2004 Mercedes Benz E Class
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › E Class › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure IS required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.
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 production period. the recall began on august 8, 2005. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the sbc may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belts. owner notification began on december 22, 2003. owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Owner complaints
15 complaints2 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline
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 smell it even when it's not garaged. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
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
- Fuel/propulsion system
Had to replace the fuel pump now I have to replace the fuel tank. can not fill my fuel tank if so the fuel smell fills my home because I park in the garage. took it to my mechanic and was told to watch for flames it could cause serious problems. please help with this issue. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
I came out to my garage one morning to find a my car wreaking of fuel. I decided to drive the car around for a few to see if it the pungent odor would go dissipate altogether. During this time, I took it to my mechanic to let him do a quick once-over before he left for the day. He stated that there…
I came out to my garage one morning to find a my car wreaking of fuel. I decided to drive the car around for a few to see if it the pungent odor would go dissipate altogether. During this time, I took it to my mechanic to let him do a quick once-over before he left for the day. He stated that there was fuel leaking onto my exhaust. Being that he didn't have the tools and whatnot to replace the sending unit, I had it towed to mercedes benz. I was not going to let my girlfriend drive the car to the dealership. No way, no how. Skyland automotive(my local mecedes benz dealership) found a puddle of fuel under my back seat. They replaced the fuel sending unit partially under my third party warranty. I, however, had to pay roughly $500 out of pocket. I have heard of this issue happening on many W211 e class cars, it has happened to some more than once. I'm at 7x,xxx miles now and definitely don't want to have to go through this again. Fuel leaking onto the ground IS bad enough, but leaking onto my exhaust isn't to be tolerated. It's downright dangerous. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
After refueling and filling the fuel tank, a strong odor of gasoline emits from the outside of the car and inside the car. after checking online, previous complaints of fuel level sending unit seal failure causing pooling of gasoline around the sending unit next to electrical connectors and…
After refueling and filling the fuel tank, a strong odor of gasoline emits from the outside of the car and inside the car. after checking online, previous complaints of fuel level sending unit seal failure causing pooling of gasoline around the sending unit next to electrical connectors and directly under the left rear passenger seat. I removed the rear seat and access panel to the sending unit and discovered pooled gasoline around the sending unit. the sending unit appeared tight. I did not notice any cuts or failure to the hose, just around the sending unit itself. my local mercedes dealer claimed there are no recalls for this condition, even though there appear to be many complaints. the dealer also told me I would have to bring my car in to be inspected by a mechanic to truly diagnose the issue. *tr
- Air bags
The srs, (supplemental restraint system) or "air bag" light illuminated, caused by the srscontrol unit experiencing an internal electrical fault. The fault displayed code 9120. Mercedes vehicles of this year and model are known to have air bag wiring harness issues. Even though my issue wasn't the harness itself, it presents a flaw resulting in a safety and state inspection issue. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Structure › Body · Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Transmission problems, vehicle would not shift out of park position to reverse or drive. *bf the plastic piece attached to the fender was loose and the tire was rubbing the plastic. there was an oil leak which had come from the pan in the engine. *sc when the consumer went to change the tire, he discovered there was no spare tire in the vehicle.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle purchased new in june 2004. since then the vehicle has been serviced four times within six months of purchase for the same issue - transmission oil leak. dealership has stated that leak IS related to connector (?) not being long enough and has used another non-manufacturing spec'd…
Vehicle purchased new in june 2004. since then the vehicle has been serviced four times within six months of purchase for the same issue - transmission oil leak. dealership has stated that leak IS related to connector (?) not being long enough and has used another non-manufacturing spec'd connector to resolve matter. vehicle IS also leaking engine oil. on last service it was noted that sweat stains were seen and gasket replaced. as of today - engine oil leak evidence can still be seen. vehicle IS in dangerous state since serious malfunction IS imminent. lemon law action will be taken.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While driving 60 mph brake sensor light came on. As a result, when consumer attempted to pull over total brake failure occurred. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
Mercedes benz E320 2004 - vehicle lurched forward at high rate of speed without operator acceleration. Structural damage to home, great concern for the potential of injury if event occurs again. vehicle sent to dealership ( mb bloomfield, mi ) for evaluation. web search finds similar events with same model 2003.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
