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2004 Mercedes Benz S Class problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class is electrical system. Its complaint count is close to a typical S Class model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
66/100
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
19
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
13-17mpg

The worst 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class problems

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

  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Body
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 4

Electrical systemReported July 7, 2008 · 404 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
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 fuel delivery as designed.
Remedy
Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 08V303000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported June 12, 2007 · 19,924 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
Risk
This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on july 2, 2007. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 07V263000 · Recall details

Interior lightingReported February 2, 2006 · 36,911 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 06V028000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lockReported June 9, 2004 · 16,690 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 04V285000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class

Defect investigations

Air suspension system failureOpened August 14, 2007, closed November 20, 2007

The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. Further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.

PE07042

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class 19

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

See all 19 bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class

2004 Mercedes Benz S Class fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 8‑cyl4WD152117
5.0L 8‑cyl4WD142016
5.4L 8‑cylRWD131915
5.5L 12‑cylRWD111713

What 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 27, 2014 · Airbags · 108,749 miles · FL

Srs system not operating on passenger side.

Filed Jan 16, 2012 · Visibility · 38,954 miles · CA

Rear view mirror leaking . Lava effect, blurred, dimmer failure.

Filed Apr 14, 2011 · Brakes · 64,000 miles · VA

I received a bas/esp malfunction on my steering wheel. This is the second tire monitor that has failed on this car. I have contacted mercedes and notified them of the problem. They have offered no assistance in repairing this safety/mechanical failure. This car should not have these sensors going bad this quickly.

Filed Jan 18, 2011 · Steering · 68,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz sl500. While driving the contact noticed that her check engine light illuminated and oil was leaking in the vehicle front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test. The failure was located as the power steering pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 68,000.

Filed Sep 21, 2010 · Electrical · 33,243 miles · FL · fire

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 authorized dealer. The dealer advised him that the drain hole for the air conditioner had filled the floor board with water. The dealer replaced the transponder module and the fuse box since the transponder melted during the failure. The failure mileage was 33,243 and the current mileage was 33,300.

Filed Jul 27, 2010 · Transmission · 72,568 miles · PA

2 weeks ago the shifter on the car started to get harder and harder to get out of park. Last week the car's shifter was stuck in park position and does not move. I had to tow the car to a mechanic and they have to replace the whole shifter.

Filed Apr 11, 2010 · Seat belts · RI

I have had to replace two cable harnesses for seat belt in both front seat. Connectors are being replaced in every s class due to more than frequent failure. Mechanic has informed me that these connectors by not operating will cause safety restraint and airbags to not deploy in accident. Consequently had to replace right front passenger child restraint sensor in a 2004 s500 mercedes 4matic due to failure also. Both items as described are constantly being replaced in s-class vehicles due to failure. Luckily I did not have an accident to find out the airbag system would not activate in a crash.

Filed Jan 30, 2009 · Suspension, Tires · 86,666 miles · NY

In 12-06 I bought a 2004 mercedes benz s500. Since than I took the car back the dealer more ten times the latest was 1-09 for the same reason the air matic defected orcompressure leak,pressure sensor malfunction,air matic valve block defective. Some time they found the air matic compressors w/ external leak cause the suspension to be low. In may 2008 for leak in the compressor they told me it was fixed. Again in july 2008 air matic compressor again leak. Aug 2008 they told me it relay defective the airmatic pump was stuck and the airmatic pump did not pass pnumatic test again they told me the dealer charged $821.03.jan2009 airmatic valve block defective again charged $765.89.I think some completely wrong with this car, but the dealer and the head of the mercedes benz do not want to hear me the car cost me alot of moneys and every other month I must find money to fixed the same thing over and over again that not fair.

Filed May 22, 2008 · Electrical · 37,823 miles · DC

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 electrical system will have to be performed. The mercedes dealer calls it "water intrusion".

Filed Dec 12, 2005 · Body · 11,693 miles · NJ

Raining, vehicle leak of water from storm front passenger, left and right rear passenger floor area completely soaked with water. Water resulted in electrical control panel shortage. No brake lights, no speedometer, instrument panel flickering. Drove to dealer, diagnosis waterdrain off near windshield defective and replaced after parts ordered.

Compare the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class

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Questions about the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class

Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class reliable?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class, close to a typical S Class model year.

What is the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class year score?

The 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz S 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 S Class?

Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is transmission (3).

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

4 recalls, covering electrical system, engine and engine cooling and interior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 08V303000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mercedes Benz S Class have the most electrical problems?

The Mercedes Benz S Class model years with the most electrical complaints are 2000 (33 complaints), 1995 (22 complaints) and 2001 (21 complaints).

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

Official estimates for the 2004 Mercedes Benz S Class range from 13 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 8-cyl, 4WD) gets 15 city and 21 highway.

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