This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Very strong fuel odor in cabin of car after refueling. Fuel smell is so strong that it causes you dizziness while driving unless windows are open. Just started the last time I filled up. There must be a recall on this but can't find one. I have never heard of such a problem with a vehicle. This seems very dangerous.
I purchased my Mercedes E350 in November of 2008. I began noticing a strong fuel odor every time I would fill the tank, which would dissipate after a few days. Since the odor would go away within a few days, I didn't realize that it was a safety concern. I took the car into the Mercedes dealership for oil changes and such and they would always mention a long list of items requiring preventative maintenance, but never mentioned anything about the fuel tank (although the gas smell was obvious at times). In June of 2012, my husband began driving the Mercedes to work. He smelled the odor immediately upon filling causing him massive headaches. Also, he noticed gas leaking under the car on the driver's side near the rear tire whenever he filled up the tank. A mechanic investigated the problem, and discovered a puddle of gasoline upon removing the rear seat. I could not believe the amount of gasoline that had pooled inside the cabin of the car. It was decided that the sending units needed to be replaced. Mercedes replaced the sending units, and knowingly sent us on our way without correcting the problem. Replacing the sending units did not resolve the issue. Heavy leakage continued, and the odor of gas became overwhelming as the temperatures remained in the 100's. when the car was returned to Mercedes, they informed us of a leak in the gas tank and quoted us $2600+ for repairs. The Mercedes service technician stated that our problem was not uncommon, especially with the Arizona heat. I had been driving the car unknowingly for approximately four years with the fuel tank issue becoming increasingly worse and consequently, my husband and I have been unable to conceive a child.
Based on news items regarding Mercedes-Benz W211 (U.S.a. model year 2003-2008 E class) vehicles experiencing fuel leaks, an inspection of the fuel system was performed on the above listed vehicle. Gross exam revealed no fuel puddling on the ground beneath the vehicle and a lack of fuel odor within the interior and exterior environment immediately adjacent to the vehicle. However, removal of the rear seat bench, underlying insulation pad and left fuel pump access plate revealed fuel odor; closer inspection revealed the superior outer aspect of the fuel pump assembly to be wet with gasoline; fuel-induced discoloration (white to brown) of the plastic comprising this superior aspect was clearly evident. Pooling of fuel within the left pump well of the plastic fuel tank was not present. The clamped black rubber fuel delivery hose was secure and dry, as was the outflow nipple to which it was attached. The plastic immediately adjacent to the nipple was not discolored. No remedial action was taken at this point, however, installation of a new style pump (delivery unit with fluid level sensor, M-B pn A211 470 41 94) and seal ring (M-B pn A211 471 05 79) is planned in the immediate future.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz E350. The contact stated that after refueling, he noticed a strong gasoline fuel odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. On a second occasion, the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank sending unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 111,000.
I own a 2006 Mercedes E-series with 47,000 miles. I have noticed a fuel smell when the car is in the garage after refilling the tank. The problem was recently diagnosed as a faulty fuel tan seal. The dealer has indicated this is a dangerous condition and the car should not be driven. The estimated repair cost is over $600. In researching this on the internet I find this is a common dangerous problem but there has not been a recall. I also find that in instances where the seal has been replaced, the problem recurs a short time later and it is related to the entire mechanism, not just the seal. I feel this issue should be addressed by Mercedes and plan to report this to the NHTSA. Please advise.
- Middletown, CT, USA
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The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz E350. The contact stated that after refueling, he noticed a strong gasoline fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
After my wife, filled up the vehicle there was a very strong fuel smell both in the cabin and the trunk. The smell goes away after the fuel level is reduced as a result of driving. However, as every time the tank is filled up (never top the fuel tank) there is a very strong smell. This has caused my wife being light headed and sick after about 10-15 minutes of driving. She has to lower the window when driving. Fuel is a carcinogen and very dangerous to human health.
After filling up the vehicle there is a very strong fuel smell both in the cabin and the trunk. The smell goes away after the fuel level is reduced as a result of driving. However, as every time the tank is filled up (never top the fuel tank) there is a very strong smell. This has caused me being light headed and sick after about 10-15 minutes of driving. Fuel is a carcinogen and very dangerous to human health.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes E-350. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked overnight, the contact later noticed gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer and the fuel sensor was replaced. The failure recurred sporadically. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, however offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 27,978. The current mileage was 68,000.
