2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2004

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class repairs by problem area

Engine (37%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (24%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 86 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (21%)

$100 - $499 (39%)

< $100 (31%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 70 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Engine not specified

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Maryland, United States
Oct 2009 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

91000 mi

US $1500
SRS Sensor went bad 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Wagon

168-horsepower 2.6L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in District of Columbia, United States
Mar 2008 - May 2014
Aug 2008

40123 mi
Transmission replaced under original warranty. Apparently an inexpensive seal malfunctioned and let oil into the transmission casing somehow. Transmission started slipping on an uphill, I called dealer, they said drive it right in if that could be done. 
Oct 2012

72200 mi

US $500
replace faulty crankshaft position sensor which was causing stalls and failures to start when engine was shut off warm. 
May 2014

84000 mi
i never paid for new cv joints but that they had been recommended by mechanics for last 1.5 years. Cost was to be 2000 dollars. Also 2 years ago an arm inside the dash that changed direction of air flow ventilation broke. I never had it fixed as was to be 900 dolkars to pull apart dash to get at it. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Colorado, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2013
Apr 2011

84000 mi

US $3400
Replaced torque converter and Transmission Control Computer. Reflashed ECC and TCC to finally correct all the symptoms of the problem 
Mar 2012

101000 mi

US $330
Replace both horns 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan

supercharged 349hp 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Texas, United States
Feb 2014 - Apr 2015
Mar 2014

111000 mi

US $243
The car was not picking up speed like it was suppose to. The valcum was clogged up. 
Apr 2015

134000 mi
replace thermostat 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan

supercharged 189hp 1.8L I4 6-speed manual RWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2010 - Apr 2014
Apr 2010

55800 mi
I have had a clunking sound in the front suspension for the past 3 years. The dealership has thrown almost every part to solve it except for the cross-strut link resulting in 8 visits. They finally solved the problem. Luckily it was covered 
Dec 2010

60140 mi
front left wheel bearing was warn and caused excessive play. Tightening the nut that secured the hub seemed to solve the problem but garage recommended replacing bearing altogether as it is unsure if it was wear or the nut loosened Battery/Alternator malfunction light comes on intermittantly. Replaced battery as it was over 7 years old, malfunction warning went away but later returned, looks like there is a voltage regulator problem however output is within specs 
Feb 2011

62000 mi

C $180
Cam solenoid magnet was leaking into the wiring harness, a common problem with this car. Replaced solenoid along with OEM modification of isolation wires to stop migration of oil to ECU and O2 sensors to prevent serious damage and expense 
Mar 2011

62620 mi

C $65
replaced Voltage Regulator 
May 2011

63240 mi

C $80
since the battery had to be disconnected for the alternator repair this created an airbag / SRS malfunction error and had to be erased using Mercedes equipment and reprogrammed 
Jun 2011

63240 mi

C $65
replaced outer steering tie rod as there was excessive play bought coolant temp sensor as there is an intermittent warning when the outside temp goes below -10. Will install when I have time in the summer 
Oct 2011

65720 mi

C $22
Replaced right side steering tie rod. excessive play in ball joint causing a loose feel, made clunking noises over bumps Replaced temperature sensor that controls the cooling fan and sending the temp to the instrument panel. Was giving me an error message in cold weather 
Nov 2011

66340 mi

C $15
bolts holding exhaust system to the catalytic converter broke when hitting a puddle, it was determined that they prematurely rusted out to be less then a quarter in diameter then spec 
Jul 2012

70680 mi

C $700
replaced both front and rear sway bars as they were rusty under the bushings and made noise, sway bar links were worn had to replace rear rotors and pads completely rusted on inside, parking brake mechanism failed and caused damage to rotor and splash shield as lining material separated from the shoes for the p-brake. parking brake is an drum brake system 
Mar 2013

71300 mi

C $1100
wheel bearing Right side needed to be replaced, $400 bolt for left front wheel seized and snapped off, dealer could not remove bolt and had to replace hub, as well as new bearings as bearings could not be reused despite being less than 2 years old, $700 
May 2013

