IllustrationMY CAR IS HAVING A FUEL SMELL AND A ROUGH IDLE. MESSAGE POPS UP TO CHECK FUEL CAP, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. *TR
2003 MERCEDES-BENZ Amg E55
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Amg E55 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
20–25K
1025–50K
1850–75K
1775–100K
11100–150K
2150K+
60 reports with mileage · 10 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 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
70 reportsTOOK MY CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TO GET CHECKED FOR A KNOWN ISSUE IN WHICH THE RADIATOR WOULD MIX THE ENGINE COOLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. DEALER CONFIRMED I HAD THE FAULTY RADIATOR AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD GLYCOL IN IT. I WAS TOLD THEY CAN NOT COVER THE REPAIRS NOR REPLACE THE PARTS AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY ALL COS…
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TOOK MY CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TO GET CHECKED FOR A KNOWN ISSUE IN WHICH THE RADIATOR WOULD MIX THE ENGINE COOLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. DEALER CONFIRMED I HAD THE FAULTY RADIATOR AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD GLYCOL IN IT. I WAS TOLD THEY CAN NOT COVER THE REPAIRS NOR REPLACE THE PARTS AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY ALL COSTS EVEN THOUGH IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE. SO I DECIDED TO FLUSH THE FLUID OUT AND INSTALL A SEPARATE COOLER TO AVOID FLUID FROM GOING THROUGH RADIATOR IN HOPES I COULD SAVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING DAMAGED BY THE CONTAMINATED FLUID SINCE I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO REPLACE THE COMPONENTS. I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY EXPRESSWAY ALONG WITH FOUR OTHER COWORKERS WHEN MY CAR'S ENGINE OVER REVVED AND THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE MOMENTUM. NEARLY GETTING REAR ENDED BY VEHICLES BEHIND ME, I GOT OUT OF THE LANE AND MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER. THINKING THE CAR MAY OF HAD SOME ELECTRIC FAULT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH MIGHT OF CAUSED THE ISSUE, I BEGAN TO CAUTIOUSLY DRIVE THE CAR BACK TO WORK WHEN IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. NEXT DAY I WAS TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP WHEN IT COMPLETELY STOPPED MOVING. THE ENGINE WOULD RUN PROPERLY, BUT WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. TOLD DEALERSHIP MY ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COSTS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CAUSED BY EQUIPMENT FAILURE, SO I PAID ALL THE COST OUT OF POCKET IN ORDER TO GET VEHICLE BACK UP AND RUNNING SINCE IT IS MY ONLY CAR. AFTER TALKING WITH SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALER AND THEIR TECH'S, THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE SPECIFICALLY WITH MY VEHICLES YEAR AND THAT IT IS NOT A RECALL NOR SOMETHING THE DEALER CAN COVER. THIS ISSUE NEARLY CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT THREE TIMES AND IT IS AN ISSUE THAT THE DEALER MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND COVER AT NO COST TO OWNER SINCE THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE. *TR
I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW, AND EVER SINCE THE FIRST TIME I FILLED UP MY FUEL TANK, I NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE VEHICLE. SO MUCH THAT I COULD NOT BE IN THE CAR AND WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE WITH WINDOWS OPEN AND SUNROOF OPENED SO THE SMELL CAN GO AWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WICHITA, KS AND EXPLA…
