FUEL SENDING UNITS UNDER THE REAR BENCH SEAT ARE LEAKING GAS AND FILLING THE CABIN WITH TOXIC FUMES. I AM UNABLE TO HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE AND EVEN DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN DOES LITTLE FOR VENTING OUT ALL THE FUMES. AT LEAST 10 OUNCES HAS ACCUMULATED UNDER THE SEAT AND SOAKED THE CARPETING. *TR
2004 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
100 reports with mileage · 11 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 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. 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.
What owners actually said
111 reportsMY 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. …
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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. *TR
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 …
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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. *TR
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 T…
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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. *TR
DRIVER SIDE FUEL PUMP SENDER HAS LEAK ON TOP WHERE FUEL PUMP MEETS THE TOP PLASTIC ASSEMBLY. LEAKS WHEN FUEL TANK IS FULL. *TR
EVERY TIME I FILL THE GAS TANK THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS FUMES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS NAUSEATING AND SEEMS WOULD BE DANGEROUS.THE DEALER STATES A TEST VERIFIED A LEAK AT THE LEFT PUMP HOUSING AREA. ADDITIONALLY FOUND STAINING AT THE TOP OF FUEL TANK NEAR CENTER MOUNTING AREA. THEY RECOMMENDED A REPLACEMENT…
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EVERY TIME I FILL THE GAS TANK THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS FUMES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS NAUSEATING AND SEEMS WOULD BE DANGEROUS.THE DEALER STATES A TEST VERIFIED A LEAK AT THE LEFT PUMP HOUSING AREA. ADDITIONALLY FOUND STAINING AT THE TOP OF FUEL TANK NEAR CENTER MOUNTING AREA. THEY RECOMMENDED A REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WITH NEW PUMP AND SENDING UNIT/FILTER ASSEMBLIES. THIS REPAIR IS $3000 US. THE PROBLEM IS THE NEW EQUIPMENT IS THE SAME FAULTY DESIGN OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. MOST LIKELY THE SAME PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN. AFTER CHECKING OUT THE SITUATION I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AT MERCEDES UNDER A RECALL, FOR THE FUEL LEAKS. THE VEHICLE THREW A CODE FOR GAS CAP. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP. TWO DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISAPPEARED AND THE CAR THREW A CODE FOR AN EVAP LEAK. I REPLACED THE CHARCOAL CANISTER AND THE GAS CAP THINKING IT MAY HAVE BEEN FAULT…
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THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AT MERCEDES UNDER A RECALL, FOR THE FUEL LEAKS. THE VEHICLE THREW A CODE FOR GAS CAP. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP. TWO DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISAPPEARED AND THE CAR THREW A CODE FOR AN EVAP LEAK. I REPLACED THE CHARCOAL CANISTER AND THE GAS CAP THINKING IT MAY HAVE BEEN FAULTY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO THROW A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN IT IS FILLED WITH GASOLINE. ONCE THE TANK LEVEL DROPS BELOW 3/4 THE WARNING GOES AWAY HOWEVER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS. *TR
IF I FILL THE TANK FULL OF FUEL (NOT OVERFILLING), FUEL LEAKS FROM FUEL TANK, POOLS ON TOP OF TANK BY THE FUEL PUMPS UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEATS AND THE SMELL OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR IS OVERWHELMING. I WILL NOT TAKE MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AFTER WITNESSING THESE ISSUES. AFTER CHECKING THE MERCEDES FORUMS, THIS ISSUE IS RAMPA…
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IF I FILL THE TANK FULL OF FUEL (NOT OVERFILLING), FUEL LEAKS FROM FUEL TANK, POOLS ON TOP OF TANK BY THE FUEL PUMPS UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEATS AND THE SMELL OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR IS OVERWHELMING. I WILL NOT TAKE MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AFTER WITNESSING THESE ISSUES. AFTER CHECKING THE MERCEDES FORUMS, THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT ON THE E CLASS MODELS, AND DESPITE REPLACEMENT OF NEW PARTS, THE PROBLEM REAPPEARS. I COMPLAINED TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP IN PLANO AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS EVEN THOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. *TR
