Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | |||
| 03/13/2013 | 74000 | ||
| Very strong fuel smell when parked inside the garage. fuel leaks around the fuel tank. i was afraid to open up the garage door because of the smell/fumes. very concerned that the car might explode. | |||
| 12/07/2012 | 70000 | ||
| I have noticed strong gasoline odors emanating from my car after refueling. i purchased a new mercedes benz gas cap and installed it. filled the gas tank and gasoline odor was still very strong. i do not 'top off' when refueling. researched issue online at benzworld.org and discovered that the gas odor issue i am experiencing may be related to a problem being seen in numerous mercedes benz e-model vehicles. as advised by the other owners having this issue i detached the rear seat cushion from the car and removed the bolts from the circular access panel that covers a portion of the fuel tank on the driver's side of the vehicle. in the depresion on top of the gas tank where numerous electrical wires attach to the fuel pump i found a significant quantity of raw gasoline pooled. this presents a very unsafe situation and i am no longer willing to park the vehicle in my garage due to the potential fire hazard. the pooling of raw gasoline also represents an environmental issue due to the evaporation and creation of toxic fumes. i understand that mercedes benz dealers are demanding $2,000. or more to rectify the problem by removing and replacing the gas tanks in impacted vehicles. i feel that the manufacturer of this defective component should be held responsible to recall it and replace it. i understand that the nhtsa's current investigation action no. for this issue is pe 12001. | |||
| 02/13/2013 | 150000 | ||
| Fuel collecting under the left rear seat. strong smell of gasoline inside and outside. took the rear seat cover out and saw puddle of fuel. i am extremely concerned if it will catch fire and injure or death of my children. | |||
| 10/01/2012 | 138500 | 1 | |
| After refueling, fuel fumes were emitted into the vehicle and garage where parked. extremely overwhelming smell and danger obvious. taken to mechanic and fuel tank has leak at sensor and sending unit seals. the dealer has refused to repair as no recall issued. owner found many others with exact same issue on this model series and year online and with mechanics experience. strong potential for imminent fire hazard. gasoline fumes are hazardous to vehicle passengers, with numerous medical issues noted in research. strong enough in cabin to cause dizziness, illness or loss of consciousness. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2012 | 138500 | ||
| After refueling, fuel fumes were emitted into the vehicle and garage where parked. extremely overwhelming smell and danger obvious. taken to mechanic and fuel tank has leak at sensor and sending unit seals. the dealer has refused to repair as no recall issued. owner found many others with exact same issue on this model series and year online and with mechanics experience. strong potential for imminent fire hazard. gasoline fumes are hazardous to vehicle passengers, with numerous medical issues noted in research. strong enough in cabin to cause dizziness, illness or loss of consciousness. | |||
| 09/26/2011 | 52028 | 1 | |
| A strong gas smell in the passenger cabin as well as outside driver side passenger door and the check engine light prompted me to take the car to a local dealer. after diagnostic test, dealer indicated there was a leaking fuel purge valve and shut off valve. after a $1,600 quote, i requested they not do the work so i could take it for a second opinion. was called back later that day and informed of a miscommunication and that the car was fixed with a $1,600 bill awaiting me. i worked out a payment agreement with the dealer and never took the car back despite intermittent gas smells in and outside the car and check engine light going on and off. the check engine light came back on for good less than 12 months later. took car to another local shop where i was told one of the fuel pumps needed to be replaced. $600 later, and 4 more trips back to the shop, the check engine light and strong gas fumes still permeate the car. took it to shop #3 today and was told there is a crack in the fuel tank. the quote is $1,700. i don't trust the dealer, and believe that the fuel pump replace by shop #2 was not the issue. it appears as if it's been the fuel tank all along. this is clearly a defect in the part as the car has never been in an accident and has less than 70k miles on it currently. it's a safety hazard and with two children, i don't have a choice but to fix the problem. please let me know if there is anything additional necessary to help conclude this investigation. i'm hoping there will be recourse with mbusa to reimburse it's customers for the faulty part replacement and labor costs. thank you. *tr | |||
