AI Damage2004 Mercedes-Benz S600: common problems
Owners of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600 filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Electric consumers online constantly comes in dashboard and malfunction memory nomalfunction and battery light always comes on
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz s600. The contact stated that the hydraulic hose fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician verified the failure and stated that both the abc hose and pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired.
The contact noticed smoke underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the active body control failed and caused the hydraulic fluid to leak. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 07v263000, engine and engine cooling.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the S600 has 6 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 4, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, service brakes. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2004 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.