2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class Recalls, Complaints & Specs
4 safety recalls list the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class, and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
4 safety recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Electrical system
Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number…
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited…
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Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on october 21m 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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Seat belts
On certain passenger vehicles, some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belts. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA; 2 describe a crash. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 33,385 miles. Complaints peaked in 2004 with 7 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“There's strong gasoline odor from my vehicle whenever i refuel, particular after it's garaged. The smell seems to go away once i used up 1/3 or 1/2 tank. Recently the smell seems to be stronger. I can”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, August 14, 2013 · Fuel system, gasoline
“My e 320 has gas smell in my garage after refueling since june/2012. The smell is getting even stronger for last a few months. *tr”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, July 15, 2013 · Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E320, E320 (Wagon), E320 4matic, E320 4matic (Wagon), …). Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 15–20 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 13–17 / 19–24 |
| Fuel | Premium |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars, Midsize Station Wagons |
| Engine | 6/8 cyl, 3.2/5/5.4 L |
| Transmission | Automatic (S5); Automatic 5-spd; Automatic 7-spd |
Compare Mercedes-Benz E Class model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Mercedes-Benz E Class model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 0 |
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 7 |
| 1994 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 38 |
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 21 |
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 16 |
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 38 |
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 0 | 24 |
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 13 |
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 0 | 34 |
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 0 | 15 |
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 0 | 8 |
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 4 | 45 |
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 4 | 15 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 3 | 9 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 1 | 10 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 0 | 5 |
Checking a specific 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class
How do I know if my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 4 campaigns currently list the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 03V534000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
- C3003,469 complaints
- E3502,170 complaints
- E3201,164 complaints
- ML350952 complaints
- GLK350904 complaints
- ML320742 complaints
- C250726 complaints
- C230657 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.