2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 18 of 50 complaints (36%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 74 in 2003 to 50 in 2004.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | vs. 2004 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,300–4,850 | 4,300–5,550 | 4,100–5,950 | 4,100–5,950 | 4,100–5,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–18 | 14–18 | 13–19 | 13–19 | 13–19 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–15 / 20–22 | 12–15 / 17–22 | 11–16 / 17–24 | 11–16 / 17–24 | 11–16 / 17–24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494–555 | 494–635 | 468–684 | 468–684 | 468–684 | |
| Complaints filed | 120 | 74 | 50 | 26 | 31 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Electrical: 18 of 50 NHTSA complaints (36%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get?
EPA rates it 13–19 MPG combined across 6 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
EPA estimates $4,100–$5,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 16 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | $4,100 (low) | 468 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 14 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $4,850 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $5,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 11 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Campaign 08V303000 · Jul 9, 2008
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
SUSPENSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · Campaign 07V263000 · Jun 25, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
INTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06V028000 · Feb 2, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTAINS GAUGES AND INDICATORS THAT MUST BE ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.
Consequence: DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, THE DRIVER WILL BE UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS, SUCH AS THE SPEEDOMETER, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. PHASE I WAS MAILED OUT TO APPROXIMATELY 7,500 OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2006. PHASE II AND PHASE III IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK · Campaign 04V285000 · Jun 24, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
SUSPENSION · Campaign 04V228000 · May 12, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER TIME, CORROSION MAY DETERIORATE THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.