FILLED GAS TANK LATE IN THE EVENING, AND RETURNED HOME. CAR SAT OVERNIGHT AND HAD STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN MORNING. OPENED ALL DOORS, LOOKED UNDERNEATH CAR AND FOUND NO FUEL LEAK. AIRED THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN DROVE TO WORK. DURING THE ONE HOUR DRIVE, THE SMELL BEGAN TO GET WORSE. I OPENED WINDOWS PARTIALLY,…
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FILLED GAS TANK LATE IN THE EVENING, AND RETURNED HOME. CAR SAT OVERNIGHT AND HAD STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN MORNING. OPENED ALL DOORS, LOOKED UNDERNEATH CAR AND FOUND NO FUEL LEAK. AIRED THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN DROVE TO WORK. DURING THE ONE HOUR DRIVE, THE SMELL BEGAN TO GET WORSE. I OPENED WINDOWS PARTIALLY, BUT COULD NOT OPEN WIDE DUE TO RAIN. I DEVELOPED A HEADACHE BEFORE ARRIVAL. LEFT CAR PARKED AT WORK ALL DAY IN UNDERGROUND GARAGE. THE ODOR WAS AGAIN STRONG IN THE EVENING. I AIRED THE INTERIOR AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BEFORE DRIVING HOME. AGAIN, AFTER NEARLY ONE HOUR, I DEVELOPED A HEADACHE AND FELT SQUEAMISH INSIDE THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES TO REGAIN ALL SENSES SO THAT I COULD SAFELY DRIVE HOME. THE CAR NOW SITS IN MY GARAGE WITH THE BACK SEAT REMOVED TRYING TO GET THE SMELL OF GAS OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOW READ MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS WITH SAME MODEL VEHICLE. I REALIZE THERE ARE NOT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD; I AM SURE THAT IF THERE WERE MORE VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL SEVERE ACCIDENTS. I TRY TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLES AND THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURER OR PARTS SUPPLIER. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR
IM WRITING IN REFERENCE TO THE NHTSA ACTION # PE12001. I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE ON THE 23 OF DECEMBER 2012. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR. WITH THAT BEING SAID I HAVE NEVER FILLED THE FUEL TANK OF THIS CAR UNTIL 6-9-2013. THE REASON BEING I HAVE A 1998 FORD F150 THAT I DRIVE AS WELL. I MOSTLY DRIVE THE E55 ON WEEKEN…
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IM WRITING IN REFERENCE TO THE NHTSA ACTION # PE12001. I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE ON THE 23 OF DECEMBER 2012. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR. WITH THAT BEING SAID I HAVE NEVER FILLED THE FUEL TANK OF THIS CAR UNTIL 6-9-2013. THE REASON BEING I HAVE A 1998 FORD F150 THAT I DRIVE AS WELL. I MOSTLY DRIVE THE E55 ON WEEKENDS BUT ITS IN AND AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD. MY FATHER JUS CAME BACK FROM THE PHILIPPINES A COUPLE DAYS AGO SO HE NEEDS MY TRUCK TO GET AROUND WHILE HE'S VISITING. SO YESTERDAY I FOUND I NEEDED TO DRIVE THE E55 DAILY WHILE MY FATHER'S IN TOWN SO I FILLED UP THE TANK TO THE CAR. I PUT IN SHELL 91 AND WAITED FOR THE PUMP TO STOP. ONCE STOPPED I REMOVED FUELER AND INSERTED INTO ITS HOLSTER. NOTE I DID NOT TOP OFF FOR I NEVER FELT THE NEED TO IN ANY CAR I HAVE DRIVEN. I PROCEEDED STRAIGHT HOME AND PARKED CAR IN MY GARAGE, CLOSED THE GARAGE DOOR AND WENT IN THE HOUSE. THE E55 WAS IN THERE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY AND NIGHT. AND THEN THIS MORNING AS I WENT INTO GARAGE TO GO TO WORK I WAS JUS TAKEN BACK BY THE FUEL SMELL IN THE ENTIRE GARAGE. SO I OPENED THE GARAGE TO AIR OUT AND CHECKED UNDER THE CAR FOR A PUDDLE OF FUEL BUT FOUND NOTHING. THE SMELL IS MUCH STRONGER NEAR THE REAR OF THE CAR. I DROVE OFF EVEN WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN TO JUS RID THE SMELL AS IT ENTERED THE CABIN AS I STEPPED IN THE CAR TOO. NO PROBLEMS DRIVING TO WORK BUT AS I PARKED IN REVERSE I CAN SMELL FUEL AS THE WIND KICKED IT TOWARDS MY WINDOW. I PARKED AND GOT OUT AND SMELLED AROUND THE BACK AND STILL SMELLED FUEL. SO AS IM WORRIED THROUGHOUT THE DAY AT WORK I WENT INTO MY BENZWORLD FORUM AND FOUND ALOT OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS ME ESPECIALLY ON THE W211'S. SO AS I READ ON THE MORE WORRIED I GOT BECAUSE MY KIDS RIDE IN THIS CAR AND I DON'T WANT THEM AROUND IT ANYMORE ESPECIALLY WITH THIS PROBLEM GOIN ON. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS PROBLEM. *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.
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