2004 Mercedes Benz E500 fuel system problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Approximately in March 2026, I started noticing a very strong gasoline odor coming from my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-matic with original miles approximately 56,300. The fuel odor always got stronger whenever I would fill up the gas tank. The history on my car is such that it has always been garage kept. The gasoline odor coming from my car started getting stronger and stronger while in my garage. On Memorial Day 2026 I called HQ, Mercedes Benz and told them about the gas odor coming from my car. After the call ended I decided that the car needed to be towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz service center. I considered that the gas order to be very dangerous so I parked my car in the driveway. Once parked in my driveway, there was no longer a gasoline order in my garage. Now even while parked in my driveway, I could smell gasoline around the rear of my car when I opened the doors the gasoline smell was very strong. All of this happens suddenly and only grew worse within the last four days. The gasoline smell was probably there for a long time but I didn’t notice it since I do not drive the car very often. That should be obvious because there is only approximately 56,300 miles on the car and those are original miles. I called Mercedes-Benz headquarters and requested a tow to the nearest Mercedes-Benz repair shop which is in Tampa Florida. As my car was being placed on the flatbed tow truck gasoline started spilling out onto the bed of the tow truck. That is a very dangerous situation. My car could’ve caught fire if it hit something hard or if I had been in an accident. I read where there is a 15 year extended warranty from year the analysis was actually completed in 2012 by the ODI NHTSA. I believe my car falls under the purview of the extended warranty. I’m reporting this problem because it is very dangerous and there could be other vehicles out there.

NHTSA complaint #11740023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety-related defect involving the fuel system of my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. I have experienced a persistent gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. The presence of fuel odor is not a normal operating condition and reasonably indicates a potential failure involving the fuel tank, fuel lines, or related fuel system components. Fuel vapors present a known fire and explosion hazard and constitute a safety risk to vehicle occupants, surrounding vehicles, and property. This condition was not present prior to the issue and has persisted despite inspection. I reported this concern to Mercedes-Benz USA and referenced that fuel odor and fuel tank-related defects have been documented in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. During my communication with Mercedes-Benz USA, I was informed that an extended or long-term warranty related to the fuel tank or fuel system had existed but was no longer applicable because the coverage period had expired. I was not made aware of this extended warranty at the time it was active and therefore had no opportunity to seek inspection or repair while coverage was in effect. Mercedes-Benz USA has acknowledged my complaint but has declined to provide corrective action beyond internal review. Given the safety implications of fuel system defects and the potential impact of inadequate disclosure of extended safety-related warranty coverage, I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether this condition represents a broader defect trend and whether recall or further investigation is warranted. This complaint is submitted to ensure the issue is formally recorded as a potential fuel system safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11712043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon making a stop, he noticed fuel leaking onto the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall for the fuel tank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA complaint #11483269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

the car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought it? this is very dangerous and can cause an explosion. the warranty should have been fixed rather than quoted and seems very greedy to not disclose that information but instead giving a quote. i have lung and heart problems and this is a definite safety issue that needs to be corrected regardless of the age of the car also brought it to dealership scared and they told me too bad it's been too long. how is a gas leak an ok thing to dismiss?????? i have been trying to get this fixed for years and this is my 2nd attempt for a recall with no response at all

