2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 20%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,482miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class, 20% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,482 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.
“2 weeks ago the shifter on the car started to get harder and harder to get out of park. Last week the car's shifter was stuck in park position and does not move. I had to tow the car to a mechanic and they have to replace the whole shifter.”
NHTSA complaint #10345601, filed 2010-07, 72,568 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10145030, filed 2005-12, 6,080 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10145034, filed 2005-12, 6,482 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019822Jan 1, 2007Inspect transmission pilot bushing at electrochydraulic unit and replace if necessary. The transmission pilot bushing may have been installed on the control units with…
- 10018931Dec 13, 2005Learning in selection range sensor not possible after ehs replacement.
- 10014548Mar 10, 2005Rough downshifting when accelerating. *tt various models including 2005 mercedes-benz 219 and 220.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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