2012 Mercedes Benz E350 fuel system problems

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the inside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11745590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes- Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the odor of fuel was present coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact indicated that the front driver seat heat element had overheated and cause melting to the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front driver seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11738080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The failed component is a fuel pump, and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to the following: 1) Sudden engine stalling 2) Dangerous power loss while accelerating 3) Potential fire risks; a damaged fuel pump assembley can cause fuel leaks and overheating due to insufficient fuel supply can increase the risk of explosion or fire. 4) Gas fumes from a fuel leak are highly harmful and dangerous. They are toxic to inhale causing dizziness, headaches, nausea or respitory issues.

NHTSA complaint #11735613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the contact smelled fuel on the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filter sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 124,900.

NHTSA complaint #11653552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have a 2012 E350 with less than 95000 miles and I see these vehicles were recalled in the past for their fuel tank manufacturer malfunction but my VIN number was not included. This car went numerous times to the mechanics and the fuel components fixed but it still leak gas and smells even when I do not drive the car. I spent over $15000 on this matter. This is now becoming a safety issue for me and my neighbors. I don't know what to do. Here is what happened. All began February 2023, I towed the car to an approved MB mechanics who said fixed the car. 9 month later, I brought the car back for the same issue. Strong fuel smell. The attachments for repairs will show the work done. Some repeated and recharged to me. The following year April 2024, I woke up one day with a fas leak all over my drive way and a strong smell of gas. I had the car towed for a repair cost of $7754 total. I am constantly having the same problem with the car and wanted to alert here to bring Mercedes Benz awareness to their faulty parts putting consumer lives at risk.

NHTSA complaint #11648574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Recall exists related to a potential issue with the high-pressure fuel pump, which could lead to engine stalling and increase crash risk. My 2012 Mercedes E350 stops the engine in the middle of the road couple of times and for some reason, its stops or shut off the engine completely. The last time I was pulling out on the main road and stop right there. I made a big traffic, and I was scared because I cannot start the car. The guy stops and help me to push out of the road, but we cannot push the vehicle unless someone is inside the car. If I go out, it will automatically go on "park" and cannot push the car. When you check the dashboard the check engine light is not on. 2nd incident I bring this car to Mercedes Benz Dealership, and I told them that there is something wrong in my car, I explain what was wrong but, the guy I talk to, told me that if the check engine light is not coming on, my car is fine. I repeated that the car stops ones in a while when the temperature light is on inside the dashboard and the engine shuts off. He told me if the check engine light turns on then I bring it back. I show the code reading but the same thing he said. I left and went back home and suddenly I get stranded again; I got stock in the middle of the road for 3 to 4 minutes. I start the car and suddenly the car starts and find the nearest place to pull over. I let it call down for couple of hours and start again, the car starts and try to go back home. When I was in the interstate hwy. My car engine shut off, so I quickly pull over, but I was having a hard time to turn the wheel. I believe that this is very unsafe and should have Mercedes Dealer has to repair this issue. I research on the website that 2012 Mercedes Benz E350 have recall to a potential issue with the high- pressure pump and other things like Battery fuse relay box positive terminal and low fuel circuit.

NHTSA complaint #11647787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

[XXX].The engine intake manifold on our 2012 Mercedes E350 (64,000 miles) EXPLODED with enough force to bend the hood up 2 inches. It was a damp cold morning & the engine had not been started in 12 hours. The car was not locked & the key fob was nowhere close. The fuel level was under 3/4 full. This happened when wife went to get something out of the car and when she pulled the passenger door handle to open - B O O M !!!! If this happened 30 minutes later, I would have been under that hood checking the fluid levels for a trip to San Francisco. I WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED!. It was towed to Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad, Carlsbad California on [XXX] & they have not been able to identify the cause. They could replace the broken parts at the cost of $8,000 but that doesn’t fix the problem. And if it happens again & hurts or kills someone, they could be held liable. Similar intake explosions have occurred on these Mercedes engines but Mercedes is denying any knowledge even though it’s clearly a dangerous design flaw in this intake system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11641800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am writing in regards to the 5 vehicle recalls that were for the make, and model of my car that is showing as having no recalls for. The recalls involved air bags, air bag software, fuel filter flange, and I am also wondering with the driver headrest deployment module if that is associated with an airbag module; as when I had purchased the vehicle I had found out that both my airbag modules had malfunctioned with showing the srs lights on the dash. I was told that Mercedes of Sarasota, FL had replaced the passenger airbag module by Mercedes of South Orlando. When asked for a printout verification of this repair showing to be completed; they said they couldn’t provide me with this information. As proof of the service to being completed could not be provided. I had tken my car to their to have them look into this, and the tpms sensors showing malfunctioned; communication error message, and they couldn’t figure out what the problem was causing this. I had to take my car to an auto electrician to find out the problem; that I had found out that a 100 amp fusible link had blown, causing all those problems with also the roof wasn’t working. Along with I was smelling fuel. I found out about the recall for these items after getting them repaired out of pocket by the auto electrician Mike from Peak Audio, and Electric, and as to the fuel filter flange I had to pay like $1,200 to replace as they had replaced the fuel level sending unit that include the fuel filter flange. I would like refun; still have the headrest driver side that needs to be replaced. I found out that their is an recall for this make, and model of car that had said the air bag deployment software was under recall for those vehicles; which I believe could have triggered the deployment of the head rest while I was driving; as if I had been near a car; I could have been involved in an accident. I think that this should have an open ticket for repair placed on all 2012 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet Blue Efficiency.

NHTSA complaint #11641248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Recently, I have noticed a strong gas smell emanating from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon further research, I discovered that there was an open recall affecting Mercedes E-Class vehicles of the same year for a similar issue. However,my vehicle’s VIN is not included in this recall. Given that my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described in the recall, I am concerned about the safety implications and believe this matter warrants immediate attention. I would like clarification on why my vehicle is excluded from the recall despite exhibiting the same issue. Additionally, I would like to know if I am expected to pay out of pocket for repairs related to what appears to be a manufacturing defect acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz for other vehicles of the same year and model. I kindly request that this matter be escalated for review, and I look forward to your prompt response. My goal is to ensure the safety of my vehicle without incurring unfair expenses for a known issue.

NHTSA complaint #11632789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the filter flange was cracked. There was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The vehicle was leaking fuel near the fuel tank onto the ground. After refueling and driving five miles, the fuel was depleted to half a tank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 143,459.

NHTSA complaint #11606084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 183,000.

NHTSA complaint #11583047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The top of the fuel pump is leaking (driver rear side, under the seat) and the leaking can be seen outside of the car as a moisture on the underside of the car. The fuel filter side (passenger side, under the seat) has a small amount of fuel moisture. The current mileage on car is 76,620 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11570840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that after lifting the rear seats, he became aware of a puddle of fuel near the housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter flange had failed, and the fuel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11540032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The incident was not the vehicle persa but passengers riding in back seat experienced nausea and headaches. Found gas fumes emitting from vehicle. As time progressed fumes got worse and fuel mileage performance worsened. Gas consumption was extremely bad. Car was taken in for oil change and absolutely no gas leaks were found and technician showed me the under carriage of car. Nothing showing on the OBD. Afraid car will catch fire. Not driving as of today.

NHTSA complaint #11484176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Everytime I fill up gas tank and park car in garage. Strong gas smell fumes.

NHTSA complaint #11482805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There is a strong smell of gas inside and outside of the vehicle. Gas is being consumed at a faster rate than usual. No warning lights have come on inside the care. The smell is strong and is affecting all passengers (headaches, nausea) including children and toddlers.

NHTSA complaint #11481900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I smell gas all the time inside and outside the car.

NHTSA complaint #11479185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving the vehicle, noticed a smell of fuel inside the car. Parked the car in my garage and the next morning, noted a heavy smell of fuel in the garage. After some research, discovered a recall on the fuel filters for 2011-2012 Mercedes E350 for the fuel fillers. Took car to dealership and they stated the recall was not associated with my VIN despite my car being the exacted year, make, and model for the recall. I removed the back seat to view the fuel filter and saw fuel puddled inside the car, on top of the fuel filter, under the left side of the rear seat. The risk is twofold. Spark ignited the gas in the vehicle out a spiral ignited the fumes smelled in my garage.

NHTSA complaint #11476002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was detected. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11475294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel leaking from rear passanger side tire area. Took vehicle to dealer. Dealer identified faulty fuel tank as source of fuel. This problem has been reported in other Mercedes classes, including a manufacturers recall. My vehicle is 10 years old with only 71,000 miles. Dealer wants over $7,500 to repair. This issue has occured in other Mercedes classes. This is a safety issue as driving with a leaking fiel tank can cause a fire and explosion. Please expedite this issue. Thanks

NHTSA complaint #11471201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I sent NHTSA a report earlier -#485386-- A mercedes recall=#12V557000- for this vehicle was issued -- on cars manufactured from 4/18/11 to 7/12/11. My auto was manufactured on 7/11. There is no exact date listed. The past few weeks I did smell gas outside of the car. I spoke to the dealer who told me it was not a recalled car. I went ahead and went to a repair Mercedes shop to investigated the problem and found that the gas filter was leaking as indicated in the recall. Mercedes needs to expand the recall dates since it is obvious the dates are incorrect. I went ahead and took pictures of the leak and sent it to Mercedes customer service. Again response from them was the car was not on the recall. I also want Mercedes to pay me $478.70 for the repair. Pictures of the filter/leak was also sent to them and you.

