2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 203 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 162,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320, 3% of the 203 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 162,200 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“Heavy fuel odor emanating from vehicle. Vehicle and possibly structures could catch fire if fuel is leaking and an ignition source is introduced. Only viable reason why fuel odor is present is either the fuel tank is leaking at a location or the vent has failed. Vehicle fuel odor is especially strong if vehicle was filled up recently but is present 24/7.”
NHTSA complaint #11315421, filed 2020-03, 160,000 miles“On opening the driver's door from the inside, the driver suffered a deep laceration of the middle finger as a result of sharp edges of the chipping metal coat of the door handle. Upon further inspection, it appears that the plating of the inner edge of the handle is delaminating from the plastic structure, leaving protruding, sharp edges on the very part of the handle used to open the door. This may also be a potential site of bacterial infections.”
NHTSA complaint #10552166, filed 2013-11, 164,400 miles“The inside door lock stems keep breaking off. I have replaced them with non mercedes parts. The ones I purchased don't fit very well but the ones from mercedes don't hold up. They keep breaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10424763, filed 2011-09“The TRUNK will not open. It is supposed to open by pressing the button on the key fob or taking the thin key out of the key fob and manually open the truck with the keyed lock. Neither method works. There is absolutely no way to open the trunk otherwise (i.e. inside button or lever). When the key fob button and the thin key do not work there is absolutely no way to open the truck. There is no way to access the lock from the trunk lid rear and there is no way to access the trunk from behind the back seat cushions. It is a very bad situation and dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11560575, filed 2023-12Related service bulletins
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Complaint 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…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Complaint 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…
- 11009122Oct 23, 2024Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump…
- 10151924Jul 2, 2018Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
- 10166081Jul 12, 2014Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest…
- 10033067Jun 4, 2009Mercedes benz: tailgate does not open fully in cold weather. The tailgate not opening fully in cold weather, do not replace the struts.
- 10025649Feb 22, 2008Water entry at a-pillar on model 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 282, 283 (e320 cdi; e320; e500;e55amg; e320 4matic; e500 4matic; e320 wagon; 320 4matic). Unknown years.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 10% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 5 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 14% |
| 1997 | 4 | 6% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320
117 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsOther or unknown
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 30, 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