2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 complaints

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that the electric conductor from the blower motor to the fuse holder overheated and melted the fuse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V227000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Aug 18, 2022

ELECTRIC CONSUMERS ONLINE CONSTANTLY COMES IN DASHBOARD AND MALFUNCTION MEMORY NOMALFUNCTION AND BATTERY LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON

May 29, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE SCREEN WAS DARK. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Sep 26, 2017

MY INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL BACKLIGHTING EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE FAILURE TO ILLUMINATE THE GAUGES. THE CONDITION WAS DIAGNOSED BY MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON 06/06/16. IN DOING SO HE INFORMED ME OF RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V-028. I WAS TOLD THAT THE REMEDY IS FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER MODULE FREE OF CHARGE AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO CALL MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE TO SCHEDULE A REPLACEMENT. I CALLED MERCEDES AND SPOKE WITH ERIC AT EXT 7806 WITHOUT ANY SATISFACTION AT ALL. AS A MATTER OF FACT, HE DISCOURAGED ME FROM ESCALATING MY CALL TO HIS BOSS FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE I BECAME IRATE AND DEMANDED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER. AT THAT POINT I SPOKE WITH CASE MANAGER JOE FROM EXT 6299. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS CORPORATE POLICY TO NOT GIVE OUT THEIR LAST NAMES. AFTER LENGHTLY VERBAL SPARRING THAT DIDN'T AMOUNT TO ANY SATISFACTION, I WAS TOLD THE CAMPAIGN EXPIRED IN 2013. JOE SAID HE COULD OFFER ME SOME ASSISTANCE IF I WANTED TO PURCHASE A NEW MERCEDES. (SERIOUSLY?) I THEN CALLED THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND GOT A DIFFERENT CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAMPAIGN EXPIRED 10 YEARS FROM THE RULING DATE OF 2006. IN THIS CASE, THAT WOULD MEAN THE CAMPAIGN WOULD END IN 2016. WITH THAT SAID, I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THE 2013 EXPIRATION DATE CAME FROM. WITH THAT BEING SAID, I FEEL THE NEED TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT IN HOPES OF GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS CONFLICTING INFORMATION. I WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A MB DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AT MY COST, FOLLOWED BY A REPLACEMENT AT MY COST AS WELL. CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS VERY CURT AND DIDN'T ATTEMPT TO CARE ABOUT MY PLIGHT NOT EVEN SLIGHTLY. I'M TAKING THIS MEASURE AS I CANT AFFORD TO INCUR THIS COST FROM A MB DEALERSHIP. BTW, THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY DURING A LONG TRIP WHEN THIS OCCURRED. VERY FRIGHTENING!

Jun 13, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

May 25, 2016

+ 5 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

5 complaints

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Feb 04, 2019

ACTIVE BODY CONTROL LEAKAGE ALIGNMENT AND STRUT ISSUES DRIVE BELOW 30 MILES HOURS WHEN NOTIFICATION APPEARS UNABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEM FOR YEARS. WAS NOT WARE OF PROBLEM UNTIL 10/20/14. *TR

Oct 20, 2014

ISSUES WITH AIRMATIC SYSTEM. WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. CAR IS SITTING TOO LOW TO THE GROUND TO DRIVE SAFELY. ISSUES WITH PUMP. *TR

Feb 16, 2014

AIR SUSPENSION FAILED DUE TO CRACKS IN THE TOP OF THE FRONT STRUTS. THIS LEAD TO LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE, OVERLOAD AND FAILURE OF THE AIR COMPRESSOR. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THE FRONT OF THE CAR COULD NO LONGER BE SAFELY SUPPORTED BY THE SUSPENSION. *TR

Feb 24, 2012

THE FRONT SUSPENSION FALLS DOWN DURING COLD WEATHER, CAUSING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO SINK DOWN ON THE WHEELS. A WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON INFORMING THE DRIVER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER.*AK

Jan 31, 2005

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A SOFTWARE MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE VALVE BODY OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE SOFTWARE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE EVENTUALLY RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Jun 06, 2012

TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY NEED REPLACEMENT AFTER ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED @ 50,000 MILES. *TR

Jul 08, 2011

2 WEEKS AGO THE SHIFTER ON THE CAR STARTED TO GET HARDER AND HARDER TO GET OUT OF PARK. LAST WEEK THE CAR'S SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN PARK POSITION AND DOES NOT MOVE. I HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SHIFTER. *TR

