2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 6%of 203 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,101miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320, 6% of the 203 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,101 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“The ignition switch failed on my 2004 mercedes E320 wagon which only had 85k miles. If it had failed and just would not work, that would not have been such an issue, however, when it failed it left the engine on requiring me to disconnect the battery to get the car to shut down. Steps to reproduce: 1) put electronic key in car 2) turn key to fully on and start car 3) turn key to off position and remove key from ignition entirely note car is still on and will not shut off even after an hour.”
NHTSA complaint #10332413, filed 2010-05, 84,000 miles“Reference!!! Pe 12001. Having problems previously complained about strong odor of gas from car when in garage and also kids complain of strong fume odor especially in backseat drivers side!!! Now having problems w the seal of gas cap!?! Some research showed that a fuel leak will make car report gas cap loose--( when it's not). Happens daily now'!! Pleas create a recall-- blogs like crazy about other e class owners experiencing same exact problems'!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10514133, filed 2013-05, 123,000 miles“While traveling on the washington dc beltway in the fast lane, in heavy traffic, the engine completely shut down leaving us stranded in very heavy traffic. Needless to say, this was a very precarious position. Fortunately, police assistance arrived and called a towing service and got us out of harm's way. The problem was diagnosed as a failed crank shaft position sensor. This results in the computer turning off the ignition creating an obviously hazardous situation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512336, filed 2013-05, 58,348 miles“Driving south on i95 near savannah the dash lights including the brake light lit up on the dashboard and the vehicle began decelerating. Applied the emergency brake and was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder. After the engine was shut off the vehicle could be started but could not get from park into a gear or even neutral. All four wheels were frozen and so getting the car on to the tow truck was almost impossible. Were towed to the nearest mercedes dealership where the sbc system was replaced. This took over night as the part was not available at the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10486200, filed 2012-11, 108,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 10186141Dec 10, 2020NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186142Dec 9, 2020Unmotivated Reaction from Park Assist - model series 213 facelift / 238 facelift with option code 235 (active par- king assist) and option code 501 (surround view system)
- 10179951Jul 20, 2020AIRMATIC Fault Message "Max 80 km/ h (50 mph) " In Instrument Cluster
- 10205233Aug 5, 2013Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10033070Dec 16, 2009Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209…
- 10028686May 6, 2009Mercedes: air matic visit workshop displayed within instrument cluster. Models 164, 211, 219, 221 and 251. Included 4matic, amg (compressor) amg, bluetec and wagon. Model years…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 | 16 | 7% |
| 2004 | 13 | 6% |
| 2003 | 21 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 17% |
| 2001 | 13 | 34% |
| 2000 | 8 | 18% |
| 1999 | 8 | 10% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1996 | 12 | 27% |
| 1995 | 89 | 93% |
| 1994 | 7 | 64% |
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320
117 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology