2004 Mercedes Benz S Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other S Class years
- Far more complaints than other years 6th of 13 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class. That ranks 6th out of 13 S Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (3 complaints, 20%), typically at around 33,243 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
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- 15owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 | 20% | 33,243 | — | — |
| Power Train | 3 | 20% | 6,482 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 13% | 108,749 | — | — |
| Suspension | 2 | 13% | 86,666 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 7% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 7% | 64,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 7% | 68,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 7% | 11,693 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 7% | 86,666 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 7% | 38,954 | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 7% | 86,666 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2004 Mercedes Benz S Class recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Electrical system
Problem: 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 (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
Fix: 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.
Suspension; engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
Fix: 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.
Interior lighting
Problem: 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.
Risk: Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:lock
Problem: On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
Risk: If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk.
Fix: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Air suspension system failure (PE07042) — opened Aug 14, 2007, closed Nov 20, 2007.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Srs system not operating on passenger side. *tr
Rear view mirror leaking . Lava effect, blurred, dimmer failure. *tr
I received a bas/esp malfunction on my steering wheel. This is the second tire monitor that has failed on this car. I have contacted mercedes and notified them of the problem. They have offered no assistance in repairing this safety/mechanical failure. This car should not have these sensors going…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz sl500. While driving the contact noticed that her check engine light illuminated and oil was leaking in the vehicle front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test. The failure was located as the power steering…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz s500. While driving 65 mph he started to smell an electrical fire and continued to drive to his destination. After arriving to his destination he noticed that everything electrical in the rear of the vehicle was no longer working. The vehicle was towed to an…
Other Mercedes Benz S Class years
← 2003 S Class · 2005 S Class →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 S Class | 1 | 1 |
| 2009 S Class | 2 | 1 |
| 2005 S Class | 2 | 1 |
| 2004 | 15 | 4 |
| 2003 S Class | 28 | 2 |
| 2002 S Class | 48 | 2 |
| 2001 S Class | 36 | 5 |
| 2000 S Class | 81 | 5 |
| 1999 S Class | 9 | 0 |
| 1998 S Class | 2 | 0 |
| 1997 S Class | 2 | 0 |
| 1996 S Class | 6 | 1 |
| 1995 S Class | 27 | 0 |
See all Mercedes Benz S Class problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.
Similar Mercedes Benz models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Owners most often report electrical system, power train, air bags problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 3 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other S Class model years, the 2004 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.