FaultScore

2009 Mercedes Benz E350 fuel system problems

35 of the 76 complaints about the 2009 Mercedes Benz E350 are about the fuel system — 46% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 86,345 miles.

F

35

Complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Fuel/Propulsion System 27 77.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline 5 14.3%
Fuel Pump 2 5.7%
Tank Assembly 1 2.9%

Fuel & Propulsion across every Mercedes Benz E350 year

2006 224 30.2%
2007 258 34.8%
2008 87 11.7%
2009 35 4.7%
2010 20 2.7%
2011 32 4.3%
2012 36 4.9%
2013 12 1.6%
2014 37 5.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 147,000 miles Winters, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started sputtering and stalled. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence five days later. The contact used an OBD reader to determine that the failure was associated with the fuel system. The contact replaced the fuel relay and fuses, fuel pump and fuel filter herself; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA complaint #11473869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This vehicle has a very profound strong gas smell inside and out of the car. Upon further research, it has been notably stated that this particular vehicle model from years 2003-2009 had the same common issue that when refueling and topping off at full tank capacity, there is a fuel leakage seeping from the top of the gas tank which sits underneath of the back passenger seat. Apparently there is a health hazard recall listed upon this vehicle for this issue but when I called my local mercedes benz dealer they said that there was no recall with this issue and refused to acknowledge the problem. But in fact there are many videos of evidence online illustrating and showing other same vehicle owners addressing the fuel tank leakage from within underneath the back passenger seat, and there is also many written testimonials cases stating the existance of the same issue. I really do hope this issue gets addressed asap for which i do fear for my family's safety and mine. Thank you in advance for your time!

NHTSA complaint #11459516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Oviedo, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving immediately after refueling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #11448993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I’m smelling gas fumes inside and outside of the car. I heard there was a 15 yr warranty on E Class with this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11436177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 133,000 miles Micco, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SERIOUS SMELL OF GASOLINE DURING AND AFTER REFUELLING. OCCURS WHILE STATIONARY.

NHTSA complaint #11398880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Springfield, SC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE FUEL COMPLETELY, I HAD A SMELL OF FUEL FROM THE BACK WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, SO I TRACKED THE CAR AND FOUND THE FUEL DROPS COMING DOWN FROM THE LEFT SIDE IN THE BACK, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TOOK IT HOME AND I CHECKED THE TRANSMITTER UNIT IN THE BACK SEAT AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND I FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TRANSMITTER UNIT, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT THERE IS A 15-YEAR GUARANTEE ON THIS SUBJECT AND I ADDED SOME EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THE PROBLEM, INCLUDING SOME CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS, AND A RESPONSE TO THEM BY THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT IM LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA AND FOR CONTACT ME +[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11396447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128 miles California, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE FUEL COMPLETELY, I HAD A SMELL OF FUEL FROM THE BACK WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, SO I TRACKED THE CAR AND FOUND THE FUEL DROPS COMING DOWN FROM THE LEFT SIDE IN THE BACK, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TOOK IT HOME AND I CHECKED THE TRANSMITTER UNIT IN THE BACK SEAT AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND I FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TRANSMITTER UNIT, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT THERE IS A 15-YEAR GUARANTEE ON THIS SUBJECT

NHTSA complaint #11395028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Irvine, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GASOLINE ODOR IS NOTICED WHEN FUEL IS ADDED TO THE FUEL TANK. IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR OVER 5 MINUTES AFTER A RECENT FUEL FILL. THE ODOR IS VERY STRONG AND HAS CAUSED HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS TO HAVE HEADACHES. I AM FORCED TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE DUE TO THIS ODOR. I ALSO NOTICED GASOLINE SPILLING ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE FUEL TANK AREA.