| 09/26/2011 | 52028 | ||
| A strong gas smell in the passenger cabin as well as outside driver side passenger door and the check engine light prompted me to take the car to a local dealer. after diagnostic test, dealer indicated there was a leaking fuel purge valve and shut off valve. after a $1,600 quote, i requested they not do the work so i could take it for a second opinion. was called back later that day and informed of a miscommunication and that the car was fixed with a $1,600 bill awaiting me. i worked out a payment agreement with the dealer and never took the car back despite intermittent gas smells in and outside the car and check engine light going on and off. the check engine light came back on for good less than 12 months later. took car to another local shop where i was told one of the fuel pumps needed to be replaced. $600 later, and 4 more trips back to the shop, the check engine light and strong gas fumes still permeate the car. took it to shop #3 today and was told there is a crack in the fuel tank. the quote is $1,700. i don't trust the dealer, and believe that the fuel pump replace by shop #2 was not the issue. it appears as if it's been the fuel tank all along. this is clearly a defect in the part as the car has never been in an accident and has less than 70k miles on it currently. it's a safety hazard and with two children, i don't have a choice but to fix the problem. please let me know if there is anything additional necessary to help conclude this investigation. i'm hoping there will be recourse with mbusa to reimburse it's customers for the faulty part replacement and labor costs. thank you. | |||
| 08/06/2012 | 81000 | 1 | |
| We purchased this vehicle recently from a private seller. the first time we filled up the tank, we noticed a very strong gasoline odor. i called the seller and he told me that the only way to avoid that is by not topping off the tank. i figured this wasn't normal, so i started doing some research. turns out mercedes e class vehicles have a problem with the fuel seal. in fact, there was a recall for this problem, but the local mercedes dealer does not want to honor it because they say it is only for the amg models. but my model has the same problem. then, upon further investigation, i found that a class action lawsuit against mercedes was being filed this year for the same exact issue concerning e class vehicles from 2003-2009. *tr | |||
| 08/06/2012 | 81000 | ||
| We purchased this vehicle recently from a private seller. the first time we filled up the tank, we noticed a very strong gasoline odor. i called the seller and he told me that the only way to avoid that is by not topping off the tank. i figured this wasn't normal, so i started doing some research. turns out mercedes e class vehicles have a problem with the fuel seal. in fact, there was a recall for this problem, but the local mercedes dealer does not want to honor it because they say it is only for the amg models. but my model has the same problem. then, upon further investigation, i found that a class action lawsuit against mercedes was being filed this year for the same exact issue concerning e class vehicles from 2003-2009. | |||
| 11/01/2012 | 64000 | 1 | |
| Upon filling up the car emits a strong gas smell. the gas smell continues to be present all the time even when the car is parked and not turned on. *tr | |||
| 12/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| Everytime i fill my fuel tank i've noticed a strong fuel odor. upon inspection i have found the fuel tank to have traces of fuel on the exterior of tank, so my tank has a leak somewhere. *tr | |||
| 12/01/2011 | |||
| Everytime i fill my fuel tank ive noticed a strong fuel odor. upon inspection i have found the fuel tank to have traces of fuel on the exterior of tank, so my tank has a leak somewhere. | |||
| 10/06/2012 | 82000 | 1 | |
| Car was not moving when we noticed a strong odor of gasoline coming from the rear seat area, when we pulled into our garage the odor was so strong we moved the car to the outside to prevent a possible fire in our home, i called the dealer and the service manager immediately told me that he thought the gas tank sender/sensor was leaking and possibly that both sensors were leaking and possibly the tank. he also told me that gasoline could be pooling on top of the gas tank causing the odor. he later called me and confirmed that all of the above had happened and could be repaired for approximately $3250.00 i ask if this was a recurring problem on this model he said that there were no recalls or warning but they had seen this problem before. i then went on line and found a lot of blogs describing my problem almost identically. in my opinion this is a serious defect in the construction of this car and could and probably will cause serious injury and possibly death to some one riding in this model. i believe there is enough evidence in the recurring blogs that mercedes is quite aware of this serious safety problem and are probably ignoring this very expensive fix, please do not ignore this complaint until someone or several are hurt or killed. *tr | |||
