Tank Assembly problems of the 2004 Mercedes Benz E55

My fuel tank has developed a leak where I can smell fuel both outside and inside the vehicle after filling the tank all the way. The odor is very pronounced and I am concerned about the safety of the vehicle if this much fuel is leaking from the tank. An independent repair shop confirmed a leak from the top of the fuel tank. Based on information I read on a Mercedes Benz forum website, it said to reference action number pe12001 (this appears to be a common issue with this series of vehicle). I hope the NHTSA will investigate this issue and force Mercedes Benz to replace these defective and unsafe fuel tanks at no cost to consumers.

Nhtsa action number: pe12001 bought the vehicle used 05/2012 with 95,000 miles. The vehicle has a strong odor of gasoline from rear seat area, strong odor of gasoline from under the vehicle, also if left overnight in closed garage (with fuel tank full), garage smells of gas. I have removed the metal fuel sender access cover under the rear seat and found a pool of gas, approx 20z around the electrical connector (have photos of this).

This car developed a very strong fuel smell inside the cabin shortly after filling up with gas in early 2012. I took it in to the dealer and they did warranty work replacing seals, etc. A little under a year later the smell came back. After doing a little research online I decided to take a look under the back seat and found where gasoline has stained the cushioning and a cloth that insulates between the frame and the seat. The fuel smell is much stronger in this area, which is inside the cabin. The dealer gave me back an estimate of almost $2,900 to replace the entire fuel tank assembly, sending units, hoses, etc. This is a known issue with mbusa.

While checking the rear brakes we smelled gas at the right rear corner of car. Investigated and found stains on the underbody in the gas tank area. Your website indicates that you are in the process of gathering information on this subject and may issue a recall notice.

The fuel tank cracked and leaks fuel when the tank is full. The check engine light also comes on stating small evap leak for the fuel system, because of this crack/leak. It is potentially a fire issue and causes noticeable fuel vapor/smell inside and outside of the vehicle. It is known to effect many if not all e-classes from this generation and Mercedes Benz is refusing to accept liability or repair the problem.

There is a strong gas smell in the car. It seems the fuel sending unit maybe leaking and the fuel tank is cracked/leaking.

Fuel system leaks at sending unit/pump after fueling up vehicle. Fuel sits on top of sending unit/pump until fuel tank reaches approx 3/4 of a tank. Vehicle had campaign(recall) for fuel sender conducted in 2008 according to dealer and mb USA. Have contacted both about the issue and neither say they've heard of a problem. Dealer said they would look into it but would charge a diagnostic fee. Have pictures of fuel on of sending unit/pump also. After fueling vehicle the vehicle can not be stored in my garage due to the vapor fumes filling my garage and also my house. After fueling a strong smell of garage can be smelt outside of the vehicle and in the summer months smelt inside the vehicle at times.

Fuel sending units cracked on drivers side causing gas to pool on top of senders. . . . Literally six inches from where my three year old sits in the car. Fuel is pooling on top of sender units and then draining down gas tank and outside the vehicle. In addition, the entire cabin of vehicle inside and out smells of fuel.

Both fuel sending units leaking from the top of the fuel tank. Fuel was puddling under the rear seats and was dripping on to the ground. Both sending units were replaced at our expense. Other owners of the same vehicle are having the same issues and mercedes is not cooperating with starting a recall process. This issue is a safety consern as well as an evironmental issue.