NHTSA complaint #11365385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,000 miles Thousand Oaks, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY E350 (09), EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY TANK I CAN SMELL THE GAS. I DON'T SMELL IT INSIDE THE CAR BUT OUTSIDE THE CAR AND IT IS STRONG. IT IS REALLY STRONG THAT YOU THOUGHT THE GAS SPILLED. ONCE THE GAS GOES DOWN TO LIKE 3/4 OF A TANK THE ODOR WILL BE GONE. I TRIED TRACING WHERE THE GAS ODOR IS COMING FROM AND I THINK IT IS UNDER THE FENDER ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11359906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,345 miles Washington, DC Crash 1 injured

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AT APPROXIMATELY 11:50 A.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020, I PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY ONTO SPRUCE DR. NW, GOING SOUTH AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, CAREENING DOWN SPRUCE DR. NW. I WAS DESPERATELY TRYING TO MISS PARKED CARS ON THE STREET BUT MY CAR WAS MOVING FASTER AND FASTER, OUT OF CONTROL THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT THE END OF MY BLOCK. THEN MY CAR WAS FLYING THROUGH THE AIR, BETWEEN 25-40 MPH, SLAMMING INTO A CREEK BANK AND ENDING ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOWN A 30 FOOT RAVINE AT THE END OF SPRUCE DRIVE NW. I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR WITH MY SEAT BELT ON AND ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT THE SIDE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED. THANKFULLY, I DID NOT HIT ANY CARS! IT WAS TRULY A MIRACLE THAT I WAS ALIVE AND THAT MY NEIGHBORS HEARD AND SAW THE CRASH. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO WERE STATIONED AT THE MAYOR'S HOUSE AROUND THE CORNER ARRIVED AND WITH MY NEIGHBORS WERE ABLE TO PULL ME FROM THE WRECKAGE THROUGH THE SUNROOF. APPARENTLY THE GLASS SUNROOF HAD POPPED OPEN/OFF DURING THE CRASH. THE CRASH HAPPENED ABOUT 11:53 A.M. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO A TRAUMA CENTER IN A LOCAL HOSPITAL. FORTUNATELY I ONLY HAD MINOR BRUISES BUT THE TRAUMA CENTER STAFF GAVE ME A THOROUGH CHECK-UP. AND NO ONE ELSE WAS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH.

NHTSA complaint #11319393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Garden Grove, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN FILLING UP GAS TANK TO FULL, STRONG GAS ODOR IS SMELLED AROUND THE CAR. NOT SURE IF IT IS LEAKING FROM WITHIN THE CAR OR OUTSIDE. ODOR WAS SMELLED WHEN STATIONARY, I DO NOT LEAVE WINDOWS DOWN WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #11310062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Plano, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE INSIDE CABIN OF MY 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E-350 CONSISTENTLY SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE. MY GARAGE ALWAYS SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE IS EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11280703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,000 miles Grand Prairie, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GASOLINE ODOR WHEN FILL UP GAS TANK, AND IT STAY SMELL GAS ODOR BADLY UNTIL GAS TANK DROP TO 3/4. THIS IS COMMON ISSUE AS STATED IN REFERENCE TSB NO. P-47-10-63. I CALLED MB AT AT 800-367-6372 BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX MY CAR UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY

NHTSA complaint #11153932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,000 miles Camarillo, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. EACH TIME THE CONTACT FUELED THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED AN ODER OF FUEL AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF OXNARD (LOCATED AT 1511 AUTO CENTER DR, OXNARD, CA 93036) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

NHTSA complaint #11142916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Poth, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE HAS STRONG EXTERNAL GAS ODER EMANATING FROM THE DRIVER'S REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND IS MORE PREVELANT AFTER FILL UP AND PARKING IT. IT IS A CONCERN TO MY SAFETY THAT GASOLINE MAY BE LEAKING AND A ELECTRICAL SPARK OR IMPACT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE/EXPLOSION.

NHTSA complaint #11096499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dunwoody, GA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VERY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WHILE CAR IS PARKED IN GARAGE. DEALER SAYS RECALL DOES NOT COVER MY PARTICULAR MODEL.

NHTSA complaint #11096630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plano, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GAS LEAKS FROM GAS TANK WHEN I FILL IT UP. I CAN ONLY FILL 2/3 OF TANK TO AVOID ODOR. I HEARD ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT BENZ DEALER SAID MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT IS MADE OF DIFFERENT MATERIAL THAN ONE THAT IS COVERED.

