Model year
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 15 complaints for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 12 recalls and 62 complaints under AMG C32, C230, C240, and C320. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2), POWER TRAIN (2), AIR BAGS:FRONTAL (1). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 16–23 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,550–$5,150, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 8 complaints
- 2001 14 complaints
- 2002 31 complaints
- 2003 9 complaints
- 2004 15 complaints
- 2005 5 complaints
- 2006 9 complaints
- 2007 280 complaints
- 2008 13 complaints
- 2009 670 complaints
- 2010 476 complaints
- 2011 516 complaints
- 2012 1 complaints
- 2013 575 complaints
- 2014 284 complaints
- 2015 452 complaints
- 2016 322 complaints
- 2017 253 complaints
- 2018 130 complaints
- 2019 79 complaints
- 2020 46 complaints
- 2021 17 complaints
- 2022 26 complaints
- 2023 26 complaints
- 2024 15 complaints
- 2025 4 complaints
- 2026 4 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
03V534000 · Dec 19, 2003
SEAT BELTS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY HAVE A BURR ON A METAL COMPONENT OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM. THE PRESENCE OF THE BURR COULD PREVENT THE SEAT BELT FROM LOCKING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Complaints
15 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 2, fire flag on 2, injury field 2, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| AMG C32 | 3 | 0 |
| C230 | 3 | 31 |
| C240 | 3 | 16 |
| C320 | 3 | 15 |
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C240 · 2.6L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C320 4matic Sedan · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| C230 Kompressor · 1.8L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| C230 Kompressor · 1.8L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe · 1.8L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe · 1.8L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| C240 · 2.6L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 22 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C240 4matic · 2.6L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C32 AMG · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
| C320 · 3.2L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C320 Sports Coupe · 3.2L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| C240 (Wagon) · 2.6L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 23 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
8 more configurations are in the EPA file and are not listed in this table. The fuel-cost calculator lists every configuration.
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.