| 10/06/2012 | 82000 | ||
| Car was not moving when we noticed a strong odor of gasoline coming from the rear seat area, when we pulled into our garage the odor was so strong we moved the car to the outside to prevent a possible fire in our home, i called the dealer and the service manager immediately told me that he thought the gas tank sender/sensor was leaking and possibly that both sensors were leaking and possibly the tank. he also told me that gasoline could be pooling on top of the gas tank causing the odor. he later called me and confirmed that all of the above had happened and could be repaired for approximately $3250.00 i ask if this was a reoccurring problem on this model he said that there were no recalls or warning but they had seen this problem before. i then went on line and found a lot of blogs describing my problem almost identically. in my opinion this is a serious defect in the construction of this car and could and probably will cause serious injury and possibly death to some one riding in this model. i believe there is enough evidence in the reoccurring blogs that mercedes is quite aware of this serious safety problem and are probably ignoring this very expensive fix, please do not ignore this complaint until someone or several are hurt or killed. | |||
| 11/15/2011 | 78500 | 1 | |
| I own 2004 mercedes e500 4matic one day after filling gas tank with fuel notice strong smell came from driver rear side of the car. i drove to my garage and investigate this problem. the sending fuel unit located under rear seat drivers side has a crack from which fuel leaking out. called to mercedes benz of usa several times, but they refused fix this problem. this is the serious safety issue. *tr | |||
| 09/07/2012 | 131000 | 1 | |
| Cracked fuel filter module with leaking fuel under left back seat. *tr | |||
| 11/15/2011 | 78500 | ||
| I own 2004 mercedes e500 4matic one day after filling gas tank with fuel notice strong smell came from driver rear side of the car. i drove to my garage and investigate this problem.the sending fuel unit located under rear seat drivers side has a crack from which fuel leaking out.called to mercedes benz of usa several times,but they refused fix this problem. this is the serious safety issue. | |||
| 09/07/2012 | 131000 | 1 | |
| Cracked fuel filter module with leaking fuel under left back seat. *tr | |||
| 11/15/2011 | 78500 | ||
| I own 2004 mercedes e500 4matic one day after filling gas tank with fuel notice strong smell came from driver rear side of the car. i drove to my garage and investigate this problem.the sending fuel unit located under rear seat drivers side has a crack from which fuel leaking out.called to mercedes benz of usa several times,but they refused fix this problem. this is the serious safety issue. | |||
| 09/07/2012 | 131000 | ||
| Cracked fuel filter module with leaking fuel under left back seat. | |||
| 11/15/2011 | 78500 | ||
| I own 2004 mercedes e500 4matic one day after filling gas tank with fuel notice strong smell came from driver rear side of the car. i drove to my garage and investigate this problem.the sending fuel unit located under rear seat drivers side has a crack from which fuel leaking out.called to mercedes benz of usa several times,but they refused fix this problem. this is the serious safety issue. | |||
| 09/07/2012 | 131000 | ||
| Cracked fuel filter module with leaking fuel under left back seat. | |||
| 09/17/2012 | 225000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. the contact stated that he smelled an overpowering odor of gasoline fumes in the cabin of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls and offered no assistance. the manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 225,000. | |||
| 09/17/2012 | 225000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. the contact stated that he smelled an overpowering odor of gasoline fumes in the cabin of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls and offered no assistance. the manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 225,000. kmj | |||
| 09/20/2012 | 93000 | 1 | |
| The vehicle has the smell of gas venting into the passenger compartment and concerned for passenger safety. currently the vehicle is not properly meeting or complying with epa regulations concerning proper emissions of fuel ventilation and has gross product safety issue concerning passenger(s) inside the vehicle. the fueling system is venting improperly and fuel sender is not sealed properly. car has never had problem until current date of filing. aware of current mercedes corporate legal response to your enquire however the system has never been worked on (by mercedes dealer) nor is this just a minor issue with low vehicle count. please protect me and my family concerning this issue! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr | |||
