CarRecallWatchThe 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 142 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Fuel/Propulsion System (56 reports).
2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 recalls
Sunroof Glass Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard
The glass sunroof panel on certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles may not be properly secured, so it can detach while driving.
Sunroof Glass May Detach While Driving, Risking a Crash
The glass sunroof panel on certain vehicles may not be properly secured to the vehicle, so it can come loose and detach while the car is being driven.
Sunroof Glass Can Detach, Creating Road Hazard
The adhesive bonding the sunroof glass panel to its sliding frame can deteriorate over time.
Most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 problems
Problem areas named in the 142 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 56 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 30 |
| Suspension | 24 |
| Service Brakes | 19 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Engine | 7 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
What owners report
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 odor coming from my car started getting stronger and stronger while in my garage. On Memorial Day 2026 I called HQ, Mercedes Benz and told them about the gas odor coming from my car. After the call ended I decided that the car needed to be towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz service center. I considered that the gas order to be very dangerous so I parked my car in the driveway.
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 involving the fuel tank, fuel lines, or related fuel system components. Fuel vapors present a known fire and explosion hazard and constitute a safety risk to vehicle occupants, surrounding vehicles, and property. This condition was not present prior to the issue and has persisted despite inspection. I reported this concern to Mercedes-Benz USA and referenced that fuel odor and fuel
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.
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 diagnosed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall for the fuel tank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
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 dangerous and can cause an explosion. the warranty should have been fixed rather than quoted and seems very greedy to not disclose that information but instead giving a quote. i have lung and heart problems and this is a definite safety issue that needs to be corrected regardless of the age of the car also brought it to dealership scared and they told me too bad it's been too long.
2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 questions
Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500: Sunroof Glass Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard; Sunroof Glass May Detach While Driving, Risking a Crash; Sunroof Glass Can Detach, Creating Road Hazard. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500?
Based on 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel/Propulsion System (56), Fuel System, Gasoline (30), Suspension (24).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.