Mercedes-Benz C300 fuel pump problems

Filed May 19, 2026 · Fuel system · MA

Vehicle: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sport Problem Component: Fuel / Propulsion System Safety Issue Description: My 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 developed a serious fuel tank leak at approximately 106,460 miles which created overwhelming gasoline fumes and rendered the vehicle unsafe to operate. The gasoline fumes were extremely strong and entered the passenger area. The fumes were severe enough that I became physically overwhelmed from the gasoline exposure and discarded clothing due to gasoline contamination and odor. A local repair facility identified the leaking fuel tank. I was informed the replacement fuel tank was allegedly on extended backorder through Mercedes-Benz channels. Because the vehicle was unsafe to drive and replacement parts were allegedly unavailable for several months, I was forced to tow the vehicle from [XXX] to [XXX] at my own expense in order to locate a repair facility that could obtain a replacement fuel tank and safely repair the vehicle. The repair invoice states: “Installed used lt fuel tank incl switchover fuel pumps replace section of steel fuel line front of tank from lower braided line.” I am submitting this complaint due to: serious gasoline leak safety concerns, severe gasoline fume exposure, potential fire hazard, and the alleged extended unavailability of replacement fuel tanks. Mercedes-Benz USA Case Number: 22302114 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 65,422 miles · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. While driving at approximately 15 mph, the contact observed smoke emanating from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to her work location and parked. Upon exiting the vehicle and opening the hood, she observed orange flames coming from the engine compartment. A parking attendant extinguished the fire, and a police and/or fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and diagnosed with a fuel line leak that caused the engine harness to come apart. The leaking fuel hose from the high-pressure fuel pump caused damage to the high-pressure pump, engine harness, vacuum transducer, and coolant feed line from the thermostat to the firewall. The following components needed replacement: high-pressure fuel pump, rubber fuel hose, engine harness, pressure transducer, and intake manifold. The vehicle was repaired. Five months later, the contact experienced another failure she believes was associated with the engine fire. While parked and attempting to start the vehicle, it did not start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and diagnosed with a faulty starter that needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,422.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX · crash · 1 injury

I was driving my car was sputtering or trying to shut off while I press the gas and I let go of the gas and it catches and stayed on. I took it to the dealership and they said they found nothing wrong. May 3rd around 12pm im driving on the freeway and as im getting on the express lane going 60 it dies and I couldn't move the steering wheel and I slammed into a guardrail. After doing research my car (vin [XXX] ) had multiple recals from the fuel pump and steering wheel and the dealership never fixed or checked any recalls before selling it to me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Body, Electrical · TX

I am reporting a serious vehicle safety hazard caused by improper and unsafe repair work performed by USA Platinum Motor, located at 1221 California Lane #126B, Arlington, TX. I brought my 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 in for a cold start rattle with no warning lights or prior issues. The shop diagnosed a loose timing chain and I authorized the repair. After the repairs, the vehicle was returned with critical safety defects, including a loose fuel pump, unsecured fuel line, missing bolts, and improperly reassembled engine components. Shortly after pickup, the car experienced loss of acceleration on the interstate, a strong odor of fuel, and a sudden loss of power, creating a dangerous and life-threatening situation. The vehicle had to be towed back to the shop. The manager, who is not a certified mechanic, admitted he personally “fixed” the issue by tightening the fuel pump himself. A Mercedes-Benz diagnostic inspection later confirmed multiple severe assembly errors, including missing fasteners, unsecured oil cooler, disconnected vent lines, and other safety-related defects in the fuel and cooling systems. These unsafe and negligent repairs created an extreme fire hazard, engine instability, and risk of sudden failure while driving. I am requesting a formal the federal safety agency investigation into this matter to ensure vehicle safety compliance and to prevent similar incidents affecting other consumers.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Fuel system · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled a gasoline odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the fuel hose downstream of the fuel pump was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V837000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Fuel system · 157,000 miles · RI

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and decelerated. The accelerator pedal was depressed while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately display the level of fuel in the tank. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel level sensors had failed. The fuel tank and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V880000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

There seems to be a continuous gas smell in my car and I see some class action law suits for the same problem but dealership says there is no recall- synopsis of class action below February 26, 2021 — A Mercedes C300 fuel smell has led to a class action lawsuit that alleges 2015-2019 (W205) C-Class vehicles have defects that cause fuel leaks and odors. According to the Mercedes-Benz class action lawsuit, fuel can leak into the engine compartment from fuel line connections to the fuel pump at the rear of the engine compartment. Mercedes C300 and other C-Class vehicle occupants complain of strong fuel smells caused by the fuel leaks. Please assist

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Fuel system · 34,945 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was scanned, and the mechanic retrieved fault codes indicating a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,945.

Filed Dec 19, 2023 · Fuel system · NY

There is a short rubber fuel line/hose in the engine compartment that is attached with compression clamps; the hose connects the fuel line from the gas tank to the high pressure fuel pump. When it gets cold outside (below ~40 degrees Fahrenheit) the clamps loosen a bit and the hose will leak gas The entire interior smells like gasoline, really bad.

Filed Dec 8, 2023 · Fuel system · TX

Mercedes Benz Selma, Texas Dearlership refuses to service known issue with fuel system leaks on C300 because they cannot reproduce problem. Problem is that don't have the correct environment to test for this know problem. “There is a short rubber fuel line/hose in the engine compartment that is attached with compression clamps; the hose connects the fuel line from the gas tank to the high pressure fuel pump. When it gets cold outside (below ~40 degrees Fahrenheit) the clamps loosen a bit and the hose will leak gas. This is what you will smell in the cabin. Once it gets warmer outside or the engine bay warms up, the smell will tend to go away. No clue how they've gone all this time without a safety recall, but I did make a report to the NHTSB last month when it started happening to me.” The fix is to have the rubber line w/clamps replaced. If you still have warranty the dealer can take care of it. (Provided they are configured to test for this defect properly which they are not. Bottom line, fuel leaks in garages like mine with a gas water heater are a BIG issue. I alerted the dealership that they and MB would be liable if something were to happen since they refused to repair vehicle.