2004 Mercedes Benz E500: gas smell in the cabin

Filed May 26, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

Approximately in March 2026, I started noticing a very strong gasoline odor coming from my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-matic with original miles approximately 56,300. The fuel odor always got stronger whenever I would fill up the gas tank. The history on my car is such that it has always been garage kept. The gasoline odor coming from my car started getting stronger and stronger while in my garage. On Memorial Day 2026 I called HQ, Mercedes Benz and told them about the gas odor coming from my car. After the call ended I decided that the car needed to be towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz service center. I considered that the gas order to be very dangerous so I parked my car in the driveway. Once parked in my driveway, there was no longer a gasoline order in my garage. Now even while parked in my driveway, I could smell gasoline around the rear of my car when I opened the doors the gasoline smell was very strong. All of this happens suddenly and only grew worse within the last four days. The gasoline smell was probably there for a long time but I didn’t notice it since I do not drive the car very often. That should be obvious because there is only approximately 56,300 miles on the car and those are original miles. I called Mercedes-Benz headquarters and requested a tow to the nearest Mercedes-Benz repair shop which is in Tampa Florida. As my car was being placed on the flatbed tow truck gasoline started spilling out onto the bed of the tow truck. That is a very dangerous situation. My car could’ve caught fire if it hit something hard or if I had been in an accident. I read where there is a 15 year extended warranty from year the analysis was actually completed in 2012 by the ODI the federal safety agency. I believe my car falls under the purview of the extended warranty. I’m reporting this problem because it is very dangerous and there could be other vehicles out there.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Fuel system · CT

I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety-related defect involving the fuel system of my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. I have experienced a persistent gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. The presence of fuel odor is not a normal operating condition and reasonably indicates a potential failure involving the fuel tank, fuel lines, or related fuel system components. Fuel vapors present a known fire and explosion hazard and constitute a safety risk to vehicle occupants, surrounding vehicles, and property. This condition was not present prior to the issue and has persisted despite inspection. I reported this concern to Mercedes-Benz USA and referenced that fuel odor and fuel tank-related defects have been documented in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. During my communication with Mercedes-Benz USA, I was informed that an extended or long-term warranty related to the fuel tank or fuel system had existed but was no longer applicable because the coverage period had expired. I was not made aware of this extended warranty at the time it was active and therefore had no opportunity to seek inspection or repair while coverage was in effect. Mercedes-Benz USA has acknowledged my complaint but has declined to provide corrective action beyond internal review. Given the safety implications of fuel system defects and the potential impact of inadequate disclosure of extended safety-related warranty coverage, I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this complaint and evaluate whether this condition represents a broader defect trend and whether recall or further investigation is warranted. This complaint is submitted to ensure the issue is formally recorded as a potential fuel system safety defect.

Filed Sep 7, 2022 · Fuel system · 71,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon making a stop, he noticed fuel leaking onto the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall for the fuel tank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2022 · Brakes, Fuel system · CT

the car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought it? this is very dangerous and can cause an explosion. the warranty should have been fixed rather than quoted and seems very greedy to not disclose that information but instead giving a quote. i have lung and heart problems and this is a definite safety issue that needs to be corrected regardless of the age of the car also brought it to dealership scared and they told me too bad it's been too long. how is a gas leak an ok thing to dismiss?????? i have been trying to get this fixed for years and this is my 2nd attempt for a recall with no response at all

Filed Jan 26, 2018 · Fuel system · 74,000 miles · CT

Strong fuel smell in cabin

Filed Dec 23, 2016 · Fuel system · 119,956 miles · CA

Strong smell of gasoline

Filed Apr 13, 2016 · Fuel system · 61,135 miles · CA

There is a very strong smell of gasoline coming from the back seat. When I fill the gas tank the smell is so strong it fills the entire garage. When I removed the back seat I found a small puddle of gas. I first started noticing the smell in the middle of last month -(march 2016)- and continues to get worse each time I fill the gas tank.

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Brakes, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the brake pedal was engaged and failed to respond as the brake system warning light illuminated. The contact was able to avoid an accident. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sbc unit needed to replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the contact stated that while driving at a various speeds, a fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired two separate times however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the reserve tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Dec 7, 2015 · Fuel system · FL

When filling the car with gasoline to a full tank, there is a strong smell of fuel that is very strong the next day. I have read in forums that this is a common problem with this model and that mb knows about this but is not doing anything about it. Is there a class action law suit on this matter? I bought this vehicle used. Am I protected under emissions laws or not?

Filed Mar 24, 2015 · Fuel system · 137,608 miles · CA

I felled my car up with gas at lunch 12 noon and when I got off work at 5pm the gas fumes were so strong I could breathe in my car. I tuck it to south bay mercedes benz and was told that the gas tank has a leak and the gas had leaked in to the cabin behind the back set of my car and that the repairs would be covered by the warranty. It's been over 2 weeks and they have no eta on when my car will be fixed. I have a loner but I check online and found that there are a lot of people with this same problem.

Filed Nov 11, 2014 · Fuel system · 69,500 miles · NY

After filling the gas tank, I parked the car in my attached garage the next day the gas fumes were so strong inside my basement that I called my plumber, thinking I had a gas leak from the furnace. Then I went into my garage, and the gas smell was overwhelming. When I took the vehicle to mercedes benz, they did a diagnostic and determined the fuel sensor was bad, along with cracked inner tank module. I had to replace all the associated parts (cable harness, auxiliary pump, bracket, seal ring, etc. Parts: $710.13 and labor: $496.80 = 1206.93. This issue should be reviewed as a manufacturer defect. I've had many automobiles, and never did I have this headache. And I certainly would not expect this from this car. Mercedes benz needs to own up to these defaults!!! Additionally, my battery died at the same time - another parts: $284.05, labor: $207.00.

Filed Oct 26, 2014 · Fuel system · 73,836 miles · VA

2004 mercedes benz e500 smells of gasoline both inside and around the vehicle after refueling to the full tank level. It has become necessary to leave the garage door open after fueling in order to ventilate the garage and keep fumes out of the house. The odor gradually decreases when the vehicle is driven 40-50 miles and the fuel level in the tank drops.