no report yet
Electrical system
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…
2004 Mercedes-Benz S ClassProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 27, 2014. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
2Suspension
2Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
1Structure
1Tires
1Visibility
1Wheels
1Seat belts
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
no report yet
Interior lighting
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.
no report yet
Trunk lid: lock
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.
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 S 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 S Class median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'09'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class, and the recalls they led to.
- AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURENo recall
In owners' words
What S Class owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OCCURRED AFTER A RAIN. AS A RESULT I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. MERCEDES AUTHORIZED MECHANIC CITES "AIR INTAKE AT BLOWER INTAKE AREA WAS INVERTED AT INSTALLATION FROM THE FACTORY". THE CAR IS IN PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. A COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF THE…
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE ENGINE CONTINUED RUNNING, BUT THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKE OR POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND HAD BEEN THERE FOR 3 WEEKS, BUT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND.…
Own a 2004 S Class?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.