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2004 Mercedes Benz S500 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 is electrical system, typically around 106,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical S500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
65/100
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
39
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
17mpg

The worst 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 problems

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

  • Electrical
    6
  • Brakes
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Airbags
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    6
  • Brakes
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 39

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

See all 39 bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500

2004 Mercedes Benz S500 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.0L 8‑cylRWD142217

What 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 8, 2021 · Lights, Suspension · NV

The dash board lights lose their ability to illuminate the dashboard and the back airbags on the suspension keep deflating

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Suspension · 98,000 miles · FL

Suspension problem

Filed Dec 12, 2017 · Brakes, Engine · 93,000 miles · TX · 1 injury

Systematic water intrusion by air cowl disabled electronics while driving and also long term caused a health issue respiratory neurological - two years homebound after was finally diagnosed w/unknown cancer

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Electrical · 108,000 miles · CA

The trunk wiring harness have wires that the protective covering has shred and all come apart. Causing writers to touch. Locks not to lock. Truck won't open and license plates lights are out

Filed Oct 4, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 106,000 miles · CA

License playe light out short causes SRS light to come on and have to be reprogrammed. There is now an sis defective light due to the wiring. My truck does not power close. Happens at all times. And while turning it caused an error for turn lights

Filed Jul 12, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 98,000 miles · TX · crash

During rain storm, water seepeed ino air cowl into cabin-passenger side- flooded floor eventually sam electronic module under floor was damaged and shut off electronics in automobile while driving at high speed on freeway- with out power controls operating it made driving and stopping the car a very dangerous feat eventually went off road into guardrail and stopped. Mercedes benz has been aware (a lawsuit was filed in ca) of design defect of air cowl drain clogging and flooding cabin but has kept this dangerous flaw from owners even though we learned they have for sale an update kit to prevent this at owners expense. Our case fortunately did not cause a fatality but it could have easily had if the vehicle was not being driven by an expert driver- loosing power controls on a rain storm/ wet road with no power accesories / brakes is not a safe condition which needs to be addressed asap following this mishap we contacted local merceds dealership in plano,tx autohaus who responded being unaware and had no history of such problem- apparently mercedes is being wrongfully secretive of this serious flaw not only to consumers but their own people 9

Filed Apr 22, 2015 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz s500. The contact stated that the vent controls failed to activate the air conditioning and the heating system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the motor regulator and the air conditioner blower needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · 68,000 miles · DC

On may 16, 2014, I purchased a 2004 mercedes benz s500 with 61,649 miles from car credit nation.after a few weeks of driving the vehicle, and visiting with the mercedes benz dealership for routine inspections, we found further issues with this vehicle, that we felt were life threatening and hazardous to the road, other drivers, and our safety. Mercedes benz stated that the rotors and brakes were extremely bad on the vehicle, which they notice at the time of their inspection of the vehicle.we noticed that there were electrical issues with the vehicle, where the lights in the vehicle would not cutoff,the alarm system would continue to run after the vehicle was cut off and locked, the command center shutting off while operating the vehicle, and the SRS and tire pressure light displaying on the dashboard center. Also while out one night at a family event, has we were leaving the event driving home we approached a traffic light to come to a complete stop and the car would not stop,the breaks were touching the floor and we stopped several feet through the light nearly crossing the intersection. This was life threatening and frightening for all passengers.on january 29, 2015 the vehicle stopped in the middle of traffic completely shutting off, causing a dangerous situation, which could have caused further damages to the vehicle, our safety and others. Fortunately we were within distance of the mercedes benz dealership who immediately assisted us. He stated that the cause for the shut off may be caused by electrical failures, such as the alarm system, and other electrical failures. The 2004 mercedes benz that we purchased on may 16, 2014 in our estimation is a total lemon and is not worth the money we have paid. Our vehicle has been in the repair facility for 30 days, before being repossessed.

Filed Oct 8, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 158,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz s500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument panel failed. The dealer stated that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. Updated 12/2/14*cn updated 08/30/2017

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Wheels · 65,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

While attempting to change the driver side front tire the lug wrench itself failed. The lug wrench came apart leaving the head still attached to the lug nut without the handle causing forward momentum injury to head and shoulder.

Compare the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500

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Questions about the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500

Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 reliable?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500, close to a typical S500 model year.

What is the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 year score?

The 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 scores 65 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz S500: 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 S500?

Electrical system, with 6 complaints, typically around 106,000 miles. Next is brakes (3).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Mercedes Benz S500 have the most electrical problems?

The Mercedes Benz S500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2000 (31 complaints), 2001 (21 complaints) and 2002 (14 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 22 highway.

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