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2004 Mercedes-Benz C ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C Class, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints156 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 17, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C Class has problems

15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling30
Power train31
Visibility20
Electrical system22
Seats20
Tires20
Air bags22
Fuel/propulsion system10
Steering10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2004 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Seat belts

Recall 03V-534 · Dec 19, 2003 · 4,348 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2004 vs. every other C Class year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C Class median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'08'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What C Class owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

2004 MERCEDES BENZ C- CLASS WAGON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECT THAT ALLOWS COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER AND RADIATOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS FORCED TO SPEND OVER SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION…
Complaint 10437010 · Nov 21, 2011
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD, AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE ENGINE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
Complaint 10089776 · Aug 25, 2004
WILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD AND BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE,BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO…
Complaint 10087821 · Aug 12, 2004

Own a 2004 C Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.