NHTSA complaint #11447158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL. WHEN I FILL CAR UP WITH GAS IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TANK AND ON THE GROUND. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SAID I MISSED THE TIME FOR THE RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE RECALL ENDED IN 2019 SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE MCKINNEY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP AND I INFORMED HIM THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE CALL THE SPC HYDRAULIC PUMP. TURNS OUT THAT IS ALSO A RECALL THAT IS WIDELY KNOWN.AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT SO THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE IT UP THERE AT THE TIME DUE TO COVID. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HONOR THIS SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO A DEADLY SITUATION IF NOT ADDRESSED. THEY HAVE BEEN DECEPTIVE BY MARKING THIS IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. THEY PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME SINCE I DON'T HAVE MY CAR WORKED ON AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION. THEY MENTIONED HAD THE CAR BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND NOT AT THE INDEPENDENT SHOO THAT I USED I MAY HAVE HAD A BETTER CHANCE AT THEM COVERING THE CHARGES FOR THIS TANK REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #11408466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL. WHEN I FILL CAR UP WITH GAS IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TANK AND ON THE GROUND. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SAID I MISSED THE TIME FOR THE RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE RECALL ENDED IN 2019 SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE MCKINNEY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP AND I INFORMED HIM THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE CALL THE SPC HYDRAULIC PUMP. TURNS OUT THAT IS ALSO A RECALL THAT IS WIDELY KNOWN.AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT SO THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE IT UP THERE AT THE TIME DUE TO COVID. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HONOR THIS SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO A DEADLY SITUATION IF NOT ADDRESSED. THEY HAVE BEEN DECEPTIVE BY MARKING THIS IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. THEY PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME SINCE I DON'T HAVE MY CAR WORKED ON AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION. THEY MENTIONED HAD THE CAR BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND NOT AT THE INDEPENDENT SHOO THAT I USED I MAY HAVE HAD A BETTER CHANCE AT THEM COVERING THE CHARGES FOR THIS TANK REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #11408466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR DETECTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS RED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GOLDENS BRIDGE 321 NY-22, GOLDENS BRIDGE, NY 10526, (914) 232-8122 TO BE DIAGNOSED. A FUEL LEAK WAS CONFIRMED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #11297903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ENGINE STOPPED WHILE RUNNING THE CAR. HAD TO HAVE A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP REPLACE BOTH SENDING UNITS AND SEALS/GASKETS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A RECALL ALREADY BUT I PAID FOR IT?

NHTSA complaint #11209995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

STRONG FUEL SMELL IN CABIN

NHTSA complaint #11065278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A PRIOR GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION AND RELATED EXTENSION OF WARRANTY. THE GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION DETERMINED LEAKS COULD OCCUR FROM THE GAS TANK PRESSURE SENSOR, THE OUTLET OF THE GAS TANK FILLING LIMITER VALVE AND AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. DETERMINED LEAKS COULD OCCUR FROM THE GAS TANK PRESSURE SENSOR, THE OUTLET OF THE GAS TANK FILLING LIMITER VALVE AND AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. AS A RESULT, BENZ EXTENDED ITS WARRANTY TO 15 YEARS ON GAS TANK COMPONENTS IN 2003-2009 E-CLASS VEHICLES AND 2006-2011 CLS-CLASS VEHICLES. CONSISTENT WITH THE PROBLEM, MY FUEL PUMP FAILED LAST WEEK; THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OAKLAND MERCEDES FOR SERVICE UNDER THE WARRANTY. BENZ WAS NOTIFIED AND INSPECTED THE CAR LAST WEDNESDAY. THE DEALER TOOK POSSESSION ON FRIDAY. I HAVE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT MANY TIMES TO LEARN STATUS OF THE CAR. BENZ TELLS ME THE CAR STILL HAS NOT EVEN BEEN ASSIGNED A SERVICE ADVISOR. THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION RE THE STATUS OF MY CAR AND WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS AMOUNTS TO A REFUSAL TO FULFILL THEIR PROMISES GIVEN UPON THE DISCOVERY OF THEIR FAULTY FUEL TANKS.

NHTSA complaint #10944022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE

NHTSA complaint #10937304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE BACK SEAT. WHEN I FILL THE GAS TANK THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT FILLS THE ENTIRE GARAGE. WHEN I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT I FOUND A SMALL PUDDLE OF GAS. I FIRST STARTED NOTICING THE SMELL IN THE MIDDLE OF LAST MONTH -(MARCH 2016)- AND CONTINUES TO GET WORSE EACH TIME I FILL THE GAS TANK.

NHTSA complaint #10855195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND FAILED TO RESPOND AS THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC UNIT NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A VARIOUS SPEEDS, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWO SEPARATE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RESERVE TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10809991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS NOTICED. IN ADDITION, THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATING AFTER THE COOLANT WAS REFILLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

NHTSA complaint #10809765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN FILLING THE CAR WITH GASOLINE TO A FULL TANK, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL THAT IS VERY STRONG THE NEXT DAY. I HAVE READ IN FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND THAT MB KNOWS ABOUT THIS BUT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IS THERE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON THIS MATTER? I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED. AM I PROTECTED UNDER EMISSIONS LAWS OR NOT?

