general problems of the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500

26 problems related to other fuel system have been reported for the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 based on all problems reported for the 2004 E500.

1 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2025

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USA, I was informed that an extended or long-term warranty related to the fuel tank or fuel system had existed but was no longer applicable because the coverage period had expired.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

2 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 01/12/2022

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

3 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2018

Engine stopped while running the car. Had to have a local repair shop replace both sending units and seals/gaskets. I believe this is a recall already but I paid for it?.

4 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2018

Strong fuel smell in cabin.

5 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2016

Strong smell of gasoline.

6 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercedes-benz E500w. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle vabrated and a strong odor of fuel was noticed. In addition, the coolant warning light kept illuminating after the coolant was refilled. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000. Jo.

7 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 03/09/2015

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that there was a leak coming from the vehicle and a strong odor of fuel emitting into the vehicle when it was refueled. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would not start after making several attempts. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 191,000.

8 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2014

The interior and trunk of my 2004 mercedes-benz E500 continue to fill with gasoline vapors.

9 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2014

There is a strong fuel smell upon gas fill ups. Nhtsa action# pe12001.

10 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2014

The contact owns 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that there were fuel fumes emitted inside of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic testing was not performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,691.

11 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2014

My car is pooling gasoline underneath it after filling it up. Everything as described in NHTSA action number ea13003.

12 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz e-500. The contact stated that t he vehicle stalled after refueling accompanied by a strong gasoline odor. The vehicle was not taken for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

13 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2013

Upon refueling the vehicle and leaving it in the garage overnight, it has often smelled of gasoline inside the car and in the garage. The smell would often dissipate. After refueling the car and parking it in the garage for three weeks while on vacation, the smell is now much worse and will not go away. It is bad enough we are worried about our safety of inhaling the fumes. I have other vehicles which were stored similarly and they do not react this way. Please review this vehicle. Thank you.

14 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 07/31/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic informed the contact that the fuel filter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

15 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2013

My vehicle 2004 E500 has strong smell of gas in cabin from the rear seat area and outside of the car, since then car takes longer to turn on. Hope this will be solved soon.

16 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that a strong gasoline fuel smell was in the cabin after refueling. There was also a fuel leak near the rear driver's side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the o-rings would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

17 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 04/02/2013

After fill-up on April 2, 2013, vehicle has a strong smell of gasoline on the drivers side exterior of the vehicle. This problem is present whenever the vehicle is fueled above a certain level.

18 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 02/13/2013

Fuel collecting under the left rear seat. Strong smell of gasoline inside and outside. Took the rear seat cover out and saw puddle of fuel. I am extremely concerned if it will catch fire and injure or death of my children.

19 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2012

Upon filling up the car emits a strong gas smell. The gas smell continues to be present all the time even when the car is parked and not turned on.

20 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2012

The vehicle has the smell of gas venting into the passenger compartment and concerned for passenger safety. Currently the vehicle is not properly meeting or complying with epa regulations concerning proper emissions of fuel ventilation and has gross product safety issue concerning passenger(s) inside the vehicle. The fueling system is venting improperly and fuel sender is not sealed properly. Car has never had problem until current date of filing. Aware of current mercedes corporate legal response to your enquire however the system has never been worked on (by mercedes dealer) nor is this just a minor issue with low vehicle count. Please protect me and my family concerning this issue! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

21 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 09/17/2012

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that he smelled an overpowering odor of gasoline fumes in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls and offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 225,000.

22 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2012

Cracked fuel filter module with leaking fuel under left back seat.

23 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2012

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz e-500. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle emitted the smell of gasoline fuel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 82,838.

24 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2012

Noticed a strong gasoline smell in my garage and inside my vehicle. Also noticed that my left rear passenger seat was discolored with dark yellow staining. Check engine light appeared on car and took to local mercedes-benz dealer to check problem and was told that the fuel sending unit had failed and that raw fuel was leaking in passenger compartment causing the gasoline odor and staining to upholstery. Was strongly urged by service advisor at mercedes-benz to replace the sending unit "anytime you're leaking fuel that's a safety issue". Had sending unit replaced as advised and was told to keep windows down to air the car of gasoline fumes. Mercedes- benz attempted to clean upholstery however this was unsuccessful and will likely need to be replaced.

25 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2012

Strong fuel smell inside and outside of car after refueling.

26 Other Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2006

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that after refueling, there were gasoline fumes present in the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 9,000 and the current mileage was 93,000.



E500 Service Bulletins
E500 Defect Investigations