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I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW, AND EVER SINCE THE FIRST TIME I FILLED UP MY FUEL TANK, I NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE VEHICLE. SO MUCH THAT I COULD NOT BE IN THE CAR AND WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE WITH WINDOWS OPEN AND SUNROOF OPENED SO THE SMELL CAN GO AWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WICHITA, KS AND EXPLAINED MY ISSUE AND THEY SIMPLY SAID THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT MIGHT BE RELEASING VAPOR INTO THE CABIN AND THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED IF IT WAS A RECALL ITEM AND COVERED BY THEM, THEY TOLD ME NO AND THAT IT WOULD BE AN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE AT OVER 1000$. I WAS NOT ABLE TO AFFORD THE REPAIRS AT THE TIME SO I SIMPLY DID NOT FILL THE FUEL TANK TO THE TOP FROM THAT POINT ON. ON OCTOBER OF 2013 THOUGH, I PARK AT A LAUNDRY MAT FACILITY AND GO INSIDE. AFTER A COUPLE MINUTES AN EMPLOYEE COMES IN ASKING WHO IS THE OWNER OF A SILVER MERCEDES (MY CAR) STATING THAT IT IS LEAKING FUEL. I RUN OUTSIDE AND NOTICE A HUGE PUDDLE UNDER MY REAR LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR WITH A STEADY STREAM OF FUEL COMING DOWN. I BECAME ALARMED AND BEGAN TO FIND WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM. I ENDED UP REMOVING THE BACK LOWER SEAT AND GAINED ACCESS TO THE FUEL SENDING UNIT UNDER THE SEAT AND NOTICED THERE WAS FUEL EVERYWHERE AND LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE SENDING UNIT. I TOOK PICS AND A VIDEO SO I CAN SHOW THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. WHEN I SHOWED THE SERVICE MANAGER THE PICTURES AND VIDEO, THEY SAID "WOW, THAT'S BAD. LOOKS LIKE YOU 'RE GOING TO NEED TO REPLACE IT" ONCE AGAIN I ASKED IF THAT QUALIFIED TO BE REPLACED AT NO COST BY THE DEALER SINCE IT IS A MANUFACTURER FLAW AND A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN WITH POSSIBLE FIRE OR EXPLOSION WAITING TO OCCUR AND THEY SIMPLY SAID NO AND WOULD NOT TRY TO HELP ME WITH THE ISSUE. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET TO FIND NUMEROUS OTHER DRIVERS WITH SAME ISSUE AND THE DEALER WOULD NOT HELP THEM AS WELL. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
WHEN I GET IN INTO MY CAR I GET SMELL OF FUEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL?. I HAVE READ LOTS OF FUEL SMELL PROBLEMS FOR THE E55. *TR
I COULD SMELL FUEL LEAKS OR A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THEIR VEHICLE, AND AFTER REFUELING. WENT TO MB DEALERSHIP FOR TUNE UP, OIL, AND AIR FILTER CHANGE. TWO DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ME DRIVING DOWN 55 SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE AT 65MPH. I WAS IN DENSE TRAFFIC SO I TURNED ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS …
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I COULD SMELL FUEL LEAKS OR A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THEIR VEHICLE, AND AFTER REFUELING. WENT TO MB DEALERSHIP FOR TUNE UP, OIL, AND AIR FILTER CHANGE. TWO DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ME DRIVING DOWN 55 SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE AT 65MPH. I WAS IN DENSE TRAFFIC SO I TURNED ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND TRIED TO COAST THE CAR ONTO THE SHOULDER TO GET SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. SCARY SINCE TRAFFIC WAS SO DENSE BUT I MANAGED. I TRIED TO START THE CAR A FEW TIMES AND IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER 5 MINUTES IT STARTED AND I DROVE TO MY DESTINATION 2 MILES. AFTER SITTING FOR 30 MINUTES I HEADED BACK HOME 55 NORTH BOUND AT 65MPH. CONCERNED I DROVE IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE IN CASE THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. IT STALLED 5 TIMES TRAVELING 25 MILES. ONCE I ARRIVED HOME THE VEHICLE REEKED OF FUEL. CALLED THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND ASK IF THIS WAS A PART OF THE RECALL (CAMPAIGN NO. 2008020001) OF THE FUEL FILTER MODULE? WAS TOLD NO. I DROVE THE CAR HOPING IT WAS JUST BAD GAS OR SOMETHING AND IT STALLED AT A STOP LIGHT AND IT WAS 5+ MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTED AGAIN. I DROVE INTO THE FIRST ASE SHOP 1/2 MILES UP THE ROAD. THE SHOP CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL FILTER MODULE WAS BAD AND MUST BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS ORDERED FROM THE MB DEALERSHIP AND INSTALLED. IN ADDITION A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED AS WELL. UPON REMOVING THE SEAT THE TECH DISCOVERED FUEL UNDER THE SEAT AND THE MATTING SOAKED. HE STATED I WAS LUCKY THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. MB INDICATES MY MODULE WAS REPLACED IN 2008 PER THE RECALL. FIVE YEARS AND THE VEHICLE IS STILL NOT SAFE. MB REFUSES TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF REPLACING THE MODULE. *TR
