2004 Mercedes-Benz S500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 50%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S500, 50% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“On may 16, 2014, I purchased a 2004 mercedes benz S500 with 61,649 miles from car credit nation.after a few weeks of driving the vehicle, and visiting with the mercedes benz dealership for routine inspections, we found further issues with this vehicle, that we felt were life threatening and hazardous to the road, other drivers, and our safety. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692762, filed 2015-03, 68,000 miles“During rain storm, water seepeed ino air cowl into cabin-passenger side- flooded floor eventually sam electronic module under floor was damaged and shut off electronics in automobile while driving at high speed on freeway- with out power controls operating it made driving and stopping the car a very dangerous feat eventually went off road into guardrail and stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10733487, filed 2015-07, 98,000 miles“The trunk wiring harness have wires that the protective covering has shred and all come apart. Causing writers to touch. Locks not to lock. Truck won't open and license plates lights are out”
NHTSA complaint #10786265, filed 2015-10, 108,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated that the vent controls failed to activate the air conditioning and the heating system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the motor regulator and the air conditioner blower needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10712150, filed 2015-04, 103,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz S500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument panel failed. The dealer stated that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. Updated 12/2/14 updated 08/30/2017”
NHTSA complaint #10643349, filed 2014-10, 158,000 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
- 10135604Mar 31, 2015Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control
- 10205233Aug 5, 2013Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S500
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S500
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