2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55: fuel pump failure

Filed Nov 25, 2019 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · DE

What should have been a classified as a total recall turned into an extended warranty, and as a result I have lost $1700. After a battle with the federal safety agency, back in 2015 mercedes settled to do a retroactive extended warranty on certain 2003-2011 vehicles due to how many problems and safety concerns there were with the fuel system. Unknown to me, not receiving any letters about the issue since purchase, my car was out of the warranty period by 3 months when I got a check engine light. I had the check engine light read by a reputable gas-station shop, and they found an evap leak. This was no normal hose leak/gas cap open evap leak. They ended up finding a massive leak at the top fuel pump! There was actually dark plastic/signs of high-heat inside the gas tank (on the pump). Fire hazard?!? I had the car towed to mercedes of wilmington for a second evaluation because it was a time bomb. I was quoted $2100 to fix the issue for a new fuel pump and fuel sender. I fought with mbusa to get it covered for two weeks, but my car, after 15 years, was out of the warranty period! They wouldnt even drop the cost down to $2000 even when I asked for some sort of good will if I got the work done. I needed my car so I had the car taken to the most reputable private benz shop in delaware - "euro tech". I purchased an fcpeuro fuel pump kit and had them install it for less than the dealer wanted. This should be a total recall and people on the biggest mb-fan website, mbworld.com, are still posting week after week with fuel pump horrors! This is well documented already by you guys. I am also sending this email to mbusa. If I don't hear back from mbusa I will be seeking legal advice. I have spent $100 at shop #1, $100 at the mb dealer to tell me 'no', $1050 in parts, and $450 in labor, for something that should be a recall.

Filed Oct 31, 2015 · Fuel system · CA

Bad fuel pumps under rear seat causing fuel smell in my entire car.

Filed Dec 31, 2014 · Fuel system · 39,625 miles · TN

Reference the federal safety agency action# pe12001 there is a fuel leak at one or both of the fuel sending units and at one or both of the fuel pumps located in the gas tank of this car. When filling the gas tank to full, gas leaks and produces a very strong gasoline smell inside and around the exterior of the car. I have removed the rear seat to gain access to the units and I have observed standing gasoline on the top surface of the sending unit seals. There are electrical connections inside of these units and they appear to have been shorting due to the leak. This is potentially a very hazardous, life threatening condition.

Filed May 30, 2014 · Fuel system · 60,121 miles · OH

Smelled strong fuel smell in garage and car. Removed the rear seat to access fuel pump fuel sender units. Upon removal of access door lid I seen a large puddle of fuel on top of the fuel pump sending unit where it was seeping out between a seem on top of the unit. This same part was replaced under a recall in 2008. The same problem with fuel leaks is wide spread and well documented in mbworld.org I can supply pictures if needed.

Filed May 19, 2014 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz e55. The contact noticed a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the fuel pump was fractured. The contact was informed that both the fuel pump and the rear passenger side sending unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2014 · Fuel system · 61,147 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz e55. The contact stated that he noticed a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the contact was advised that the fuel pump was fractured and needed to be replaced along with the right rear sending unit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,147 and the current mileage was unknown. Updated 06/10/14*lj updated 8/23/2017

Filed Oct 9, 2013 · Fuel system · 123,465 miles · TN

I could smell fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, and after refueling. Went to mb dealership for tune up, oil, and air filter change. Two days later the vehicle stalled on me driving down 55 southbound interstate at 65mph. I was in dense traffic so I turned on my emergency flashers and tried to coast the car onto the shoulder to get safely off the road. Scary since traffic was so dense but I managed. I tried to start the car a few times and it wouldn't start. After 5 minutes it started and I drove to my destination 2 miles. After sitting for 30 minutes I headed back home 55 north bound at 65mph. Concerned I drove in the far right lane in case the vehicle stalled again. It stalled 5 times traveling 25 miles. Once I arrived home the vehicle reeked of fuel. Called the mercedes dealership and ask if this was a part of the recall (campaign no. 2008020001) of the fuel filter module? Was told no. I drove the car hoping it was just bad gas or something and it stalled at a stop light and it was 5+ minutes before it started again. I drove into the first ase shop 1/2 miles up the road. The shop checked the vehicle and determined that the fuel filter module was bad and must be replaced. The part was ordered from the mb dealership and installed. In addition a new fuel pump was installed as well. Upon removing the seat the tech discovered fuel under the seat and the matting soaked. He stated I was lucky the vehicle did not catch on fire. Mb indicates my module was replaced in 2008 per the recall. Five years and the vehicle is still not safe. Mb refuses to reimburse me for the cost of replacing the module.