74280 mi

C $680
three out of the four springs broke, each one was the bottom half coil 
Aug 2013

75940 mi

C $201
replace upstream O2 sensor as it was sending an error code rubber boot in the firewall which the steering shaft goes through is ripped and tore off 
Sep 2013

76880 mi

C $328
steering boot through firewall ripped and was letting in sound and air, $115 air con was blowing warm air on driver's side and cold on passenger side. Repair was: replace expansion valve, replace receiver drier and recharge the system, $213 
Oct 2013

76980 mi
door handle broke while pulling the door to close. Took plastic handle off and used marine epoxy to glue the broken mounting plate trunk latch handle would open once and stay open. Took out exterior latch handle and cleaned and lubed to free the mechanism which appears to have seized because of dirt, salt and a bit of rusting on pivot bar 
Jan 2014

78000 mi

C $150
This is a repair caused by a previous repair that was not fitted properly causing damage to a component. When I had the springs changed in May, the shop installed the strut bearing 180 degrees off causing damage to the bearing and clunking 
Apr 2014

80600 mi

C $430
Ball joints on control arm and also on thrust arm were worn and needed to be replaced 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan

supercharged 189hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Florida, United States
Jun 2009 - Jan 2013
Oct 2011

97000 mi

US $1250
Replace fuel pump and fuel level sensor. 
Jan 2013

120000 mi

US $300
Noise from kompressor. Service B. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2013 - Jul 2014
May 2013

67980 mi

C $500
change suspension part. pads+rotors and 1 caliper was change. 
Nov 2013

71300 mi

C $250
Brake caliper seize. 
Feb 2014

73120 mi

C $200
Coil spring was broken. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2012
May 2011

53000 mi

US $400
The thermostat need to be replaced. The dealer quoted US$535, did not repair @ the dealer. Instead, we bought the part online ($30), and asked a independent mechanic to replace it for us ($100). Service B cost $300 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Virginia, United States
Apr 2015 - Oct 2015
Sep 2015

113000 mi

US $564
Check engine light came on, exhaust issue corrected, new gas cap put on. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Alabama, United States
May 2015 - Nov 2015
Jul 2015

54200 mi

US $600
control arm and also on thrust arm were worn and needed to be replaced , 2 rear coil spring broken 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in New Mexico, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2015
Jan 2014

86200 mi

US $300
Struts were somewhat worn had to replace them 
Apr 2015

90000 mi

US $100
Expansion coolant tank and expansion coolant connector failed. Just wore out due to heat and aging. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in North Carolina, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2018
Feb 2009

32200 mi

US $12
Had right front headlight bulb replaced 
Sep 2009

37500 mi

US $43
Took car in to shop because malfunction light on for brake maintenance. Checked out and found front brake sensor misplaced from earlier pad change.(was a dealer pad change!) Sensor replaced, brakes in excellent shape. 
Dec 2010

48000 mi

US $183
Check engine light came on. Replaced thermostat. Replaced low beam bulb, side marker light. Lubed sunroof. 
Jan 2011

49000 mi

US $56
Air intake hose coming apart. Common issue on these cars. New air hose ordered and replaced. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Georgia, United States
Apr 2008 - Jun 2017
Feb 2008

42000 mi
Rattle in dash behind gauge cluster. Driver door handle replaced due to break at top of handle. Transmission seal replaced due to leakage. Serpentine belt replaced. Service B 
Jul 2011

77000 mi

US $900
Control arm boots cracked and leaking fluids. Replaced and front end aligned. Supercharger starting to make noise. Was advised it needed replacement, common problem on this car. Cost would be over $2500. Will schedule replacement in next 30 days. Update 0415: never replaced, still running fine. 
Feb 2013

97200 mi

US $405
Passenger seat air bag sensor wiring deteriration causing SRS system error. Sensor replaced. 
Nov 2013