When backing out, one of the features of the vehicle IS for the rear view mirrors tilt down. the mirrors don't tilt back up until the vehicle reaches 8 mph. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While driving 20 mph consumer applied the brakes but they braely functioned. this caused the vehicle to hit a bus. upon impact, both frontal airbags did not deploy. A signal flashed on the dashboard indicating air bags malfunctioned. No injuries reported. consumer had the vehicle towed to a…
While driving 20 mph consumer applied the brakes but they braely functioned. this caused the vehicle to hit a bus. upon impact, both frontal airbags did not deploy. A signal flashed on the dashboard indicating air bags malfunctioned. No injuries reported. consumer had the vehicle towed to a repair facility. *ak not only did the air nag fail to deploy but the dash indicator illuminated indicating a malfunction with the restraint system *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Intermittent failure of the distronic radar-controlled cruise control. in extreme wet conditions the car in front IS intermittently not seen by the system causing the car to accelerate into the back of the car in front. this fault persists for some days after the wet conditions subside. the…
Intermittent failure of the distronic radar-controlled cruise control. in extreme wet conditions the car in front IS intermittently not seen by the system causing the car to accelerate into the back of the car in front. this fault persists for some days after the wet conditions subside. the car's fault detection system sometimes detects this as a fault, but resets itself automatically leading to the dangerous condition recurring randomly. *ak
- Electrical system
Electrical system failure. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving automatic transmission failed. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repaired the transmission, but did not inform the consumer of the parts that were repaired. two weeks later, the automatic transmission failed again. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repaired the transmission again, but consumer was concerned about the safety, and did not want to take the vehicle back. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- 10030964Mercedes: the limited warranty on the sbc hydraulic unit for models 211, model 219 and models 230 was extended from the original 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years with no mileage limitation. The sbc hydraulic unit extended limited warranty applies to all conditions that justify the replacement of the sbc hydraulic unit under the standard warranty terms and conditions.
- 10025826Mercedes benz: model 211.026, 056, 065, 070, 072, 076, 077, 082, 083, 087, 090, 256, 265, 276, 277, 282, 283, 287 equipped with option code 615 (bi-xenon). Headlamp range adjustment nonfunctional with dtc codes 9010, 9011, 9012, 9013 or 9024 (up to vin b111276); parking light led nonfunctional (up to vin b100720).
- 10025825Mercedes-benz: model 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 276, 282, 283 (e-class). Vin a564853 and x161341; equipped with bi-xenon and curve illumination. Curve illumination nonfunctional.
- 10025554Mercedes benz service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Check fuel filter module assembly and repair or replace if necessary. Models 211 and 219 AMG. Model years 2003-2006. Csc was received.
- 10020183Dirt can collect in the rear sleeves on the front axle carrier. Clean sleeves on front axle carrier and install new bolts and washers.
- 10020181The tirefit hose connector may not screw onto the tire valve with an air tight seal. In case of a flat tire, the customer may not be able to inflate the spare tire using tirefit.
- 10019822Inspect transmission pilot bushing at electrochydraulic unit and replace if necessary. The transmission pilot bushing may have been installed on the control units with non-tempered sealing rings which may cause a small leak to occur. Updated 04-11-07.
- 10019493The remote trunk closing control unit may not be sufficiently durable and may result in the need to open and close the trunk manually. Replace remote trunk closing control unit.
- 10019128Steering wheel twitch during brake application. Various models including mercedes benz 2006 model 230.
- 10017495Parking brake fails to release / difficult to open.
- 10016646Implausible or illogical messages can appear in the instrument cluster.
- 10016632The alternator regulator may fail to prevent voltage values ranging beyond the specified tolerance limits.
- 10015071Trunk lid opens or closes too quickly while operating with remote trunk lid control button.
- 10014573Activation of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system with das software 02/05. Mercedes-benz models 199, 211, 219, 230 my 2003-2006.
- 10014548Rough downshifting when accelerating. Various models including 2005 mercedes-benz 219 and 220.
- 10011739Voluntary recall campaign sensotronic brake control system.
- 10010822Consumer shutoff displayed in instrument cluster while driving.
- 10010512Flash central gateway (cgw).
- 10010511Modification of water drains in left/right front wheelhouses.
- 10008444Sensotronic brake control (sbc) bleeding procedure. Various including my2005 m-benz e-class and sl-class included. This bulletin supersedes pb42.46/46 dated june 24, 2004. All models.
- 10008442Squeaking noise when gently applying brake. Model 211 my2005 also included.
- 10007590Tele aid not active displayed in instrument cluster.
- 10007194Tailgate does not open fully in cold weather.
- 10006976Operational notes on new weight sensing system (wss) occupant classification system (ocs). Mercedes-benz 211 (e-class) my2005 also included.
- 10005713Voluntary recall campaign 2003 seat belt buckle.
- 10005699Voluntary recall campaign 2003 seat belt buckle.
- 10005694Voluntary recall campaign 2003 seat belt buckle.
Every Mercedes Benz E Class model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.