CarRecallDB

2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 142 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500.

3
recalls
142
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

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 E500 recalls

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 24V874000 · reported November 19, 2024 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 33,456 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
The risk
A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 22V954000 · reported December 23, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 131,653 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
The risk
A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 19V918000 · reported December 20, 2019 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 747,928 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
The risk
A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 26, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

Approximately in March 2026, I started noticing a very strong gasoline odor coming from my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-matic with original miles approximately 56,300. The fuel odor always got stronger whenever I would fill up the gas tank. The history on my car is such that it has always been garage kept. The gasoline…

Jan 20, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety-related defect involving the fuel system of my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. I have experienced a persistent gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. The presence of fuel odor is not a normal operating condition and reasonably indicates a potential failure…

Mar 5, 2024 · Unknown or other · fire reported

Vehicle started smoking and caught fire while I was driving. Pulled over and vehicle erupted in flames. It took firefighters 2 hours to put out that fire.

Sep 7, 2022 · Fuel system, gasoline · 71,000 miles

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon making a stop, he noticed fuel leaking onto the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was…

Jan 12, 2022 · Fuel/propulsion system

the car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought it? this is very…

E500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 312540
2004 314232
2005 314040
2006 45010
2007 0100

Across all years, the 2004 E500 has the most complaints (142). All Mercedes-Benz E500 years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500, the most recent reported on November 19, 2024 (Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500?
Owners have filed 142 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (56 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (30).
How many 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 142 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 26, 2026.