IllustrationCAR STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAD SMELL OF GASOLINE VAPORS IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. FUEL SENSOR AND PUMP WAS REPLACED, ISSUE WENT AWAY. VENDOR WILL NOT REIMBURSE SERVICE AND PARTS. *TR
2003 Mercedes Benz E320
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most E320 years
Owner complaints for the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 42.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all E320 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
120–25K
1125–50K
2450–75K
3375–100K
58100–150K
24150K+
162 reports with mileage · 52 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
8 crash reports1 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
214 reportsSTRONG GAS ODOR AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. WHILE IN FOR SERVICE ON VEHICLE OTHER THAN GAS ODOR MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP FOUND GAS ON SKID PAN UNDER CAR WHILE ON RACK. HE SAID TANK OR POSSIBLE O RING MAY BE AT FAULT. THIS WAS SEPTEMBER OF 2012. AT THAT TIME I DECIDED NOT TO PURSUE REPAIRS DUE TO FINANCIAL RESTRAINTS. THIS JANUARY OF 2…
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STRONG GAS ODOR AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. WHILE IN FOR SERVICE ON VEHICLE OTHER THAN GAS ODOR MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP FOUND GAS ON SKID PAN UNDER CAR WHILE ON RACK. HE SAID TANK OR POSSIBLE O RING MAY BE AT FAULT. THIS WAS SEPTEMBER OF 2012. AT THAT TIME I DECIDED NOT TO PURSUE REPAIRS DUE TO FINANCIAL RESTRAINTS. THIS JANUARY OF 2015 I RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION ADDENDUM STATING " SPECIFICALLY, THE WARRANTY ON THE FUEL TANK, FUEL FILTER/SENDER, FUEL PUMP, AND RELATED GASKETS ( COLLECTIVELY THE "COVERED FUEL TANK COMPONENTS") FOR GASOLINE-FUELED, NON PZEV CERTIFIED MODEL YEAR 2003-2009 E CLASS AND 2006-2011CLS- CLASS VEHICLES WILL BE EXTENDED FROM ORIGINAL 4 YEAR/ 50,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO 15 YEARS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE." TODAY I LEFT MY 2003 E320 FOR SERVICE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT WAS LEAKING BUT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY EXTENSION ADDENDUM! AS STATED ABOVE THE "FUEL FILTER/SENDER" IS COVERED UNDER THE ADDENDUM BUT DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. I UNDERSTAND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST MERCEDES CONCERNING THIS MATTER. IS THERE ANYTHING YOUR AGENCY CAN DUE SO MERCEDES HONORS THEIR ADDENDUM AND NOT CHANGE THE COVERAGE ONCE THEY HAVE YOUR CAR TORN APART. I DID SHOW LETTER TO SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE BEFORE I LEFT THE CAR. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME. *TR
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE ROAD BY A COLLEGE IN LOWELL MA AND MY DASH BOARD LITE UP AND STARTING BEEPING. SAID BRAKE FAILURE SORT STOPPING DISTANCE, VISIT WORK SHOP ASAP. I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR BUT IT WAS VERY HARD STOPPING IT, I HONKED THE HORN BECAUSE I WAS COMING UP ON A SCHOOL CROSSING( THANK GOD) THEY ALL MOVED OUT OF THE W…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE ROAD BY A COLLEGE IN LOWELL MA AND MY DASH BOARD LITE UP AND STARTING BEEPING. SAID BRAKE FAILURE SORT STOPPING DISTANCE, VISIT WORK SHOP ASAP. I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR BUT IT WAS VERY HARD STOPPING IT, I HONKED THE HORN BECAUSE I WAS COMING UP ON A SCHOOL CROSSING( THANK GOD) THEY ALL MOVED OUT OF THE WAY BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE RAN OVER THEM ALL. I GOT THE CAR STOPPED AND SHUT IT OFF, POLICE OVER SAW THE WHOLE THING AND PULLED UP BEHIND ME AND I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED, WE WENT TO GO START THE CAR UP AND ALL THE LIGHT WHERE OFF AND THE CAR SEEMED FINE, THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS TAKING THAT CHANCE AGAIN SO I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY GARAGE, MECHANIC JUST CALLED ME AND SAID NOTHING WAS STORED IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND THE BRAKES ARE WORKING FINE NOW. HE CHECKED ON LINE TO SEE IF THERE WHERE ANY OTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND INFORMED THERE A LOT OF PROBLEM FROM MERCEDES BENZ OWNERS ON THIS ISSUE. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN, I COULD HAVE KILLED ALL THOSE PEOPLE IN THE WALK WAY BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT MERCEDES IS AWARE OF. PLEASE HELP ! I JUST LOOKED UP THE SAME INFORMATION ON GOOGLE AND THERE ARE HUNDRED OF COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE, MY BRAKES ARE NEW. IT IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF. *TR
WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FUMES OF GAS AFTER THE GAS TANK IS COMPLETELY FILLED. LATER THE CAR DEVELOPED ROUGH IDLING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF OKLAHOMA CITY WHERE THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED FOR INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP KEPT THE CAR FOR FOUR DAYS. IN THE MEAN TIME WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES-BENZ OF USA …
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WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FUMES OF GAS AFTER THE GAS TANK IS COMPLETELY FILLED. LATER THE CAR DEVELOPED ROUGH IDLING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF OKLAHOMA CITY WHERE THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED FOR INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP KEPT THE CAR FOR FOUR DAYS. IN THE MEAN TIME WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES-BENZ OF USA NOTIFYING US OF EXTENSION OF WARRANTY ON FUEL SYSTEM FOR UP TO 15 YEARS. WHEN WE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT WE WERE TOLD THEY KNOW AND ARE FOLLOWING THE "BULLETIN" ISSUED BY THE COMPANY. INITIALLY WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS A LEAK ON THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK, HOWEVER THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO US BY REPLACING THE FUEL FILTER UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WAS NO PAPER WORK SO WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS ACTUALLY DIAGNOSED AND DONE. THE CAR IS STILL IDLING ROUGH, THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT READING CORRECT (THOUGH THE TANK IS FULL, GAUGE SHOWS 1/4TH EMPTY). WE WILL TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP TOMORROW. FUEL LEAK IS A SERIOUS MATTER, WE WISH THE COMPANY HAD TAKEN SERIOUS STEPS TO FIX IT AND HAD INFORMED THE CUSTOMERS OF THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. HOPE NHTSA WILL LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE SENT A COPY OF THE MERCEDES SERVICE…
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THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE SENT A COPY OF THE MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THEN SUBSIDED AFTER DRIVING SOME DISTANCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THEN SUBSIDED AFTER DRIVING SOME DISTANCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BETWEEN 2005 AND 2015, I SMELLED GAS INSIDE OF MY CAR AFTER FILLING THE TANK. GAS SOAKED MY BACK SEAT AND CARPET BEHIND DRIVER'S SEAT, AND LEAKED OUT THE RIGHT (DRIVER'S) SIDE OF THE CAR. WHEN I TOOK INTO THE MERCEDES DEALER IN SUGAR LAND ON APRIL 9, 2008, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AFTER THEN…
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ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BETWEEN 2005 AND 2015, I SMELLED GAS INSIDE OF MY CAR AFTER FILLING THE TANK. GAS SOAKED MY BACK SEAT AND CARPET BEHIND DRIVER'S SEAT, AND LEAKED OUT THE RIGHT (DRIVER'S) SIDE OF THE CAR. WHEN I TOOK INTO THE MERCEDES DEALER IN SUGAR LAND ON APRIL 9, 2008, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AFTER THEN, I AVOIDED FILLING UP THE TANK. ON DECEMBER 12, 2012, I FILLED THE TANK BY ACCIDENT AND THE FUEL SOAKED BY BACK SEAT AND LEAKED OUT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP, AND THE FUEL PUMP SEAL WAS REPLACE.THEN ON JULY 1, 2014, THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. *TR
