2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls and problems

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 has 2 safety recalls and 203 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
203
Crashes / fires
6 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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 visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System79
Service Brakes41
Fuel System, Gasoline38
Electrical System13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
Unknown or Other6
Air Bags6
Structure6
Exterior Lighting5
Suspension4
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Visibility4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 98,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Visibility · reported Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility); however, the contact was informed by the dealer that the sunroof glass was manufactured in a year outside of the year stated in the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the sunroof glass was not covered under the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Unknown or Other · reported Feb 18, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I took my 2004 Mercedes-Benz into the Stevens Creek location located in San Jose, CA 95129 to have the sliding roof bonding recall fixed on December 24, 2024. I have attached the repair invoice to this complaint. It has now been almost two full months and I am still being blocked from updating my vehicle registration because my vehicle needs to complete an Official Brake and Light Adjustment Certification. However, the recall vin lookup page (https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/) has been showing my recall as incomplete for almost two full months now. The mechanic that…
Unknown or Other · reported May 3, 2024
The sunroof has a recall due to the fact that it has a bad seal, which could fly off due to this issue. I know the seal is bad because the whole roof leaked a few years ago and fried all the electronic; e.g. lights, sunroof controls, trunk light controls, side door controls. I went to the dealership and they said they would not fix it because they could not open the sunroof to see the manufacturer date on it.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Apr 22, 2024
The driver's side mirror auto-dim function failed (as theorized by simple research where others have this issue) December 2023 and leaked a liquid behind the glass causing blurriness, double vision, and extremely dim reflection. This makes it difficult to safely judge other traffic using the mirror and seems very dangerous while driving. It also seems to present a risk of misjudging any other objects on the road which are reliant on this mirror. The equivalent replacement mirror glass alone is prohibitively expensive and Mercedes-Benz USA was contacted twice for help and refused to provide…
Electrical System · reported Jan 7, 2024
The glue around front windshield has deteriorated and has caused major damage to my interior lights, electrical essemblys , interior damage to seats , dash board and flooring. Including the trunk seal is also deteriorated and causing the battery to stop working and has made my car non drivable.

Other Mercedes-Benz E320 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz E320 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320: 24V-874 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (79 reports), followed by service brakes (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 98,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.