ON SEPTEMBER 1ST 2013 I WENT TO LEAVE MY HOUSE. SMELT A STRONG GAS SMELL, THOUGHT POSSIBLY SOMEONE HAD SPILT A GAS TANK. START LOOKING AROUND FOR GAS COULDN'T FIND ANY AROUND MY HOUSE SO I GET IN MY CAR WHEN I DO I GET A STRONG SCENT OF GAS. I TAKE MY BACK SEAT OUT REMOVE THE COVER ON THE FUEL PUMP ON MY DRIVERS SIDE AND THEIR I…
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ON SEPTEMBER 1ST 2013 I WENT TO LEAVE MY HOUSE. SMELT A STRONG GAS SMELL, THOUGHT POSSIBLY SOMEONE HAD SPILT A GAS TANK. START LOOKING AROUND FOR GAS COULDN'T FIND ANY AROUND MY HOUSE SO I GET IN MY CAR WHEN I DO I GET A STRONG SCENT OF GAS. I TAKE MY BACK SEAT OUT REMOVE THE COVER ON THE FUEL PUMP ON MY DRIVERS SIDE AND THEIR IT WAS A HUGE PUDDLE OF GAS IN MY BACK SEAT. AT THAT POINT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFRAID IT MAY CATCH ON FIRE. I TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER THEY HAVE TO REPLACE MY DRIVERS SIDE FUEL SENDING UNIT, AND COME TO FIND OUT MY PASSENGER SIDE FUEL SENDING UNIT HAS BURNED UP ALSO. UPDATED 09-18-13 *BF UPDATED 09/25/2013 *JS
I BEGAN TO NOTICE STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN MY GARAGE INTERMITTENTLY - I PARK THE CAR IN GARAGE DAILY BUT ONLY NOTICED GASOLINE ODOR SOME DAYS- TOOK TO DEALER DEC 2012 AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS FUEL LEAK AT FUEL RAIL PRESSURE REGULATOR - DEALER REPLACED FUEL RAIL AND REGULATOR- I THOUGHT PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED SINCE I DID NOT N…
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I BEGAN TO NOTICE STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN MY GARAGE INTERMITTENTLY - I PARK THE CAR IN GARAGE DAILY BUT ONLY NOTICED GASOLINE ODOR SOME DAYS- TOOK TO DEALER DEC 2012 AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS FUEL LEAK AT FUEL RAIL PRESSURE REGULATOR - DEALER REPLACED FUEL RAIL AND REGULATOR- I THOUGHT PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED SINCE I DID NOT NOTICE GASOLINE ODOR FOR A WHILE- THEN STARTED TO HAVE INTERMITTENT GASOLINE ODOR AGAIN- NOTICED SMALL OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE AND TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER FEB 2013 AND MENTIONED THAT I SMELLED FUEL ODOR AGAIN- DEALER LOCATED MINOR OIL LEAK AT REAR MAIN SEAL THAT DID NOT NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND DID NOT COMMENT ANYTHING FURTHER ABOUT THE GASOLINE ODOR- I MONITORED THE SITUATION FOR NEXT FEW WEEKS- MONTHS SINCE I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO KEEP TAKING AUTO BACK TO DEALER - FINALLY FIGURED OUT THAT INTERMITTENT NATURE OF GASOLINE SMELL WAS RELATED TO FILLING TANK- NOTICED THE ODOR AFTER FULL FILL-UP,THEN STOPPED AFTER FEW DAYS- NO ODOR IF JUST FILL UP 1/2-3/4 TANK. *TR
FUEL SENDER LEAK, GARAGE SMELLS LIKE GAS. PLEASE MAKE MERCEDES FIX THIS. CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB, ESPECIALLY WITH THIS HORRIBLE HEAT IN AZ. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E55. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E55. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. *TR
VEHICLE LOST POWER ON INTERSTATE. LATER RE-STARTED AND TAKEN TO TAFEL MOTORS IN LOUISVILLE, KY. BOTH FUEL PUMPS/ SENDER MODULES WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $1627.47 ON 8-3-10 AT 112646 MILES. IN AUGUST OF 2011, BOTH PUMPS AND MODULES BEGAN TO LEAK FUEL. STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN CABIN, AND FUE…
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VEHICLE LOST POWER ON INTERSTATE. LATER RE-STARTED AND TAKEN TO TAFEL MOTORS IN LOUISVILLE, KY. BOTH FUEL PUMPS/ SENDER MODULES WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $1627.47 ON 8-3-10 AT 112646 MILES. IN AUGUST OF 2011, BOTH PUMPS AND MODULES BEGAN TO LEAK FUEL. STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN CABIN, AND FUEL LEAKING ONTO GROUND. THEY WERE REPLACED AT MERCEDES BENZ OF INDIANAPOLIS UNDER WARRANTY OF THE SERVICE DONE AT TAFEL MOTORS THE YEAR BEFORE. AGAIN, ON OCTOBER 5 OF 2012, ONE OF THE UNITS BEGAN TO LEAK GASOLINE, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN CABIN, AND LEAKING ONTO GROUND. IT WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE OF $921.48. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE FUEL PUDDLING ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK. I ALSO RETAINED THE REMOVED PART, IN CASE NHTSA WOULD LIKE TO INSPECT IT. THIS PART (211-470-51-94 WAS ORIGINALLY REPLACED UNDER MERCEDES RECAL ON 3/20/2008 AT 62975 MILES. IT HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED 3 MORE TIMES. *TR
