Tank Assembly Problems of 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.

See all problems of the 2004 Mercedes Benz E55 🔎.

Upon filling our car at the local gas station, we returned home and parked the car in our garage. The next morning, I entered the garage to find an incredibly strong smell of gasoline vapors. The smell was stronger than any gas station or mechanic shop I've ever been to. It was so incredibly strong, I immediately opened the garage door. I feared to actually turn the car on given the strong presence of fuel vapors on a hot phoenix day inside my home so I put the car in neutral and pushed it out of the home for a while to air things out. After sufficient time had passed, I cautiously turned the car on (outside the home) and took it to a well respected mechanic specializing in Mercedes Benz vehicles only. After inspection he indicated the fuel tank had a leak and the entire assembly would need to be replaced including fuel senders and the tank itself. To my shock, I observed the leak and the puddled fuel directly underneath my infant's car seat! given the cost of the repair I was quoted, I chose to do some investigation on my own and it seems that many people have complained about this and even the NHTSA has started it's own investigation under action number pe12001. Given the concentration of fuel vapors that built up inside my garage (underneath our child's nursery), in the presence of a gas water heater, an electric fridge motor, and of course the vehicle itself, I'm imploring the NHTSA to please help us consumers.

See all problems of the 2005 Mercedes Benz E55 🔎.

My car is leaking fuel after filling up the tank. I have read that this is a common problem. I know for a fact that recall work was performed on my car for this issue prior to my purchasing it based on research at a Mercedes Benz dealership as well as by a sticker attached to the bottom of my hood. However, the problem is recurring. Strong odor of fuel is prevalent as well as large observable leak around rear drivers side tire.

Strong odor of gasoline in the interior of the car after filling the tank. Odor has persisted for a week. Refer to NHTSA action number pe12001.

See all problems of the 2003 Mercedes Benz E55 🔎.

The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes Benz E55. The contact stated that he would smell gasoline inside the vehicle cabin after refueling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised him that the fuel tank and fuel pump were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. The current mileage was approximately 32,500. Updated 4/23/13 updated 05/23/2013.

Nhtsa action #pe12001.

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.

Just bought the car, and first time I filled the tank up (never topoff) started noticing a smell of gas, as the week went by smell increased. . . . . Followed forums suggestions and found a puddle of gas on top of the sending unit under the rear seat on the drivers side. Car is hard to drive due the smell, and I'm actually getting headaches from it. Own 4 mercedes including this, which is the latest model of all, and never had a safety issue that relates to gasoline on any of the others.

See all problems of the 2006 Mercedes Benz E55 🔎.

I filled my car up with gas this morning, and when I got home and parked in the garage, there was an incredibly strong smell of gas inside the car. I did some research and found that it may be the fuel sending unit with the recall from 2008. I lifted up the rear seat and, sure enough, there was gasoline filling the well around the driver's side fuel sending unit. My car had the recall work completed in 2008, so I called the dealer and told them that the same thing has happened again. I asked them if they were going to cover it since the recall problem obviously wasn't fixed, and the service manager said, "once recall work is completed, that's it. It's considered done, and any future repairs are the owner's responsibility. " this is absolutely unacceptable. Fuel leaking into the cabin and also down around the gas tank onto the hot exhaust is a huge safety hazard. Is it going to take an explosion and somebody getting killed or hurt for mercedes to fix this problem?! this needs to be handled by mercedes immediately. I'm amazed by how many others have reported this.

After adding fuel to tank, strong smell of fuel coming from passenger side rear wheel well. As well very strong fuel smell inside cabin.

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.

After filling up the gas tank in my 2005 Mercedes Benz E55 up with gasoline, there are overwhelming gasoline fumes that engulf the interior and is also prevalent from the outside of the car. When entering my closed garage after a gas fill up, the entire garage is engulfed by the very strong and distinct odor of gasoline. This is certainly not normal and indicates that gasoline is leaking somewhere. Additionally, according to my Mercedes Benz service advisor and a carfax report, the first owner (I am the second owner) had the fuel system repaired when the car had 20,000 miles on it. To further the description, please refer to the current investigation with the NHTSA action number: pe12001 as reference to what is happening with my vehicle. Thank you for your assistance in this critical matter of saftey, my 2 and 4 year old son's sit in the back seat where the faulty fuel tanks and fuel delivery systems are located. Additionally, I frequently have headaches from the strong gasoline odors within the cabin and am afraid that one day I may pass out from the fumes.

After filling up the gas tank, I noticed extremely strong gasoline fumes emanating from the rear passenger side of the car. After doing some internet research, I learned of this common problem and wanted to make sure to note that these dangerous fumes which overwhelmed me when I stored the car in a garage overnight. I did not notice any fuel dripping out of the car onto the ground but that's not to say there wasn't any when I filled up. I take this very seriously and have seen dozens of similar stories about this that frighten me as a driver at the very least. This is in reference to NHTSA action number: pe12001. Thank you.

On 1/25/2012 I noticed a smell of gas upon refueling my vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the issue first as a defective fuel sender and after replacing the fuel sender as a defective gas tank. Essentially fuel was leaking from the gas tank under the back seat and pooling under the back seat. The smell of gasoline vapors was extremely strong and alarming. I replaced the fuel tank at my own cost.

I had/have a strong fuel smell after filling my tank. I reported this to the local mercedes dealer, modesto european, back in early 2012, but was told the vehicle was past the warranty period so to investige would cost $129/hour (I think that was the number) and would t take up to 4 hours to diagonse; and then I would still be liable for any needed repairs. Since I did not see gas leaking, I put off the inspection thinking I would as some point see gas leaking if it were a major problem. I still get the gas smell every time I fill up, but never saw gas on my garage floor or elsewhere. This week I learned from a repair shop which is not a mercedes dealer that this is a very typical problem with these cars and it was suggested I contact you to see if there has been any ntsa action on this problem.