NHTSA complaint #10953769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Murrieta, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

STRONG ODOR OF GAS AT REAR AND AROUND CAR AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK WHILE IN MOTION AND WHEN PARKED

NHTSA complaint #10909833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,500 miles Plano, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GAS IS LEAKING FROM GAS TANK AFTER RUNNING OVER A POT ON HIGHWAY. STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANY SAID IT IS ON INVESTIGATION FOR LEAKING GAS FOR MY CAR MODEL AND SO, THEY WON'T COVER IT. ALTHOUGH PLASTIC GAS TANK IS ALREADY ON RECALL, METAL TANK FOR MY CAR IS NOT. A DEALER REFUSED TO FIX UNDER RECALL. NOW I AM DRIVING WITH LEAKING GAS.

NHTSA complaint #10865022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Burbank, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE FUEL TANK, THE ODOR OF STRONG FUEL WOULD EMIT IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILTER SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10854135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 57,846 miles Davis, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I CONTACTEDTHE DEALERSHIP REGARDING MY FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS NOT ONE OF THE COVERED VIN'S WITH THE FUEL PUMP ISSUES. IT HAS STRONG SMELL OF GAS WHEN FILLING UP AND DOES NOT RUN SMOOTH . IT HAS NOT STARTED ONCE WHEN TURNED ON. I WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC OF THE WARRANTY ON THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP/FILTER. WHY WASN'T MY VIN INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY? WERE THEIR CHANGES MADE TO THE PARTS? HOW WAS MY CAR EXCLUDED FROM THE WARRANTY PROCESS?

NHTSA complaint #10836575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Redlands, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 05/03/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/04/16.

NHTSA complaint #10785356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,971 miles Woodland Hills, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THERE IS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, ESPECIALLY IN A GARAGE. THERE IS AN EXISTING NHTSA CAMPAIGN (EA13003) THAT DISCUSSES THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2009 MERCEDES E350 BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICES FROM MERCEDES.

NHTSA complaint #10778284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Rancho Cucamonga, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THERE'S A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AFTER REFUELING. MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I DON'T TOP OFF MY TANK. JUST STARTED HAPPENING THIS MONTH.

NHTSA complaint #10767277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,000 miles Bloomfield, CT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA complaint #10726107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,600 miles Marrero, LA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AFTER FILL UP GAS TANK , STRONG FUME VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN PARK IN GARAGE ENTIRE HOUSE SMELL LIKE GAS . WHEN DRIVE ALSO SMELL STRONG GASOLINE LIKE ITS LEAKING . VERY SCARY

NHTSA complaint #10704270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Boca Raton, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

STRONG FUEL SMELL AFTER FUELING THE CAR. VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE REGIONAL MERCEDES BENZ REPRESENTATIVE AND THEY DENIED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE REPORTED OR RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. DUE TO THIS SAFETY ISSUE, I DO NOT ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY LONGER.

NHTSA complaint #10627676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Kissimmee, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, HE SMELLED FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10573987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Orange, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUMES FROM CAR, ESPECIALLY AFTER REFUELING. FUME SMELL GOES AWAY AS TANK LEVEL GOES DOWN. BROUGHT CAR TO FLETCHER JONES MOTOR CARS IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA, AND THEY REPORTED A HIGH GAS TANK FUEL LEAK, WITH GASOLINE BUILDING UP IN BODY BEHIND REAR DRIVER'S SEAT. THIS HAPPENS TO BE WHERE MY 8-YEAR OLD SON SITS IN THE CAR - ON TOP OF EXPLOSIVE GASOLINE. MERCEDES BENZ DENIES THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH THE E350 FUEL TANK, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTED PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10552765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,000 miles ORO Valley, AZ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

MY 2009 MERCEDES E350 EMITS A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL ESPECIALLY AFTER REFUELING. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE RELATED TO YOUR ONGOING INVESTIGATION - PE12001.

NHTSA complaint #10534793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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