2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 Problems
- Complaints
- 203filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles, 166 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report a gasoline smell, especially after filling the tank, traced to the fuel sending unit and tank area under the rear seat. A second common theme is brake trouble tied to the electro-hydraulic brake system, with warnings to stop driving and, in some cases, a pedal that goes to the floor. Reports span a wide mileage range, from under 30,000 to well past 150,000 miles, and the fuel-smell complaints tend to recur after each fill-up until the tank level drops.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell and leak at sending unit / top of tank
- 108 complaints (53%)
- median 90,000 mi at 9.5 yrs old (98 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,057 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2009–2022
Complaints describe a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin and around the left rear wheel well, most noticeable right after refueling and sometimes fading as the tank level drops. Several owners removed the rear seat cushion and found fuel pooled on top of the fuel sending unit, or a crack in the unit; some had the sending unit, pump seal, or the tank and fittings replaced. Dealers and independent shops reportedly diagnosed fuel leaks, and in some cases owners were told the vehicle was not covered by a recall or that the repair would be at their expense. Reported from roughly 22,000 to 235,000 miles in the sample, often tied to filling the tank or parking in a closed garage.
What to check: After a fill-up, check for a gasoline smell inside the cabin and around the left rear wheel, and lift the rear seat cushion to look for dampness or pooled fuel on the sending unit. Ask whether any fuel tank or sending unit warranty extension was applied or whether the tank components have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Strong odor of gasoline after each complete fill-up. This vehicle is always in the garage.and odor lingers for several days following each fill-up. I have changed the entire fuel tank assembly and the problem is still there.no smell if I fill-up to no more than 80% of the tank capacity. Date and mileage are of the first occurrence are as shown are only an estimate.”
NHTSA complaint #10616251, filed 2014-07, 235,650 miles“I filled the gas tank full and on pulling in the garage could smell a strong smell of gasoline... Went to get my oil change the next day and the gentleman mentioned he could smell gas coming from my car at valvoline oil change.... Very strong smell in the interior of the car as well as when walking around the outside of the car you could smell a strong smell of gas... …”
NHTSA complaint #11388481, filed 2021-01, 165,000 miles - Brakes
Brake warning and loss of brake assist (SBC system)
- 46 complaints (23%)
- median 106,000 mi at 12.4 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,200 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2004–2025
Complaints describe a red warning telling the driver to stop the vehicle, a brake pedal that becomes loose or travels to the floor, and in some cases reduced braking while driving at speed. Owners report dealers diagnosing the sensotronic brake control (SBC) unit or the ABS pump as needing replacement, sometimes along with the hydraulic system. Several owners mention being told the vehicle was not covered by a recall or that an extended warranty period had ended. Reported across a wide range in the sample, from very low mileage up to about 160,000 miles, often without warning while driving.
What to check: Check whether the SBC hydraulic unit has been replaced or covered under the extended warranty program described in the service information, and ask for a brake system diagnostic scan. Have an independent shop inspect the system for stored fault codes before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 12/16/2020 while driving the brakes on my vehicle failed. A red warning triangle appeared on the vehicle message board stating the cars braking ability was severely reduced and to stop driving immediately. I was able to drift to the side of the road without incident and had the vehicle towed to my mechanic. The mechanic could find no mechanical reason for the brake failure. The red warning light was gone and the brakes were functioning normally. …”
NHTSA complaint #11386386, filed 2021-01, 110,000 miles“Takata recall. The brake light on dashboard came on few months ago. We had replaced brake pads etc, earlier and was told the sbc needed to be replaced. I went to 2 dealers in my area and they both stated it is not under warranty. I have read many comments about the faulty design from mbenz and do not understand why they do not want to replace it at their cost. Are they waiting for lawyers to sue for a fatal crash? I do not want to be the one dying nor anyone in my family. The car has only 106,331 miles. Can you help?”
NHTSA complaint #10914869, filed 2016-10, 100,000 miles
Buying note. These reports center on the fuel system and the brake system, so a pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with this generation is worthwhile, including a fuel-system check around the sending unit and a brake diagnostic scan. Ask for service records showing whether the fuel tank component warranty extension and the extended brake unit coverage were used, and confirm the sunroof recalls were completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 203 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320. 166 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 96,500 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 82 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system117 58%
- Brakes50 25%
- Electrical system13 6.4%
- Air bags6 3.0%
- Other or unknown6 3.0%
- Body and structure6 3.0%
- Exterior lighting5 2.5%
- Engine cooling4 2.0%
- Suspension4 2.0%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (3), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Seats (3), Transmission and drivetrain (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Engine (2), Seat belts (2), Steering (2), Tires (2), Equipment (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “A strong smell of fuel was present after starting the vehicle in my driveway. Checked the vehicle for leaks and found none. The following day, the same occurred in my driveway but fuel seeped from the rear of the vehicle when I backed up. Took the car to my mercedes mechanic who inspected the vehicle and replaced the fuel pump and lines located above the fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10503592, filed 2013-03, 88,000 milesBrakes: “I was driving down a paved road, went to make a left hand turn and my esp came on, vehicle shut off and almost ran me into another vehicle, which then caused me to run into the ditch. Now I'm finding out that there is a recall on the sbc unit, which is what's wrong with my car, but the recall is not showing up for my VIN number. I am very, very disappointed/frustrated by mercedes. This is a very expensive part to replace. …”
NHTSA complaint #10948046, filed 2017-01, 145,000 milesElectrical system: “The sunroof leaks causing electrical damage. I rarely use the sunroof. Maybe I have used the sunroof 5x. The sunroof should not leak after rare use. The electrical should not be damaged. Apparently, the drains in the sunroof get clogged and the water drains into trunk. This is a design defect. Please investigate. I notice the same issue with many others on line. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10487205, filed 2012-12, 56,000 milesAir bags: “Back air bag behind driver lost air while driving. Took in to repair they thought it was air line. They repaired but same thing happened leaving repair shop at an intersection. All the light turned on to stop driving just like before. I towed back to shop.they said the whole system needed to all be replaced.my only reason to file this is the fear I had of getting hurt or hurting other by my vehicle just being undrivable while in motion on major intsection.this problem occured before but always when leaving my home so id just wait for the air suspension self correct. …”
NHTSA complaint #11327571, filed 2020-06, 148,089 milesMileage when problems were reported
14% of the 166 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 68,000 and 128,100 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Class · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E320 RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| E320 (Wagon) RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| E320 4matic 4WD/AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| E320 4matic (Wagon) 4WD/AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007, C320 2001–2005 +20 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz E320 2003–2009, C320 2001–2005, C230 2003–2007 +21 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models…
Recall details for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 82 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11028989Feb 24, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
- 11020172Jul 2, 2025Brakes. Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy AMG brake systems are designed for high loads. This can…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E320
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 8 | 62,209 | 3 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 10 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 17 | 85,551 | 4 | — | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 41 | 91,468 | 4 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 231 | 85,500 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 203 | 96,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 214 | 99,850 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 23 | 85,992 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2001 | 38 | 89,500 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 44 | 155,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 83 | 85,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 37 | 99,900 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 63 | 115,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 45 | 110,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 96 | 107,500 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 11 | 146,754 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz E320 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320?
Owners of this model year most often report a gasoline smell, especially after filling the tank, traced to the fuel sending unit and tank area under the rear seat. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell and leak at sending unit / top of tank; Brake warning and loss of brake assist (SBC system).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 have?
NHTSA recorded 203 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 117 complaints (58% of the total), followed by brakes with 50.
Has the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 (E320, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 reported?
Among the 166 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 96,500 miles and the middle half falls between 68,000 and 128,100 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.