NHTSA complaint #10808811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I PURCHASED MY CAR USED AT 132000 MILES. THIS WAS A PRE EXISTING CONDITION THAT DEALER DIDN'T MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT, BECAUSE THE NEXT DAY I FILLED THE TANK AS IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH LESS THAN 1/4 TANK, NOW I KNOW WHY, I GOT A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GAS THAT FILLED MY GARAGE AND SMELLED INSIDE THE CAR AS WELL. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I FILL THE TANK. IT ALSO SETS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM (NOT A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP) REFUSES ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE IS "EVAPORATIVE EMISSION LEAK DETECTED (SMALL LEAK)". ALSO BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE MY GAS LIGHT WILL RANDOMLY START BLINKING AND WHEN I ACCELERATE THE CENTER DISPLAY BEEPS LIGHTS UP RED AND SAID CHECK FUEL CAP. FUEL CAP IS FINE, I THINK IT'S RELATED TO THE LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #10724418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTING INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS REFUELED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER MAKING SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.

NHTSA complaint #10701499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I FELLED MY CAR UP WITH GAS AT LUNCH 12 NOON AND WHEN I GOT OFF WORK AT 5PM THE GAS FUMES WERE SO STRONG I COULD BREATHE IN MY CAR. I TUCK IT TO SOUTH BAY MERCEDES BENZ AND WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK HAS A LEAK AND THE GAS HAD LEAKED IN TO THE CABIN BEHIND THE BACK SET OF MY CAR AND THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. IT'S BEEN OVER 2 WEEKS AND THEY HAVE NO ETA ON WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED. I HAVE A LONER BUT I CHECK ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10701524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

BENZ E500/55K MILES. I HAVE HAD TWO MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE CAR. ONE BEING FUEL TANK RELATED AND THE SECOND SBC PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. ON THE FIRST, TOO LITTLE TOO LATE, SO MANY YEARS AFTER THE INCIDENT AND PURCHASE OF THE CAR, MERCEDES BENZ HAS SENT A LETTER COVERING THE REPAIR AND PARTS FOR 15 YEARS. I THINK THAT IN ITSELF IS AN OFFENSE AND A CRIME. ON THE SECOND ISSUE, SBC PUMP MERCEDES BENZ REFUSED TO GIVE ME IN DETAIL THE EFFECT OF FAILING SBC PUMP ON OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR OR THE EFFECT OF FAILED SBC PUMP. MORE IMPORTANTLY, SERVICE MANAGERS ARE TELLING CUSTOMERS THAT THEY ARE EXPECTING ALL MODELS EQUIPPED WITH SBC PUMP TO COME TO THE SHOP. NOW THAT THE 10 YEARS IS UP IN MOST CARS AND OUT OF WARRANTY.THAT IS A SCAM WHEN THE DEALER KNOWS ALL THESE CUSTOMERS WILL COME TO THE SHOP (BECAUSE IT CANNOT BE FIXED IN ANY AUTO SHOP) THEREBY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A SAFETY ISSUE. HOW DO CAR MANUFACTURERS GET AWAY WITH THINGS LIKE THIS AND HOW DEALERS GET AWAY WITH THINGS LIKE THIS. THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON SBC PUMP TO 15 YEARS JUST LIKE THEY DID IN FUEL TANK, THAT WAY DEALER WON'T TAKE ADVANTAGE AND CUSTOMERS HAVE PEACE OF MIND AND WON'T COMPROMISE ON SAFETY. EVEN THAT IS A SLAP ON THE WRIST COMPARED TO THE OFFENSE AND CRIME.