Filed Sep 8, 2013 · Fuel system · KY

On september 1st 2013 I went to leave my house. Smelt a strong gas smell, thought possibly someone had spilt a gas tank. Start looking around for gas couldn't find any around my house so I get in my car when I do I get a strong scent of gas. I take my back seat out remove the cover on the fuel pump on my drivers side and their it was a huge puddle of gas in my back seat. At that point I called a tow truck afraid to drive the vehicle afraid it may catch on fire. I take it to the local mercedes dealer they have to replace my drivers side fuel sending unit, and come to find out my passenger side fuel sending unit has burned up also. Updated 09-18-13 *bf updated 09/25/2013

Filed Jun 4, 2013 · Fuel system · 47,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes e55. The contact stated he noticed a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the contact was advised that the fuel pump was fractured and would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

Filed May 17, 2013 · Fuel system · 112,646 miles · IN

Vehicle lost power on interstate. Later re-started and taken to tafel motors in louisville, ky. Both fuel pumps/ sender modules were found to be defective and leaking and replaced at a cost of $1627.47 on 8-3-10 at 112646 miles. In august of 2011, both pumps and modules began to leak fuel. Strong odor of fuel in cabin, and fuel leaking onto ground. They were replaced at mercedes benz of indianapolis under warranty of the service done at tafel motors the year before. Again, on october 5 of 2012, one of the units began to leak gasoline, strong odor of fuel in cabin, and leaking onto ground. It was replaced at my expense of $921.48. I took pictures of the fuel puddling on top of the gas tank. I also retained the removed part, in case the federal safety agency would like to inspect it. This part (211-470-51-94 was originally replaced under mercedes recal on 3/20/2008 at 62975 miles. It has now been replaced 3 more times.

Filed Mar 27, 2013 · Fuel system · 40,000 miles · FL

Fuel leaks from tank when it is filled to the top. Car has been to dealer and had fuel tank seals replaced twice. Fuel pumps, gauge and hose system was also replaced for $1,500. Strong odor of gasoline if the car is parked in my garage after filling tank. I kept the pump assembly as a souvenir and see that many parts are brittle and prone to cracking. Materials in fuel pumping system appear to be inappropriate for driving in hot florida climate. Car has been kept in garage since new (except after filling gas tank).

Filed Dec 22, 2012 · Fuel system · 73,000 miles · FL

1st incident was while driving along on the expressway and noticed a slight scent of raw fuel,, as I arrived home and parked in the garage, exiting the vehicle the smell of fuel was more evident, when I look under the vehicle, I see a puddle of gas steadily leaking from the fuel tank area, I cleaned up the mess and immediately had it inspected, inspection determined that primary fuel pump sending unit was leaking causing fuel to accumulate in the fuel tank area directly underneath the left rear passenger seat and overflowing out through the chassis wherever it could find a way out, repair required complete fuel pump with sending unit, as it is a one piece design, after all said and done, repair estimate $1,800. 2nd incident, 8/?/2012 same as described in 1st incident with the exception of fuel leak occurred while refueling at the gas station,, no puddle, but faint smell,, drove home, parked in the garage, smelled fuel more, looking under car, observed growing puddle of fuel. Had vehicle inspected, fuel leaking from around fuel pump housing, determination was fuel pump housing seal replacement, which again required fuel pump assembly removal and re-install for replacement of new seal, out of warranty, past 1year warranty by a few months, $1200 repair, mostly labor, part cost $20....seemed to correct fuel leak for now.....fuel smell has not gone away....