Jul 27, 2010

VEHICLE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. PROCEEDED INTO AN INTERSECTION, UPON ACCELERATION VEHICLE CUT OFF, NO BREAKS, NO POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS PUSHED ACROSS THE ROAD, EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN AND I DROVE IT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED AFTER A TEST NO PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. *NM

Dec 12, 2005

ON A MAJOR THOROUGHFARE PROCEEDING TO ACCELERATE AND VEHICLE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING REMAINING HESITANT WHEN ACCELERATING. DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, TEST PERFORMED. IT WAS DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. PARTS ORDERED AND VEHICLE REPAIRED. *NM

Dec 12, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC HOSE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT BOTH THE ABC HOSE AND PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V228000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Nov 14, 2014

I RECEIVED A BAS/ESP MALFUNCTION ON MY STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE MONITOR THAT HAS FAILED ON THIS CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING THIS SAFETY/MECHANICAL FAILURE. THIS CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE SENSORS GOING BAD THIS QUICKLY.

Apr 14, 2011

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

SRS SYSTEM NOT OPERATING ON PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Mar 27, 2014

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED A SPRAINED HIP, AND A SWOLLEN KNEE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER INDICATED THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WASN'T HIT UPON IMPACT AND THAT WAS THE REASON WHY THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

Aug 03, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

I HAVE A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ AND THE SEAT BELT LOOK NEW BUT WILL NOT RETRACT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN USA AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE CAR. MY BELIEF THAT THE SEAT BELT IS A SAFETY COMPONENTS AND THE COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE SINCE IT IS THE LAW IN MASSACHUSEETS TO WEAR A SEAT BELT. BUT I COULD NOT WEAR BECAUSE THE BELT IS STUCK. I SPENT $1141.62 TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ON NOVEMBER 07 2013. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IS THERE ANY SAFETY RECALL ON THIS CAR REGARDING THE SEAT BELT RETRACT ISSUES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION ON THIS ISSUES AND MAKE SURE THE BENZ MANUFACTURE MAKING THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM WORKING FOR LIFE TIME OR REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE FOR CONSUMERS. *TR

Feb 27, 2014

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWO CABLE HARNESSES FOR SEAT BELT IN BOTH FRONT SEAT. CONNECTORS ARE BEING REPLACED IN EVERY S CLASS DUE TO MORE THAN FREQUENT FAILURE. MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME THAT THESE CONNECTORS BY NOT OPERATING WILL CAUSE SAFETY RESTRAINT AND AIRBAGS TO NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. CONSEQUENTLY HAD TO REPLACE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER CHILD RESTRAINT SENSOR IN A 2004 S500 MERCEDES 4MATIC DUE TO FAILURE ALSO. BOTH ITEMS AS DESCRIBED ARE CONSTANTLY BEING REPLACED IN S-CLASS VEHICLES DUE TO FAILURE. LUCKILY I DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT TO FIND OUT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WOULD NOT ACTIVATE IN A CRASH. *TR

Apr 11, 2010

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

REAR VIEW MIRROR LEAKING . LAVA EFFECT, BLURRED, DIMMER FAILURE. *TR

Jan 16, 2012

THE OUTSIDE RIGHT HAND MIRROR HAS DISCOLORED MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE TO CARS IN BACK. *TR

Mar 01, 2010

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE DEALER STATED THAT RAIN WATER HAS BEEN LEAKING INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER FAILURES. A LEAK IS PRESENT UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND WATER IS ACCUMULATING NEAR THE FLOOR MAT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

Jun 22, 2009

RAINING, VEHICLE LEAK OF WATER FROM STORM FRONT PASSENGER, LEFT AND RIGHT REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AREA COMPLETELY SOAKED WITH WATER. WATER RESULTED IN ELECTRICAL CONTROL PANEL SHORTAGE. NO BRAKE LIGHTS, NO SPEEDOMETER, INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERING. DROVE TO DEALER, DIAGNOSIS WATERDRAIN OFF NEAR WINDSHIELD DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED AFTER PARTS ORDERED. *NM

Dec 12, 2005

SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

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

Dec 08, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK. THIS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES.

Dec 17, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUSE WAS REPLACED FOR THE GAUGES, BUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STILL WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 188,872.

Sep 25, 2019

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

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

Dec 12, 2017

Injuries: 1

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

CAR STUCK ON PARK, WONT RELEASE GEAR DUE TO FAULTY PLASTIC SAFETY FEATURE THAT CRACKS OVER TIME DUE TO INFERIOR MATERIAL. HAVE TO REPLACE WHOLE GEAR BOX OR REMOVE SAFETY PIN WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE LEVER WILL SHIFT WHITOUT PRESSING BRAKE OR IGNITION ON.