I am experiencing highly intoxicating fumes coming from the vehicle gas tank. I can no longer park vehicle inside my garage for fear of an explosion. When taken to a dealership, I was told there was a bulletin on the gas tank, but doe to the vehicle being out of warranty, the repairs were not covered.
Following fill-up and only when tank is fuel, strong odor of fuel in garage. Talked to mechanic that inspected vehicle. Found research online describing similar concern and ongoing NHTSA investigation.
Gas tank leaking causing gas to drain into back seat. Cost to replace was aprox 1000 for part alone. After going to Mercedes, my other mechanic was looking at other used parts and found that all used parts had same issue and leaking for exact location. Upper portion of gas tank. Looking online, there are lots of these issues going on. Mercedes needs to address this issue.
On gas filled up, the entire garage smell of strong gasoline smell that can cause nausea and dizziness if garage door is not opened to allow fresh air, mechanics said there is a leak in the fuel system and similar car owners have the same issue. Smell will go away when the fuel level is below 7/8 level. I started having this problem at around 50,000 miles and repair 51,103. The smell was also strong in the cabin. Mercedes should recall this defects for epa, safety and health concerns before any incidence and resulting class action lawsuit. The dealer wrote me an email stating ". the sender seals we replaced are on each side and where you see the large red caps. These seals generally deteriorate with time, age and with heat. " but they had to change the whole gas tank at a cost of $2,057. In the service ticket it was indicated "found fuel tank leaking at breather hose " which is part of the vapor recovery system that is warranty for 10 years but Mercedes denied the replacement. This is a violation of the clean air act and need to be resolve.
After refilling gas tank, there is strong odor of gasoline, this usually disappears as the gas is consumed, but it present as long as the tank is above 3/4 full. This has been a constant occurrence since purchasing the vehicle from mb of austin in 2009.
Please help to encourage Mercedes Benz to replace to new gas tank part #211-470-0502, for all their cars that have this defective gas tank part # 211-470-4201! on 10-24-2012 I came into Mercedes Benz dealership because I smelled gas and oil. The dealership misdiagnosed the gas smell to be the sending units, replacing them. List: (211-470-40-94 auxiliary pu, 211-471-05-79 seal ring, 5088 parts cleaner). Then on Jan 28, 2013, when I came in for my annual inspection, the dealership said that the fuel tank was leaking and said that needed to be replaced. Mercedes Benz dealership had misdiagnosed the sending units when it should have been the gas tank on 10-24-2012. Mercedes Benz, old gas tank part # 211-470-4201, replaced by new gas tank part 211-470-0502. The reason why this is so important that Mercedes Benz replace all tanks out there is because it only takes a small spark from rubbing your foot on the carpet, to an accident or lighting up a cigarette for this to create an explosion, because the gas tank is in the back seat of the car. I have two invoices that I paid for bad parts and replacing a defective gas tank on this Mercedes Benz. I am very concerned that Mercedes Benz has cars on the road that are an accident away from blowing up! a gas tank that is leaking gas in the back seat of my car is not something I would have paid over $56,000 for when I purchased my car! what about all the cars that were sold and all the people who don't even know and may be in danger? please look into the defective gas tank that was put on all the 2006 Mercedes E350 cars. This should be recalled and replaced at expense of Mercedes Benz!
My vehicle started having a faint gas smell after refueling a few years ago. I am not sure of the exact date or mileage as I just thought this was a minor problem. The smell would disappear after I had used about a quarter of a tank. The odor has gotten stronger over the past year which prompted me to discuss with my mechanic. They have replaced the fuel cap and the seals on the gas tank with no reduction in the smell. They also can find no visible reason for the gas odor. The gas odor is now so strong after refueling I am unable to park my car in the garage because the smell permeates through my home. My car has 149,424 miles on in to date. I saw an article from the boston globe and this prompted me to report my issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sedro Woolley, WA, USA