| 09/17/2012 | 225000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. the contact stated that he smelled strong gasoline fumes in the cabin of his vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but was informed his vehicle was not part of any recalls and offered no assistance. the manufacturer was notified and likewise offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 225,000. dt | |||
| 09/20/2012 | 93000 | 1 | |
| The vehicle has the smell of gas venting into the passenger compartment and concerned for passenger safety. currently the vehicle is not properly meeting or complying with epa regulations concerning proper emissions of fuel ventilation and has gross product safety issue concerning passenger(s) inside the vehicle. the fueling system is venting improperly and fuel sender is not sealed properly. car has never had problem until current date of filing. aware of current mercedes corporate legal response to your enquire however the system has never been worked on (by mercedes dealer) nor is this just a minor issue with low vehicle count. please protect me and my family concerning this issue! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr | |||
| 09/19/2012 | 117543 | 1 | |
| There is a strong fuel smell in the vehicle after filling up gas tank. mercedes benz dealer found the issue associated to left side fuel sending unit, which seem to be a recurrent issue with this model in mercedes. dealer requires $875.34 to fix the issue. i have contacted mbusa to see if they can help with this repair. in 2008 there was a voluntary recall #2008-020001,on some e and cls class for 03-06 vehicles, however i was told my car vin is not part of this recall. web forums of mercedes benz owners are filled with same complaint for all e class models with chassis w211. please investigate this issue. i understand there is an open nhtsa case pe12-001 that may be related to my complaint. thank you for your prompt attention. this is my second mercedes w211 model vehicle with the same issue. *tr | |||
| 09/20/2012 | 93000 | 1 | |
| The vehicle has the smell of gas venting into the passenger compartment and concerned for passenger safety. currently the vehicle is not properly meeting or complying with epa regulations concerning proper emissions of fuel ventilation and has gross product safety issue concerning passenger(s) inside the vehicle. the fueling system is venting improperly and fuel sender is not sealed properly. car has never had problem until current date of filing. aware of current mercedes corporate legal response to your enquire however the system has never been worked on (by mercedes dealer) nor is this just a minor issue with low vehicle count. please protect me and my family concerning this issue! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr | |||
| 09/19/2012 | 117543 | 1 | |
| There is a strong fuel smell in the vehicle after filling up gas tank. mercedes benz dealer found the issue associated to left side fuel sending unit, which seem to be a recurrent issue with this model in mercedes. dealer requires $875.34 to fix the issue. i have contacted mbusa to see if they can help with this repair. in 2008 there was a voluntary recall #2008-020001,on some e and cls class for 03-06 vehicles, however i was told my car vin is not part of this recall. web forums of mercedes benz owners are filled with same complaint for all e class models with chassis w211. please investigate this issue. i understand there is an open nhtsa case pe12-001 that may be related to my complaint. thank you for your prompt attention. this is my second mercedes w211 model vehicle with the same issue. *tr | |||
| 09/20/2012 | 93000 | ||
| The vehicle has the smell of gas venting into the passenger compartment and concerned for passenger safety. currently the vehicle is not properly meeting or complying with epa regulations concerning proper emmissions of fuel ventilation and has gross product safety issue concerning passenger(s) inside the vehicle. the fueling system is venting improperly and fuel sender is not sealed properly. car has never had problem until current date of filing. aware of current mercedes corporate legal response to your enquire however the system has never been worked on (by mercedes dealer) nor is this just a minor issue with low vehicle count. please protect me and my family concerning this issue! thank acg | |||
| 09/19/2012 | 117543 | 1 | |
