2004 Mercedes Benz S500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (3) · Steering (2) · Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz S500 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 (39)
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.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint 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 continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint 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 continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 39 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-12-08 · Suspension“the dash board lights lose their ability to illuminate the dashboard and the back airbags on the suspension keep deflating…”
2017-12-12 · Steering · 93,000 mi“systematic water intrusion by air cowl disabled electronics while driving and also long term caused a health issue respiratory neurological - two years homebound after was finally diagnosed w/unknown cancer…”
2015-10-27 · Electrical System · 108,000 mi“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…”
2015-10-04 · Exterior Lighting · 106,000 mi“license playe light out short causes srs light to come on and have to be reprogrammed. there is now an sis defective light due to the wiring. my truck does not power close. happens at all times. and while turning it caused an error for turn lights…”
2015-07-12 · Steering · 98,000 mi · 💥 crash“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 guar…”
2015-04-22 · Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner · 103,000 mi“tl* 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 no…”
2015-03-07 · Service Brakes · 68,000 mi“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. mer…”
2014-10-08 · Interior Lighting · 158,000 mi“tl* 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. t…”
2014-10-03 · Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · 65,000 mi“ while attempting to change the driver side front tire the lug wrench itself failed. the lug wrench came apart leaving the head still attached to the lug nut without the handle causing forward momentum injury to head and shoulder. *tr…”
2014-02-27 · Seat Belts · 76,000 mi“i have a 2004 mercedes-benz and the seat belt look new but will not retract. i am the second owner of the car. i called the company in usa and they will not replace the seat belt assembly free of charge because of the age of the car. my belief that the seat belt is a safety components and the company should replace it free of charge since it is th…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.