107700 mi

US $1926
Battery/alternator/ESP warning lights came on multiple times when starting after sitting for 24 hours or more. Replaced battery. Battery/alternator/ESP warning lights came on multiple times when starting after car sat for 24 hours or more. Also sounded "diesel like" Replaced: Alternator clutch pulley, a/c compressor/drive belt/oil/freon. Corrected dieseling noise. 
Dec 2013

110000 mi

US $754
Car ran fine for 1 week. Started getting battery/ESP warning lights again while driving the car. Returned to shop for repair. Altenator replaced. 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan

215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2014 - Feb 2017
Dec 2014

132680 mi

C $900
Replace alternator 
Feb 2015

138260 mi

C $400
Replaced injectors 
Sep 2016

173600 mi

C $300
Evap valve 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan

168-horsepower 2.6L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Great Britain
- Jun 2008
Jun 2008

154000 mi

£1200
Turbo and catalytic convertor replaced 2005 and again in 2008 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sedan

168-horsepower 2.6L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Illinois, United States
Dec 2010 - Jan 2011
Dec 2010

73000 mi

US $400
Trans. seal replaced. 
Jan 2011

74000 mi

US $700
maf replaced maf replaced 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Great Britain
Oct 2013 - Jul 2015
May 2014

103700 mi

£235
Had two non-functional front parking sensors replaced. Also had broken fog light lens replaced. 
Sep 2014

108000 mi

£130
RH side front rear bottom ball joint replaced due to excessive play in the joint. It was that much it had failed it's MOT test 
Feb 2015

111000 mi

£651
Top engine cover broken when took for it's 110.000 mile service. Repair not notified to myself. I had to find the damage myself when I lifted the bonnet to refill the washer bottle some 10 days later. Also replaced the rear wash wipe motor. 
Mar 2015

113000 mi

£155
Parking sensor failed. Needed replacing and painting 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2013 - May 2013
Apr 2013

76880 mi

C $306
Check engine light came on and car idled really rough after stopping and putting it into park. Diagnosed as a misfire by MB. Changed spark plugs. Problem persists and now the car has to go back in. 
May 2013

76880 mi

C $285
Problem persists with engine misfiring. Problem could not be diagnosed by mechanics. Car was picked up and traded in at a very low price because pending repairs were disclosed. Bought a new BMW X1 which is great! 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2dr Hatch

supercharged 189hp 1.8L I4 6-speed manual RWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Michigan, United States
Jan 2022 - Feb 2022
Feb 2022

81000 mi

US $75
cam position sensors Oil level sensor smog pump Hatch won't open. 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2dr Hatch

supercharged 189hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in California, United States
Feb 2010 - Aug 2012
Jan 2010

95000 mi
Huge issue with oil leaking out the camshaft sensor, down the wiring harness to short out coolant and O2 sensors. All sensors and harness repaired under extended warranty - oil was found all the way to the ECU. 
Jan 2012

US $300
A misfire diagnosis via the check engine light lead to the replacement of a coilpack and a sparkplug. Repair has fixed the problem. 
Apr 2012

122200 mi

US $400
Check engine light with multiple odd causes, believed to be tied to MAF sensor or something else. 
May 2012

123000 mi

US $800
MAF meter was replaced, computer was reset which ultimately corrected the check engine light. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in New York, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2022
Sep 2016

96000 mi

US $80
oxygen sensor and air filter change. 
Dec 2017

98000 mi

US $500
Thermostat 
Dec 2021

103000 mi

US $800
Ball joint 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Oregon, United States
Apr 2009 - Feb 2013
Jun 2011

43000 mi

US $408
Power door lock actuator failed and was replaced. 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2009 - May 2012
Dec 2010

40300 mi

C $750
Replaced tie rods, at same time did brakes and oil change 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Great Britain
Aug 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

49000 mi
Needed a new tracking rod as it had too much play on one side 
Feb 2010

50000 mi

£65
Too much play in a bar underneath the car so they replaced it 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.