The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has too few complaints to score: 15 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about visibility, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 18 to 23 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 77 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 41K to 96K miles on the car (50 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- visibility 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
- visibility 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- visibility 2019
The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 64 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit
- Replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install adapter harness(es)
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–4400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The sidewall of one of the tires mounted on the consumer's 2004 mercedes benz c320w ripped and cracked the rim.
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10157288
More owner reports
2004 mercedes c240 with sunroof and overhead control panel. Customer states that after the car was supposed to be repaired the vehicle acquired other problems along with a loose seat that moves while driving.
NHTSA complaint 10204872
Quick answers
Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 15 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are visibility (40%), tires (20%) and seats (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
3 safety recalls (latest: visibility). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
18 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 41,400 and 96,800 miles. The middle report was at 61,500 miles, from 50 complaints.
Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 20% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $4400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.6L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2004?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works