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2004 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class is engine and cooling. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical C Class model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
64/100
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
10
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
16-23mpg

The worst 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Seats
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 1

Seat beltsReported December 19, 2003 · 4,348 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 03V534000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class 10

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 10 bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class

2004 Mercedes Benz C Class fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylRWD2027-2823
2.6L 6‑cylRWD15-1722-2418-20
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD172420
3.2L 6‑cylRWD14-1819-2416-20
2.6L 6‑cyl4WD172319

What 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 17, 2013 · Fuel system · 123,000 miles · NY

I smelled strong vapors of gas inside my car and outside the area. I looked under car gas was pouring out from under fuel tank . Took it to ( towed that is) the shop find fuel tank was defective ! Found hole in the tank on the tab if that makes sense . The shop called around for safety recall and mercedes see if any other information. I am aware mercedes has had problem in past with fuel tanks . The sop informed me if I drove this car with heat from exhaust would have caught fire ., I am trying to contact mercedes corporate head quarters with no luck . Is there anyway I can report file have recourse .this came to 3000.00 out of pocket ! Not mention it could have had serious consequences !

Filed Jul 8, 2012 · Electrical, Transmission · 58,000 miles · MD · fire · 1 injury

I have black mercedes c230 kompressor sports sedan 2004 model. Car was purchased brand new at mercedes authorized dealer. There is no modification made to this car and all the servicing done at mercedes authorized dealer since I bought this car. It had only 58000 miles. Last b servicing which checked any safety related issues and includes regular maintenance, was done at authorized dealer on 02/18/2012. No issue was informed on 02/18/2012 to us by mercedes authorized dealer servicing department. On 06/21/2012, when I was driving this car from work to home, I turned on A/C, A/C shutdown and I started smelling smoke. On left side of my car there is A/C vent and I saw fire inside the hood through that vent.I pulled over car right away and electricity went out with in 1 min of my pulling over and within 4 min, whole car was burning. My car is now totaled. This poses following security concerns: 1. Mercedes c230 2004 is made of highly inflammable material and driver and users of car has very less chance to survive if there is fire. 2. Mercedes c230 2004 model A/C unit is not of highest quality and electrical system is faulty. Both of above issues poses very serious security risks to public and it needs through investigation. I contacted mercedes head quarter for investigation and mercedes declined to investigate. Geico stated in report that hood is stuck and cause of fire is unknown. Geico insurance company authorized mercedes engineers to investigate further upon my request and mercedes USA does not want to investigate further. I have pictures of burnt car and can share if it helps in investigation to rule out above 2 concerns. We do not want others to go through same ordeal as we went through. *tr updated 06/13/13*lj updated 06/17/2013

Filed Nov 21, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · NC

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 replaced, to correct a defect mercedes benz was aware of.

Filed Jun 27, 2007 · Airbags · FL · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle is a c 320 and was traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour when accident occurred, receiving significant front end collision by other vehicle and thereafter hitting a concrete street divider.driver received injuries to head,upper and lower body and legs.

Filed Apr 10, 2007 · Electrical · FL · fire

I have a 2004 mercedes c230 compressor. Yesterday, I drove the vehicle home and afterwards left it parked. All of a sudden, there was smoke coming from the interior of the car. It engulfed the whole vehicle in smoke and damaged most of the interior. The fire investigator came ,and stated that it was from the electrical wires inside the dashboard.

Filed Apr 24, 2006 · Tires · 28,553 miles · NJ

The sidewall of one of the tires mounted on the consumer's 2004 mercedes benz c320w ripped and cracked the rim. *nm after the service department inspected the tire and rim, they determined damaged to be attributed to road damage from impact.

Filed Dec 30, 2005 · Transmission · 21,000 miles · LA

Dt*: the contact stated there was an odor coming from the transmission area. The contact believed the odor was coming from either an oil or transmission leak. The dealership was unable to determine the source of the odor. The contact was concerned this was a potential fire hazard. The vehicle is a 2004 mercedes-benz c230.

Filed Jul 25, 2005 · Visibility · CA

I was traveling on the freeway (approximate speed 60 MPH) when I heard something hit the windshield of my 2004 mercedes c240. There was no immediate signs of damage. However, about 30 minutes later after I had made stop and later returned to the car I noticed a 12 inch crack in the windshield. I believe there is a serious design defect with the windshields in mercedes. A co-worker of mine has had to replace the windshield in her 2004 c320 mercedes twice within the past 18 months. The service reps have told her that this happens on the time, especially for commuters who travel the 91 freeway here in southern california. I would think that r&d would have done sufficient testing to ensure that a windshield could withstand contact with a rock or pebble.

Filed Nov 27, 2004 · Seats, Steering · FL

Ever since I purchased this vehicle I hava had problems with is features. Power seats that move by themselves, automatic dimming mirrors that turn pitch black in middle of day, power tilt steering wheel that has unpredicitible moves. Auto windshield wipers that dont fucntion properly in heavy down pours. The seats are power and they will move all by themsleves and move the driver either into the steering wheel or pull the driver back from the wheel and pedals. The rain wipers do not function properly, durning heavy downpours they just stop working making driving next to impossible. The auto dimming reaview mirror turns itch black for no reason in middle of day so you can not use mirror to look behind you. I have reported all these problems to the dealer and they say they are normal, they checked them out and said that if they are intermittent they will never find any problems and they refuse to take care of the problem. These are major safety hazards to drivers and something needs to be done.

Filed Aug 25, 2004 · Engine · IL

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.

Compare the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class

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Questions about the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class

Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class reliable?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class, 1.2 times a typical C Class model year.

What is the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class year score?

The 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class scores 64 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz C Class: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is transmission (3).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class have?

1 recall, covering seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class range from 16 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 20 city and 27-28 highway.

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