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 4, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE "SUSPENSION IS TOO LOW DO NOT DRIVE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 10, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE IGNITION KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 24, 2015

“6 DISC CHANGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. RIGHT AFTER BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY WAS OVER, DEALER SAID THEY HAD REPLACED MANY OF THEM THAT WEEK, BUT REFUSED TO FIX IT AND IT WAS ONLY 1,000 MILES PAST WARRANTY. BEFORE WARRANTY WAS UP, THE DEALER SAID THE FIXED GAS HOSE RECALL BUT STILL SMELL GAS AFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2008

2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 173 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 7 E500 years. It is one of the E500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 E500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (87 complaints), brakes (28 complaints), suspension (24 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. 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 E500 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mercedes-Benz E500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E500 years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2003. The cleanest record among E500 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.