2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System (39.4% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints here are 8.9× the median for that category across the 1400 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 56 · 39.4% | not available | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 26 · 18.3% | not available | — |
| Suspension | 20 · 14.1% | not available | — |
| Service Brakes | 19 · 13.4% | not available | — |
| Electrical System | 7 · 4.9% | not available | — |
| Engine | 7 · 4.9% | not available | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 142 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE BACK SEAT. WHEN I FILL THE GAS TANK THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT…”NHTSA complaint 10855195 — filed 04/13/2016 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND A STRONG ODOR OF…”NHTSA complaint 10809765 — filed 12/11/2015 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“WHEN FILLING THE CAR WITH GASOLINE TO A FULL TANK, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL THAT IS VERY STRONG THE NEXT DAY. I…”NHTSA complaint 10808811 — filed 12/07/2015 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500?
Fuel/propulsion system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 56 of 142 NHTSA complaints (39.4%), followed by fuel system, gasoline (26), suspension (20), service brakes (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 have?
142 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 3 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
