repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2004 Mercedes-Benz E500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 142 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 has problems
142 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
56Fuel/propulsion system
30Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
23Suspension
19Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
7Electrical system
7Power train
7Engine
7Service brakes, hydraulic
3Engine and engine cooling
87 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 56 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 30 | 1 |
| Suspension | 23 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 19 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do fuel/propulsion system problems start?
93kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 49 fuel/propulsion system complaints. 53% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles26under 100k miles23100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other E500 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 E500 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leakage From The Fuel TankNo recall
In owners' words
What E500 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Approximately in March 2026, I started noticing a very strong gasoline odor coming from my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-matic with original miles approximately 56,300. The fuel odor always got stronger whenever I would fill up the gas tank. The history on my car is such that it has always been garage…
I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety-related defect involving the fuel system of my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. I have experienced a persistent gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. The presence of fuel odor is not a normal operating condition and reasonably indicates a…
the car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought…
Own a 2004 E500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.