Most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints by model year
Best S Class years: 1996, 1995, 1999. Years to avoid: 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003. Compare all years →
2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls (4)
Electrical system
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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
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.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock
On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began August 17, 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes- Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class:
Air suspension system failure
The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop…
What 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class owners say
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz s500. While driving 65 MPH he started to smell an electrical fire and continued to drive to his destination. After arriving to his destination he noticed that everything electrical in the rear of the vehicle was no longer working. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The dealer advised him that the drain hole for the air conditioner had filled the floor board with water. The dealer replaced the transponder module and the fuse box since the transponder melted during the failure. The failure mileage was 33,243 and the current mileage was 33,300.
While driving vehicle lost power. The engine continued running, but there was no power brake or power steering. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, and had been there for 3 weeks, but they could not identify the cause of the failure. A diagnostic test was performed, but no failure code was found. Dealership was awaiting a factory representative to inspect the vehicle. This problem could be attributed to an electrical failure.
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
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.
2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 22 / 17 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 17 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 S Class rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S Class at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class?
The electrical system — 3 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the most recent from July 7, 2008 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 1995 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2002, 2001 and 2003. See the full Mercedes-Benz S Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 39,000 miles; 58% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.