NHTSA complaint #11452508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I noticed the strong smell of fuel around the rear of the car especially around the back. Upon inspection I noticed that the corner of the tank on the driver's side was wet with fuel. I took it to my mechanic who on inspecting the car reported that the pump outlet on the driver's side pump (which is accessed from the interior under the back seat) was spraying fuel up against the underside of the car against the rear seat and also noticed that the second pump on the passenger side on top of the tank was also seeping fuel. To have fuel leaking anywhere is dangerous, but to have it happening under the rear seat where my children sit is extremely dangerous. I checked for a recall for this problem with Mercedes but didn't find one on their site. I called them at their corporate HQ and they claimed not having a complaint like this before and didn't want to accept any responsibility for the faulty part/s. This is in need of immediate attention by Mercedes Benz before someone loses their lives because of MB ignoring this serious problem. [XXX]... Phone [XXX] email [XXX] Car fills with strong fuel vapors with raw fuel collecting on top of fuel pump Many more reports for same problem I found online that Mercedes would not react to, here is a typical one... Other Fuel System Pump problem of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E350 Date: 06/01/2020 1) My vehicle is emitting a very strong fuel smell and possible leak coming from the fuel pump. This is located under the rear seat, which had a recall. I believe that the item is faulty and should replace once again. I reached out to the dealership and to mb corp; but they do not want to take responsibility for their faulty design and product. The vehicle is not safe to drive with the strong vapors, which are dangerous to health. Also, I am forced to leave the vehicle outside of the garage because of my fear that this will cause a fire or explosion, resulting in massive house destruction and possible death. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

NHTSA complaint #11449892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MY 2012 MERCEDES E350 HAS OIL CONTAMINATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS. THE OIL HAS ALSO DAMAGED OTHER COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCLUDING OXYGEN SENSORS; PROBES AND ECU(COMPUTER) THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE DAMAGE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAD HAD RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN THE PAST BUT THE RECALL DID NOT EXTEND TO THE 2012 MODEL YEAR. THEY NEED TO DO ANOTHER RECALL FOR THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE CAR COULD STALL IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING

NHTSA complaint #11413931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH ORLANDO - ADDRESS: 4301 MILLENIA BLVD, ORLANDO, FL 32839; PHONE: (407) 374-0033) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V557000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11349046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MY VEHICLE IS EMITTING A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL AND POSSIBLE LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THIS IS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT, WHICH HAD A RECALL. I BELIEVE THAT THE ITEM IS FAULTY AND SHOULD REPLACED ONCE AGAIN. I REACHED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TO MB CORP; BUT THEY DO NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAULTY DESIGN AND PRODUCT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE STRONG VAPORS, WHICH ARE DANGEROUS TO HEALTH. ALSO, I AM FORCED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE BECAUSE OF MY FEAR THAT THIS WILL CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION, RESULTING IN MASSIVE HOUSE DESTRUCTION AND POSSIBLE DEATH.

NHTSA complaint #11348441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MERCEDES E350 2DR CABRIO WITH 50,000 MILES HAS STRONG FUEL ODOR ON DRIVERS SIDE. MERCEDES MECHANIC FOUND LEAK FROM LEFT SIDE OF FUEL TANK W/ FUEL COVER CRACKED AND LEAKING. WELL MAINTAINED, SINGLE OWNER CAR. MERCEDES HAS RECALLED EARLIER MODELS WITH SAME ISSUE BUT HAS NOT YET RECALLED THIS MODEL. DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. STRONG FUEL ORDER SMELL INSIDE CAR COMPARTMENT AND WHILE OUTSIDE DIVERS SIDE. LIKELY FIRE RISK. NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP.

NHTSA complaint #11338659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GASOLINE SMELL IN CABIN AS WELL AS GARAGE WHEN REFUELING WITH VISIBLE GASOLINE ON TOP OF TANK.

NHTSA complaint #11324526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL PUMP HOUSING (UNDER REAR SEAT,DRIVERS SIDE) CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. CAR FILLS WITH STRONG FUEL VAPORS WITH RAW FUEL COLLECTING ON TOP OF FUEL PUMP HOUSING. THIS WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING, PULLED REAR SEAT CUSION TO DISCOVER RAW FUEL INSIDE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11298586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SMELLED GAS FUMES AROUND SIDES OF VEHICLE. REPAIR FACILITY FOUND FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FUEL FILTER WITH SUBSEQUENT REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #11208918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL SMELL WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. CONDITION GOT WORSE OVER A FEW WEEKS UNTIL FUEL COULD BE SMELLED WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IN FOR REPAIR. FUEL FILTER WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING ON DRIVERS SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11145023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.