2004 Mercedes Benz C Class problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (2) · Engine And Engine Cooling (2) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz C Class model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (10)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:mounting 2008-09-17 · PB-61-10-07 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes: replacing the longitudinal member (left and right) below the main floor panel on all my 204 up to 12/31/07. (c300, c350, c300 4-matic, c63 ame). *pe
Power Train 2007-01-01 · 2006020008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
inspect transmission pilot bushing at electrochydraulic unit and replace if necessary. the transmission pilot bushing may have been installed on the control units with non-tempered sealing rings which may cause a small leak to occur. *tt updated 04-11-07. *kb
Structure:body:door 2005-11-01 · 2005100008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
inspect boot on both front doors. the boot at the door connecting to the a pillar may not have been clipped correctly leading to insufficient sealing. *nm
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2005-09-01 · 2005100004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the pvc seam seal on the transmission support bracket may not have been properly applied. inspect transmission support seam seal, reseal if necessary. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly 2005-08-01 · 2005060017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
coolant hose at the bottom right of the radiator must be checked to determine whether the two catches of the coolant hose are latched correctly. inspect latching of lower radiator hose, replace radiator if necessary. *tt
Equipment 2005-03-09 · 8270314B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
high-pitched whining noise heard on telephone/vcs/tele aid calls. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 10 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2013-10-17 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 123,000 mi“i smelled strong vapors of gas inside my car and outside the area. i looked under car gas was pouring out from under fuel tank . took it to ( towed that is) the shop find fuel tank was defective ! found hole in the tank on the tab if that makes sense . the shop called around for safety recall and mercedes see if any other information. i am aware…”
2012-07-08 · Power Train · 58,000 mi · 🔥 fire“i have black mercedes c230 kompressor sports sedan 2004 model. car was purchased brand new at mercedes authorized dealer. there is no modification made to this car and all the servicing done at mercedes authorized dealer since i bought this car. it had only 58000 miles. last b servicing which checked any safety related issues and includes regular …”
2011-11-21 · Power Train“2004 mercedes benz c- class wagon. consumer writes in regards to defect that allows coolant to leak into the transmission, requiring replacement of the transmission, torque converter and radiator *tgw the consumer stated he was forced to spend over six thousand dollars to have the transmission replaced, to correct a defect mercedes benz was aware …”
2007-06-27 · Air Bags:frontal · 💥 crash“vehicle is a c 320 and was traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour when accident occurred, receiving significant front end collision by other vehicle and thereafter hitting a concrete street divider.driver received injuries to head,upper and lower body and legs.…”
2007-04-10 · Electrical System:wiring:interior/Under Dash · 🔥 fire“i have a 2004 mercedes c230 compressor. yesterday, i drove the vehicle home and afterwards left it parked. all of a sudden, there was smoke coming from the interior of the car. it engulfed the whole vehicle in smoke and damaged most of the interior. the fire investigator came ,and stated that it was from the electrical wires inside the dashboard. *…”
2006-04-24 · Tires:sidewall · 28,553 mi“the sidewall of one of the tires mounted on the consumer's 2004 mercedes benz c320w ripped and cracked the rim. *nm after the service department inspected the tire and rim, they determined damaged to be attributed to road damage from impact. *jb…”
2005-12-30 · Power Train:automatic Transmission · 21,000 mi“dt*: the contact stated there was an odor coming from the transmission area. the contact believed the odor was coming from either an oil or transmission leak. the dealership was unable to determine the source of the odor. the contact was concerned this was a potential fire hazard. the vehicle is a 2004 mercedes-benz c230. *ak…”
2005-07-25 · Visibility:windshield“i was traveling on the freeway (approximate speed 60 mph) when i heard something hit the windshield of my 2004 mercedes c240. there was no immediate signs of damage. however, about 30 minutes later after i had made stop and later returned to the car i noticed a 12 inch crack in the windshield. i believe there is a serious design defect with the wi…”
2004-11-27 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor“ever since i purchased this vehicle i hava had problems with is features. power seats that move by themselves, automatic dimming mirrors that turn pitch black in middle of day, power tilt steering wheel that has unpredicitible moves. auto windshield wipers that dont fucntion properly in heavy down pours. the seats are power and they will move all…”
2004-08-25 · Engine And Engine Cooling“while driving consumer noticed steam coming from underneath the vehicle. consumer was able to pull over to shoulder, lifted up the hood, and smoke came from the engine. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. *ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.