2004 Mercedes Benz S500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S500 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Mercedes Benz S500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
12 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting · Suspension
The dash board lights lose their ability to illuminate the dashboard and the back airbags on the suspension keep deflating
- Suspension
Suspension problem
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
Systematic water intrusion by air cowl disabled electronics while driving and also long term caused a health issue respiratory neurological - two years homebound after was finally diagnosed w/unknown cancer
- Electrical system
The trunk wiring harness have wires that the protective covering has shred and all come apart. Causing writers to touch. Locks not to lock. Truck won't open and license plates lights are out
- Air bags · Electrical system · Exterior lighting
License playe light out short causes srs light to come on and have to be reprogrammed. There IS now an sis defective light due to the wiring. My truck does not power close. Happens at all times. And while turning it caused an error for turn lights
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Steering
During rain storm, water seepeed ino air cowl into cabin-passenger side- flooded floor eventually sam electronic module under floor was damaged and shut off electronics in automobile while driving at high speed on freeway- with out power controls operating it made driving and stopping the car a…
During rain storm, water seepeed ino air cowl into cabin-passenger side- flooded floor eventually sam electronic module under floor was damaged and shut off electronics in automobile while driving at high speed on freeway- with out power controls operating it made driving and stopping the car a very dangerous feat eventually went off road into guardrail and stopped. mercedes benz has been aware (a lawsuit was filed in ca) of design defect of air cowl drain clogging and flooding cabin but has kept this dangerous flaw from owners even though we learned they have for sale an update kit to prevent this at owners expense. our case fortunately did not cause a fatality but it could have easily had if the vehicle was not being driven by an expert driver- loosing power controls on a rain storm/ wet road with no power accesories / brakes IS not a safe condition which needs to be addressed asap following this mishap we contacted local merceds dealership in plano,tx autohaus who responded being unaware and had no history of such problem- apparently mercedes IS being wrongfully secretive of this serious flaw not only to consumers but their own people 9
- Electrical system · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated that the vent controls failed to activate the air conditioning and the heating system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the motor regulator and the air conditioner blower needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Service brakes
On may 16, 2014, I purchased a 2004 mercedes benz S500 with 61,649 miles from car credit nation.after a few weeks of driving the vehicle, and visiting with the mercedes benz dealership for routine inspections, we found further issues with this vehicle, that we felt were life threatening and…
On may 16, 2014, I purchased a 2004 mercedes benz S500 with 61,649 miles from car credit nation.after a few weeks of driving the vehicle, and visiting with the mercedes benz dealership for routine inspections, we found further issues with this vehicle, that we felt were life threatening and hazardous to the road, other drivers, and our safety. Mercedes benz stated that the rotors and brakes were extremely bad on the vehicle, which they notice at the time of their inspection of the vehicle.we noticed that there were electrical issues with the vehicle, where the lights in the vehicle would not cutoff,the alarm system would continue to run after the vehicle was cut off and locked, the command center shutting off while operating the vehicle, and the srs and tire pressure light displaying on the dashboard center. Also while out one night at a family event, has we were leaving the event driving home we approached a traffic light to come to a complete stop and the car would not stop,the breaks were touching the floor and we stopped several feet through the light nearly crossing the intersection. This was life threatening and frightening for all passengers.on january 29, 2015 the vehicle stopped in the middle of traffic completely shutting off, causing a dangerous situation, which could have caused further damages to the vehicle, our safety and others. Fortunately we were within distance of the mercedes benz dealership who immediately assisted us. He stated that the cause for the shut off may be caused by electrical failures, such as the alarm system, and other electrical failures. The 2004 mercedes benz that we purchased on may 16, 2014 in our estimation IS a total lemon and IS not worth the money we have paid. Our vehicle has been in the repair facility for 30 days, before being repossessed. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Interior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz S500. While driving approximately 65 mph, the instrument panel failed. The dealer stated that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 06v028000…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz S500. While driving approximately 65 mph, the instrument panel failed. The dealer stated that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. updated 12/2/14*cn updated 08/30/2017*ct
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
While attempting to change the driver side front tire the lug wrench itself failed. the lug wrench came apart leaving the head still attached to the lug nut without the handle causing forward momentum injury to head and shoulder. *tr
- Seat belts
I have a 2004 mercedes-benz and the seat belt look new but will not retract. I am the second owner of the car. I called the company in USA and they will not replace the seat belt assembly free of charge because of the age of the car. my belief that the seat belt IS a safety components and the…
I have a 2004 mercedes-benz and the seat belt look new but will not retract. I am the second owner of the car. I called the company in USA and they will not replace the seat belt assembly free of charge because of the age of the car. my belief that the seat belt IS a safety components and the company should replace it free of charge since it IS the law in massachuseets to wear a seat belt. But I could not wear because the belt IS stuck. I spent $1141.62 to replace the drivers front seat belt assembly on november 07 2013. please let me know IS there any safety recall on this car regarding the seat belt retract issues. thank you for your attention on this issues and make sure the benz manufacture making the seat belt mechanism working for life time or replace it free of charge for consumers. *tr
- Suspension
Issues with airmatic system. Will not function properly. Car IS sitting too low to the ground to drive safely. Issues with pump. *tr
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.
- 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10205293Tire Pressure Sensors.
- 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10202531Touch pad: Search lighting does not dim or does not turn on.
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 101766615 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
- 10167545During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 10166982During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
- 10165844Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
- 10165839Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- 10136035Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10135604Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control
Every Mercedes Benz S500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.