Awful gas smell in car, changed fuel senders and smell persisted, now needs new gas tank, mb refuses to take responsibility for this even though they know it's a major problem for all e series cars.

Upon filling the tank with gasoline, heavy fumes can be smelled inside the interior of the vehicle. As well as the outside of vehicle if it is parked in confined spaces I. E. My garage. I also noticed fuel leaking under the vehicle as well. This is a problem that was recalled by mercedes once before. They fixed it back in 2007 under a recall when it was owned by the previous owner. I have owned the vehicle since April 2011 and this problem occurred again in my ownership around the approximate month of November 2011. I have already taken it to a shop and have paid thousands of dollars to have this issue addressed but according to my mechanic the fuel system is failing in multiple spots. Now the vehicle sits. Please help me get mercedes to fix this very costly and potentially life threatening issue resolved. Thank you for your time and interest in my families and my safety. I sincerely appreciate any help you can offer.

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.

Each time I fill the vehicle with gasoline, especially until the tank is full, I have a very strong fuel smell inside the vehicle. This always happens on a full tank, and the less fuel I have the problem seems to go away. Most likely a leak of fuel into the interior of the vehicle. Ref: NHTSA action# pe12001.

Fuel smell in cabin of vehicle and fuel soaked charcoal canister. Mercedes benz is not able to correct problem. Pressured checked tank and replaced charcoal canister, problem still not resolved.

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.

After filling up the vehicle and driving for a short period of time ,I parked the car in my garage . When I came back to the car the whole garage smelled like gasoline. After further inspection gas was leaking from the fuel sending unit. I went to the dealer and asked for assistance with the repair due to the fact that the car has always been serviced by mercedes and was denied any financial help with the repair. This is clearly a defective fuel sending unit and possible gag tank failure that mercedes should repair as a warranty claim but they are refusing to take responsibility .

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.

I am a single 1 owner of a 2003 Mercedes Benz E55 amg and it is leaking fuel into the back seat above the tank. The recall that was issued in 2008 were performed and it is now leaking again, and has wrecked the insulation above the tank. Mb refused to help.

The contact owns a 2003 mercedes E55. The contact was driving 35 mph when he noticed an overpowering gasoline fuel odor from the vehicle interior. The dealer made repairs to the fuel tank seals. Later while refueling the vehicle, the contact noticed a large puddle of gasoline under the vehicle. He further inspected the failure and found a large puddle of gasoline fuel atop the fuel tank. The contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown manufacturer's recall for the fuel assembly in 2008. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 64,000.

After filling up the car with gas, a terrible odor of gas would permeate the whole interior of the car. Once the car was parked and you walked around the outside of the car you could smell gas as if it was leaking out of the car onto the ground. I would look under the car and not find any gas dripping on the ground. I actually got scared with how bad the odor was that I took the car into my local Mercedes Benz dealer. I was told that there was a defective part on the top of the gas tank which is located under the rear seat. I paid to have it repaired.

Fuel tank leak.

After filling the vehicles tank with fuel, the vehicle will emit a strong fuel odor on the drivers side rear wheel well as if the fuel tank was leaking fuel. After inspection is was deemed that the fuel tank was faulty and was indeed leaking fuel when full. The issue has not yet been fixed due to the extreme cost of replacing the fuel tank at the dealer even though they admit that the part was known to be incorrectly manufactured.

There wasn't actually a particular incident, per se. My complaint is about the fuel tank in my car leaking. When I fill the car al the way up with fuel, gas leaks out onto the suspension, undercarriage and the ground. This is due to a stress fracture that has developed on the top of the tank by the fuel sending unit. A very high number of other owners of this make, model and range of years (2003 - 2006) of my car have this problem. This is a very serious issue that could lead to deaths, injury and unnecessary environmental pollution. I was told to reference NHTSA action number: pe12001.

This complaint is in reference to NHTSA action #pe12001. During 2009, at approximately 31k miles on the vehicle (2005 Mercedes Benz E55), a strong fuel smell/odor was evident in the passenger cabin. The smell was strongest at the rear seat driver's side. This issue was brought to the attention of a service advisor at a Mercedes Benz authorized service center. An open recall was indicated to replace the driver and passenger side fuel sender units in the fuel tank, located below the rear seat. The recall was performed at 31,300 miles and while the fuel tank was not replaced, the problem did appear to be resolved. During 2012, at approximately 50k miles, the same strong fuel smell/odor in the passenger cabin reoccurred, subsequent to the factory warranty expiration date. Upon closer inspection, after removing the rear seat bottom and driver and passenger side access panels, it was immediately apparent fuel had collected/pooled in a cavity on top of the fuel tank where the driver side fuel sender unit is located--ultimately confirming some type of fuel leak. When inspecting the passenger side fuel sender unit, the area appeared to be dry with no fuel leaking on that side. After this inspection was completed, the pooled fuel on the driver's side fuel tank was removed and the surrounding area was cleaned and dried before reinstalling the access panels and rear seat bottom. Currently at 54k miles, the fuel leak has been somewhat lessened/avoided by only filling the fuel tank to no more than 3/4 capacity (or, about 15 gallons out of 21). There remains, however, a slight fuel smell/odor reoccurring during instances when the vehicle has been parked outside for extended periods in the summer heat. Also, when the fuel tank is filled to capacity, the strong fuel smell/odor immediately returns and again requires the unsettling task of cleaning up the leaked fuel.