NHTSA complaint #10682523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I STARTING SMELLING A GASSY SMELL SEEPING INTO MY HOUSE AT NIGHT AND AFTER A FEW DAYS CONCLUDED IN HAD TO BE COMING FROM THE ATTACHED GARAGE AND SUBSEQUENTLY AFTER ELIMINATING ALL OTHER VARIABLES I NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE CAR. I PARKED IT OUTSIDE FOR A COUPLE OF NIGHTS AND THE SMELL CEASED IN THE HOUSE AND GARAGE. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO POMPANO MERCEDES TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT OUT AND WAS INFORMED MY SEALS WERE BAD/LEAKING AT THE FUEL LINE CONNECTIONS, SO WITHOUT A CHOICE I HAD THEM REPAIRED AT A COST OF $968.21 ON 9/13/2010. THIS RESOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS, THEN THE GASSY SMELL RETURNED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO POMPANO MERCEDES AGAIN AND EXPLAINED THAT I HAD THE CAR HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS OF A GASSY SMELL. THEY CHECKED OUT THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED ME AT THIS TIME I HAD A DIFFERENT FUEL LEAK AND THAT WOULD REQUIRE THEM TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE GAS TANK AND INTERNAL FUEL PUMPS AND SEALS AT A COST OF $3000 THIS TIME. QUITE UNHAPPY WITH THIS DIAGNOSIS CONSIDERING I WAS JUST THERE 2 MONTHS PRIOR AND THOUGHT THEY HAD REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ONLY TO FIND OUT NOW IT WAS MORE ENCOMPASSING THAN THEIR FIRST ATTEMPT AT A FIX AND IT WAS GOING TO COST A BOATLOAD OF MONEY TO RE-REPAIR THE PROBLEM AS I WAS JUST OVER THE 50K WARRANTY TO BOOT. WITH THE NEWS OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SETTLEMENT AT THIS TIME I STRONGLY FEEL MY VEHICLE ISSUES ARE AS DESCRIBED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT AND I SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE $968.21 I SPENT AT MERCEDES DISCRETION.

NHTSA complaint #10667881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THE INTERIOR AND TRUNK OF MY 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500 CONTINUE TO FILL WITH GASOLINE VAPORS.

NHTSA complaint #10667362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK, I PARKED THE CAR IN MY ATTACHED GARAGE THE NEXT DAY THE GAS FUMES WERE SO STRONG INSIDE MY BASEMENT THAT I CALLED MY PLUMBER, THINKING I HAD A GAS LEAK FROM THE FURNACE. THEN I WENT INTO MY GARAGE, AND THE GAS SMELL WAS OVERWHELMING. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND DETERMINED THE FUEL SENSOR WAS BAD, ALONG WITH CRACKED INNER TANK MODULE. I HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE ASSOCIATED PARTS (CABLE HARNESS, AUXILIARY PUMP, BRACKET, SEAL RING, ETC. PARTS: $710.13 AND LABOR: $496.80 = 1206.93. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE REVIEWED AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I'VE HAD MANY AUTOMOBILES, AND NEVER DID I HAVE THIS HEADACHE. AND I CERTAINLY WOULD NOT EXPECT THIS FROM THIS CAR. MERCEDES BENZ NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THESE DEFAULTS!!! ADDITIONALLY, MY BATTERY DIED AT THE SAME TIME - ANOTHER PARTS: $284.05, LABOR: $207.00.

NHTSA complaint #10654097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500 SMELLS OF GASOLINE BOTH INSIDE AND AROUND THE VEHICLE AFTER REFUELING TO THE FULL TANK LEVEL. IT HAS BECOME NECESSARY TO LEAVE THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN AFTER FUELING IN ORDER TO VENTILATE THE GARAGE AND KEEP FUMES OUT OF THE HOUSE. THE ODOR GRADUALLY DECREASES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN 40-50 MILES AND THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK DROPS.

NHTSA complaint #10650026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CAR MAKES AN UNUSUAL, LOUD, HUMMING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR, UPON STARTING AND CONSTANTLY, NO MATTER THE SPEED. ON OCCASION, THERE IS NO NOISE, BUT MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE HUMMING IS PRESENT. THE NOISE EMANATES FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR, AND CAN BE HEARD ON THE INTERIOR AND FROM THE OUTSIDE. HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP 3X FOR THE ISSUE, AND THEY CLAIM THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 10K MILES. HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE GAS SMELL ISSUE SINCE 35K MILES, AND LOST THE BRAKES RANDOMLY; BOTH ISSUES DESCRIBED BY OTHERS.

