Extreme Gas Odor after filling gas tank and during time of driving.
2004 Mercedes Benz E320 fuel system problems
117 complaints (58% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000.
- owner complaints
- 117
- of this car's complaints
- 58%
- typical mileage
- 90,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Delivery: fuel pump3
- Storage: tank assembly1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Mercedes Benz E320 fuel system problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
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
EA13003
What 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Driver is experiencing a heavy odor of gasoline after fill up. Vehicle is not overfilled/topped off. Vehicle was sitting inside garage when owner noticed a heavy fuel odor and notified fire department to investigate. Per recommendations of fire department, keep vehicle out of garage until issue could be inspected by a qualified mechanic. Mechanic inspected fuel system and found fuel leak under rear seats near fuel pump/sending unit. Mercedes benz refuses repair issue saying it is not a safety issue. Gasoline fumes/vapors are especially heavy inside a single car garage, and if a ignition source is introduced it could become fatal.
I filled the gas tank full and on pulling in the garage could smell a strong smell of gasoline... Went to get my oil change the next day and the gentleman mentioned he could smell gas coming from my car at valvoline oil change.... Very strong smell in the interior of the car as well as when walking around the outside of the car you could smell a strong smell of gas... The gentleman from valvoline looked under the car and said there's some type of cover that goes underneath the gas tank itself and put his finger into it and could touch gasoline on his hand... I just went onto the internet and read many many complaints of the same thing with this type of car lawsuits have been filed... In those complaints the people that brought their car to dealership said that it was very expensive to remedy and that there should have been a recall... After driving a little bit and reducing the amount of gasoline in the tank the smell has subsided somewhat... Those complaints also mention that it can be very dangerous with this type of leak
Heavy fuel odor emanating from vehicle. Vehicle and possibly structures could catch fire if fuel is leaking and an ignition source is introduced. Only viable reason why fuel odor is present is either the fuel tank is leaking at a location or the vent has failed. Vehicle fuel odor is especially strong if vehicle was filled up recently but is present 24/7.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes-benz e320. The contact stated that a fuel odor was perceived inside and outside the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to the american service center dealer (703‑284‑2500, located at 624 s glebe rd, arlington, va 22204) where it was diagnosed that a canister valve and purge valve shut off and caused fuel to leak in the rear of the vehicle. Technician advised that the valves and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact was told that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency action number: ea13003 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes-benz e320. When the fuel tank was full, a strong odor of fuel was present inside the vehicle and in the garage. Mercedes-benz of fairfield (165 commerce drive, fairfield, ct 06825) stated that the fuel tank seal may be faulty. The contact purchased a fuel tank seal and had it installed by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
For several months there has been a strong odor of gasoline after fueling the vehicle. The odor has become steadily worse and we took the vehicle to the dealership for assistance. We were told that the fuel tank was cracked and had to be replaced. When I inquired how this could have occurred, I was told it could be due to impact or trauma (which is impossible as the vehicle was not involved in any incident). Was informed that it would cost $2,300.00 to repair vehicle. Called mb-USA and asked for assistance. Was informed that there was not a recall on the fuel tank and I would have to pay the cost. As the vehicle was unsafe, I had the work performed and received a 10% "goodwill" discount. Picked up vehicle and drove a short distance and continued to smell fuel. Called dealership and they came to pick-up. Acknowledged that they did not tighten a clamp or something. We picked it up again and the odor was persistent. Immediately called the dealership back and we subsequently traded the vehicle in. Bottom line.... I do not think that a fuel tank should fail on a vehicle with less than 80,000 miles. I have the old tank and believe that mb should reimbursement for the cost of the tank.
Fuel tank leak, smell gas
While parked, engine would die immediately after I started it. Mechanic discovered fuel seeping out of top of fuel sending unit in fuel tank.
After filled up the car with gas. Strong gas odor and gas leaking from drivers side rear of car. While driving and while parked in the garage extremely unsafe!!!
Questions about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 fuel system
Does the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 117 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320, 58% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 fuel system?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Mercedes Benz E320 have the most fuel system problems?
The Mercedes Benz E320 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2005 (122 complaints), 2004 (117 complaints) and 2003 (88 complaints).
Other 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 problems
Brakes 50Electrical 13Airbags 6Body 6Engine 6Lights 5Visibility 5Suspension 4Acceleration 3Driver assistance 3Locks 3Seats 3Transmission 3Seat belts 2Steering 2Tires 2
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