Official recalls
324V874000 · 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.
22V954000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Dec 23, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached sunroof panel may 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 February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
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
2EA13003 · 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
PE12001 · Fuel System (tank/sender) Leakage
Opened Jan 23, 2012 · Closed Mar 18, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 20 consumer reports.All of the vehicles were E55 AMG models and the complainants alleged fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling.Some complainants alleged that the leaks may be related to a 2008 Mercedes Benz emission recall (Campaign No. 2008020001) on the fuel filter module. This recall pertained to model years 2003-2006 E and CLS AMG models only.These AMG models use a different fuel pump and fuel filter module than the non-AMG E-class, however, they share other fuel system components, including the fuel tank.Since opening the investigation ODI has received an additional 350 reports relevant to this investigation.Of those reports, 116 reports are on the E55 AMG model.The remaining 234 reports are on other E-class models (i.e., E320, E350, E500, E550 and E63) which are now included in the scope of EA13-003.The investigation has been upgraded to Engineering Analysis, EA13-003, for further study.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers cited on the following page.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 20 consumer reports.All of the vehicles were E55 AMG models and the complainants alleged fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling.Some complainants alleged that the leaks may be related to a 2008 Mercedes Benz emission recall (Campaign No. 2008020001) on the fuel filter module. This recall pertained to model years 2003-2006 E and CLS AMG models only.These AMG models use a different fuel pump and fuel filter module than the non-AMG E-class, however, they share other fuel system components, including the fuel tank.Since opening the investigation ODI has received an additional 350 reports relevant to this investigation.Of those reports, 116 reports are on the E55 AMG model.The remaining 234 reports are on other E-class models (i.e., E320, E350, E500, E550 and E63) which are now included in the scope of EA13-003.The investigation has been upgraded to Engineering Analysis, EA13-003, for further study.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers cited on the following page.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 20 consumer reports.All of the vehicles were E55 AMG models and the complainants alleged fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling.Some complainants alleged that the leaks may be related to a 2008 Mercedes Benz emission recall (Campaign No. 2008020001) on the fuel filter module. This recall pertained to model years 2003-2006 E and CLS AMG models only.These AMG models use a different fuel pump and fuel filter module than the non-AMG E-class, however, they share other fuel system components, including the fuel tank.Since opening the investigation ODI has received an additional 350 reports relevant to this investigation.Of those reports, 116 reports are on the E55 AMG model.The remaining 234 reports are on other E-class models (i.e., E320, E350, E500, E550 and E63) which are now included in the scope of EA13-003.The investigation has been upgraded to Engineering Analysis, EA13-003, for further study.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers cited on the following page.