NHTSA complaint #10639110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE REFUELING THE TANK. THE ODOR WAS PRESENT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE FUEL GASKET AND FUEL PUMP BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

NHTSA complaint #10632656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I HAVE A FUEL LEAK ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY FUEL TANK. THE FUMES ARE SO STRONG THAT I CANNOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE DUE THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT SETTLES ON TOP OF THE PUMP/ REGULATOR ACCESS OUTLET. THE STREAM IS EMITTING FROM THE AREA OF LEAKAGE SO QUICKLY THAT IT TAKES ABOUT A MINUTE TO PUDDLE AND DRIP TO THE GROUND. THE DANGER OF A METAL OBJECT BEING PICKED UP BY A TIRE AND CAUGHT UP ON A PIECE OF METAL UNDER MY VEHICLE, AT THAT LOCATION, WOULD CREATE A SPARK THAT WOULD SURELY CAUSE A BLAZING FIRE TO ERUPT. ALSO, THERE IS THE DANGER OF A PASSERBY TOSSING A CIGARETTE OUT OF HIS/ HER WINDOW, BEING CAUGHT UP BY THE WIND AND SUCKED UNDERNEATH MY CAR, CAUSING A FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10628900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

YOU CAN NOT PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE IT IS LIKE THERE IS NO VENT HOLES OR SOMETHING BECAUSE IT TOOK ME 1HOUR AND 20 MINUTES TO PUT GAS IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE PUMP KEPT CUTTING OFF LIKE THERE WAS AIR IN THE TANK. MAYBE ITS A FLAP OR FILTER PROBLEM, WHATEVER IT IS IT IS SO FRUSTRATING TRYING TO PUT GAS IN THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10610506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THERE HAS BEEN A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL FOLLOWING A TANK FILL THAT FILLS THE GARAGE WITH GASOLINE FUMES. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 5 YEARS. I ENTERED 1/1/2009 ON THE FORM DATA AS AN APPROXIMATE BEGIN DATE. THE FUEL SMELL CAN BE DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE AT TIMES, BUT IS EXTREMELY STRONG IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILL-UP. AN INTERNET SEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL MERCEDES E CLASS MODELS FROM 2003-2009. I HAVE ASKED CONTINUALLY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT THE MERCEDES DEALER, NOW MERCEDES OF NATICK, FORMERLY FOREIGN MOTORS WEST IN NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS. SERVICE PERSONNEL HAVE DENIED THAT THERE WAS/IS ANY PATTERN OR PROBLEM AND INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM SEEMED TO AFFECT MY CAR ONLY. ONLY RECENTLY HAVE THEY INDICATED THAT AT TIMES THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK AND BOTH SENDING UNITS AT AN OUT OF POCKET COST OF $850 -$2000. ALL THIS FOR A PROBLEM THAT CURRENT RESEARCH INDICATES THAT MERCEDES HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR MORE THAN 7 YEARS. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN TEXAS IN 2012 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS OFFERED NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THIS REPAIR, BUT DID INDICATE THAT AFTER I PAID FOR THE REPAIR, THAT THEY WOULD TRY TO CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ FOR ASSISTANCE. WHILE NICE, THIS STILL PUTS THE ENTIRE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON ME WITH ONLY A HOPE THAT ASSISTANCE WOULD COME LATER. SO FAR I HAVE DECLINED THE REPAIR. WHILE SOME VEHICLES WERE INCLUDED UNDER A VOLUNTARY RECALL IN 2008, MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. IN FACT, I HAVE NEVER BEEN CONTACTED BY MERCEDES BENZ FOR THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED ABOUT THIS ISSUE ONLY 2 WEEKS AGO, LATE JUNE 2014, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO FACTORY REPAIR CAMPAIGN OR RECALL AT THIS TIME. THIS MORNING I REMOVED THE BENCH PORTION OF THE REAR SEAT, FOLDED BACK THE INSULATING PAD AND REMOVED THE METAL ACCESS PLATE FOR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL SENDING/FUEL PUMP UNIT. GAS WAS VISIBLE.

NHTSA complaint #10609171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL UPON GAS FILL UPS. NHTSA ACTION# PE12001.

NHTSA complaint #10607169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.