Mar 15, 2017

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AIRMATIC STRUT SNAPPED HIM HALF ON THE FREEWAY. WHOLE CAR DROPPED AND HAD TO TOW VEHICLE TO SHOP. REPLACED THE AIRMATIC STRUT AND NOW ABS SENSOR CAME ON AND DOESNT GO AWAY. REPLACED SENSOR AND STILL WONT GO AWAY SO NOW I LOST CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKES WEIRD, AND LOST ESP CONTROL WITH HEAVY STEERING. COMMON ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE WITH THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION.

Mar 15, 2017

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THIS VEHICLE OFTEN DROPS LOWER, WHILE IN MOTION. THIS IS HAZARDOUS! I HAVE HAD THIS AIRMATIC AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM REPAIRED THREE TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS, AND IT APPEARS THIS IS ONE PROBLEM THAT MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES TO CORRECT. IN MY LAST S430, I HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND HAD TO PAY HUGE AMOUNTS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. I FEEL NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING TO GET MERCEDES BENZ TO FIX THIS ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE. I WILL LIKE NHTSA TO GET MERCEDES BENZ TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE ONGOING DEFECTS.

Jul 06, 2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE AND THE LID FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V285000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Feb 18, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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

Oct 04, 2015

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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

Jul 12, 2015

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

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.

Apr 22, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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. *TR

Mar 07, 2015

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Dec 29, 2014

INTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 NHTSA 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*CT

Oct 08, 2014

WHEELS,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 complaint

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. *TR

Oct 03, 2014

Injuries: 1

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430-4MATIC IN MARCH 2007, AFTER RETIRING. I ALSO BROUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COSTING OVER $3000 DOLLARS. I HAVE RETURNED THIS VEHICLE TO A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OVER APPROXIMATELY 27 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DOOR LOCKS); TRUNK LID LOCK, SUSPENSION SYSTEM, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL ONLY DISPENSE COLD AIR AT 55 DEGREES AND LOWER) AND MOST RECENTLY THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ARE FAILING. NOW THAT THE WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE EXPIRED THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR THE ABOVE PROBLEMS UNDER WARRANTY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MERCEDES BENZ USA AND I'M WAITING FOR A DECISION REGARDING THE REPAIRS TOTALING OVER $4700.00. *TR

Aug 12, 2013

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

WHILE CHANGING GEARS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR VEHICLE SHIFTED HARSHLY AND ENTERED INTO A LIMP MODE. ONCE AT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A CONDUCTOR PLATE AND VALVE BODY WHICH HAS BEEN DISCOVERED TO BE DEFECTIVE ON MOST VEHICLES WITH 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

May 17, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL FAILED AND CAUSED THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V263000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Sep 26, 2011

Fire: 1

STEERING

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND OIL WAS LEAKING IN THE VEHICLE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AS THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,000.

Jan 18, 2011

SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

IN 12-06 I BOUGHT A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. SINCE THAN I TOOK THE CAR BACK THE DEALER MORE TEN TIMES THE LATEST WAS 1-09 FOR THE SAME REASON THE AIR MATIC DEFECTED ORCOMPRESSURE LEAK,PRESSURE SENSOR MALFUNCTION,AIR MATIC VALVE BLOCK DEFECTIVE. SOME TIME THEY FOUND THE AIR MATIC COMPRESSORS W/ EXTERNAL LEAK CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO BE LOW. IN MAY 2008 FOR LEAK IN THE COMPRESSOR THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED. AGAIN IN JULY 2008 AIR MATIC COMPRESSOR AGAIN LEAK. AUG 2008 THEY TOLD ME IT RELAY DEFECTIVE THE AIRMATIC PUMP WAS STUCK AND THE AIRMATIC PUMP DID NOT PASS PNUMATIC TEST AGAIN THEY TOLD ME THE DEALER CHARGED $821.03.JAN2009 AIRMATIC VALVE BLOCK DEFECTIVE AGAIN CHARGED $765.89.I THINK SOME COMPLETELY WRONG WITH THIS CAR, BUT THE DEALER AND THE HEAD OF THE MERCEDES BENZ DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ME THE CAR COST ME ALOT OF MONEYS AND EVERY OTHER MONTH I MUST FIND MONEY TO FIXED THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT NOT FAIR. *TR

Jan 30, 2009

4.8/5.0

67 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class have?

The 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class currently has 50 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class?

The most common problems reported for the 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.