Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · reported July 7, 2008 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 404 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA campaign 05V133000 · reported April 1, 2005 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 204,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
- The risk
- In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure is required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited production period. The recall began on august 8, 2005. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA campaign 04V296000 · reported June 22, 2004 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 143,387 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
- The risk
- If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the sbc may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on october 21m 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Seat belts
NHTSA campaign 03V534000 · reported December 19, 2003 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 4,348 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the seat belts. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Aug 14, 2013 · Fuel system, gasoline · 55,000 miles
THERE'S STRONG GASOLINE ODOR FROM MY VEHICLE WHENEVER I REFUEL, PARTICULAR AFTER IT'S GARAGED. THE SMELL SEEMS TO GO AWAY ONCE I USED UP 1/3 OR 1/2 TANK. RECENTLY THE SMELL SEEMS TO BE STRONGER. I CAN SMELL IT EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT GARAGED.
Jul 15, 2013 · Fuel/propulsion system
MY E 320 HAS GAS SMELL IN MY GARAGE AFTER REFUELING SINCE JUNE/2012. THE SMELL IS GETTING EVEN STRONGER FOR LAST A FEW MONTHS.
Dec 7, 2012 · Fuel/propulsion system · 100,000 miles
HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. CAN NOT FILL MY FUEL TANK IF SO THE FUEL SMELL FILLS MY HOME BECAUSE I PARK IN THE GARAGE. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD TO WATCH FOR FLAMES IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE.
Jul 24, 2012 · Fuel/propulsion system · 60,000 miles
I CAME OUT TO MY GARAGE ONE MORNING TO FIND A MY CAR WREAKING OF FUEL. I DECIDED TO DRIVE THE CAR AROUND FOR A FEW TO SEE IF IT THE PUNGENT ODOR WOULD GO DISSIPATE ALTOGETHER. DURING THIS TIME, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TO LET HIM DO A QUICK ONCE-OVER BEFORE HE LEFT FOR THE DAY. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING…
Jan 5, 2012 · Fuel system, gasoline · 160,000 miles
AFTER REFUELING AND FILLING THE FUEL TANK, A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMITS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND INSIDE THE CAR. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE, PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT SEAL FAILURE CAUSING POOLING OF GASOLINE AROUND THE SENDING UNIT NEXT TO ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND DIRECTLY UNDER THE LEFT…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 14, 2013.