THE W211 MERCEDES (E-CLASS) HAVE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) UNITS FOR THE BRAKES. WHEN, NOT IF, BUT WHEN THEY GO OUT, THERE IS NO PRIOR WARNING OR ANYTHING AT ALL. ALL BRAKING ABILITY JUST STOPS OUT OF NOWHERE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE ALL BRAKES IN THE CAR STOP WORKING. THIS ISSUE IS WELL KNOWN AND M…
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THE W211 MERCEDES (E-CLASS) HAVE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) UNITS FOR THE BRAKES. WHEN, NOT IF, BUT WHEN THEY GO OUT, THERE IS NO PRIOR WARNING OR ANYTHING AT ALL. ALL BRAKING ABILITY JUST STOPS OUT OF NOWHERE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE ALL BRAKES IN THE CAR STOP WORKING. THIS ISSUE IS WELL KNOWN AND MERCEDES NEEDS TO CHANGE OUT THE SBC PUMPS ON THESE CARS BECAUSE THE CONSEQUENCES CAN, AND WILL, BE DISASTROUS. *TR
MY WIFE AND I WERE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON TEXAS HWY 281 JUST NORTH ON MARBLE FALLS TEXAS. I NOTICED A TRAIN COMING AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND MADE THE DECISION TO STOP FOR THE TRAIN! WELL AT THAT TIME MY BRAKE DASH WARNING CAME ON AND IT WAS ALL RED AND MY BRAKES FAILED. THEIR I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP GOING 75 MILES PER HO…
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MY WIFE AND I WERE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON TEXAS HWY 281 JUST NORTH ON MARBLE FALLS TEXAS. I NOTICED A TRAIN COMING AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND MADE THE DECISION TO STOP FOR THE TRAIN! WELL AT THAT TIME MY BRAKE DASH WARNING CAME ON AND IT WAS ALL RED AND MY BRAKES FAILED. THEIR I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR (LEGALLY) AND I COULD NOT STOP AND IT WAS WAY TO LATE FOR THE TRAIN TO STOP ALSO SO I FLOORED IT TO GET OVER THE TRACKS THEN I FINALLY CAME TO A SAFE STOP. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR A FIX AND TO MY SURPRISE MERCEDES HAD KNOWN OF THIS FOR MANY YEARS AND STOPPED ALL HELP WITH THE ISSUE WHEN THE CAR REACHED 10 YEARS OLD. THIS CAR SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE COMPANY THAT KNOWINGLY PUT IT ON THE ROAD WITH AN EXPERIMENTAL NEW TYPE OF BRAKING SYSTEM THEN TELLS OWNERS DOWN THE ROAD TO KISS THEIR BUTT. AND ITS NOW THE OWNERS PROBLEM. WHAT A DEAL MY CAR IS IN GREAT SHAPE BUT HAS A DEFECTIVE EXPERIMENTAL BRAKING SYSTEM THAT MERCEDES WILL NOT EVEN DISCUSS FIXING. I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A CORVAIR OR MAYBE A PINTO AT LEAST YOU CAN STOP THEM! WOW WHY HAVE YOU NOT JUMPED ALL OVER THIS MANUFACTURE ABOUT THIS DEADLY PROBLEM EVEN YOU HAVE KNOWN FOR YEARS! BUT NO ONE HAS TOLD ME??? THE TITLE SHOULD BE MARKED DEADLY IN BOLD LETTERS. *TR
I RECENTLY NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN OF MY VEHICLE. AS IT GOT STRONGER I BECAME MORE WORRIED. WHEN CLEANING OUT THE CAR TODAY I NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT BELT WAS STAINED NEAR THE BOTTOM(SMELLS LIKE FUEL). I PULLED UP THE BACK SEAT AND UNDER THE SEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUR O…
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I RECENTLY NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN OF MY VEHICLE. AS IT GOT STRONGER I BECAME MORE WORRIED. WHEN CLEANING OUT THE CAR TODAY I NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT BELT WAS STAINED NEAR THE BOTTOM(SMELLS LIKE FUEL). I PULLED UP THE BACK SEAT AND UNDER THE SEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUR OF FUEL PUDDLED AND STAINED INTO THE FLOOR AND AROUND A CIRCULAR LOOKING COVER OF SOME SORT. WHILE LOOKING ON THE INTERNET I SAW THAT IT HAS BEEN COMMON IN THIS YEAR/MODEL CAR. *TR
Official recalls
224V874000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Nov 19, 2024
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
19V918000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Dec 20, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA13003 · Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
Opened Mar 15, 2013 · Closed Dec 19, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
Additional source detail variants (6)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
Fuel System, Gasoline
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un