2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class Recalls, Complaints & Specs
4 safety recalls list the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class, and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
4 safety recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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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Suspension and engine and engine cooling
On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
Remedy: Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on july 2, 2007. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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Interior lighting
On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase i was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december…
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Lock (latches/locks/linkages)
On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash and 1 describe a fire. Reports cite 1 injury and 0 deaths. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 44,855 miles. Complaints peaked in 2005 with 4 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“SRS system not operating on passenger side. *tr”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, March 27, 2014 · Air bags
“Rear view mirror leaking . Lava effect, blurred, dimmer failure. *tr”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, January 16, 2012 · Visibility
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S430, S430 4matic, S500, S500 4matic, …). Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 13–19 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 11–16 / 17–24 |
| Fuel | Premium |
| EPA class | Large Cars |
| Engine | 8/12 cyl, 4.3/5/5.4/5.5 L |
| Transmission | Automatic (S5); Automatic 5-spd; Automatic 7-spd |
Compare Mercedes-Benz S Class model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Mercedes-Benz S Class model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 0 | 12 |
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 0 | 27 |
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 1 | 6 |
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 0 | 2 |
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 0 | 2 |
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 0 | 9 |
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 5 | 81 |
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 5 | 36 |
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 2 | 48 |
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 2 | 28 |
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 4 | 15 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 1 | 2 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 1 | 2 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 1 | 1 |
Checking a specific 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class
How do I know if my 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S 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 04V285000).
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.