| There is a strong fuel smell in the vehicle after filling up gas tank. mercedes benz dealer found the issue associated to left side fuel sending unit, which seem to be a recurrent issue with this model in mercedes. dealer requires $875.34 to fix the issue. i have contacted mbusa to see if they can help with this repair. in 2008 there was a voluntary recall #2008-020001,on some e and cls class for 03-06 vehicles, however i was told my car vin is not part of this recall. web forums of mercedes benz owners are filled with same complaint for all e class models with chassis w211. please investigate this issue. i understand there is an open nhtsa case pe12-001 that may be related to my complaint. thank you for your prompt attention. this is my second mercedes w211 model vehicle with the same issue. *tr | |||
| 08/20/2012 | 82838 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e-500. the contact stated that while parked, the vehicle emitted the smell of gasoline fuel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were 82,838. | |||
| 08/20/2012 | 82838 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e-500. the contact stated that while parked, the vehicle emitted the smell of gasoline fuel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were 82,838. kmj | |||
| 08/20/2012 | 82838 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e-500. the contact stated while parked the vehicle emitted the smell of fuel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer confirmed the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 82,838. rds | |||
| 08/29/2012 | 200000 | 1 | |
| There is a smell of gas fumes inside and outside of the car. when the tank is full, liquid gas can be seen running from the topside of the tank, to the driver's side fuel pump. *tr | |||
| 08/29/2012 | 200000 | ||
| There is a smell of gas fumes inside and outside of the car. when the tank is full, liquid gas can be seen running from the topside of the tank, to the driver's side fuel pump. | |||
| 08/02/2012 | 104700 | 1 | |
| Noticed a strong gasoline smell in my garage and inside my vehicle. also noticed that my left rear passenger seat was discolored with dark yellow staining. check engine light appeared on car and took to local mercedes-benz dealer to check problem and was told that the fuel sending unit had failed and that raw fuel was leaking in passenger compartment causing the gasoline odor and staining to upholstery. was strongly urged by service advisor at mercedes-benz to replace the sending unit anytime you're leaking fuel that's a safety issue. had sending unit replaced as advised and was told to keep windows down to air the car of gasoline fumes. mercedes- benz attempted to clean upholstery however this was unsuccessful and will likely need to be replaced. *tr | |||
| 08/02/2012 | 104700 | ||
| Noticed a strong gasoline smell in my garage and inside my vehicle. also noticed that my left rear passenger seat was discolored with dark yellow staining. check engine light appeared on car and took to local mercedes-benz dealer to check problem and was told that the fuel sending unit had failed and that raw fuel was leaking in passenger compartment causing the gasoline odor and staining to upholstery. was strongly urged by service advisor at mercedes-benz to replace the sending unit anytime you're leaking fuel that's a safety issue. had sending unit replaced as advised and was told to keep windows down to air the car of gasoline fumes. mercedes- benz attempted to clean upholstery however this was unsuccessful and will likely need to be replaced. | |||
| 01/11/2012 | 99000 | 1 | |
| Strong fuel smell inside and outside of car after refueling. *tr | |||
| 12/05/2010 | 53000 | 1 | |
| After filling my car with gas a strong odor of gasoline is present. you smell the odor from both inside and outside of the car. after the gas goes below about 3/4 of a tank the smell is no longer present. i have read several online complaints of other owners of this vehicle having the same issues. *tr | |||
| 01/11/2012 | 99000 | 1 | |
| Strong fuel smell inside and outside of car after refueling. *tr | |||
| 01/11/2012 | 99000 | ||
| Strong fuel smell inside and outside of car after refueling. | |||
| 12/05/2010 | 53000 | 1 | |
| After filling my car with gas a strong odor of gasoline is present. you smell the odor from both inside and outside of the car. after the gas goes below about 3/4 of a tank the smell is no longer present. i have read several online complaints of other owners of this vehicle having the same issues. *tr | |||
| 12/05/2010 | 53000 | ||
| After filling my car with gas a strong odor of gasoline is present. you smell the odor from both inside and outside of the car. after the gas goes below about 3/4 of a tank the smell is no longer present. i have read several online complaints of other owners of this vehicle having the same issues. | |||