Mercedes Benz E500 fuel smell problems

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 Jul 22, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Car smells like gas. Constantly a couple machanic. Did some repairs. But there’s a small leak as well from a smoke test. Gas leaks in more than one area. Oil leaks everywhere. Evap leak didn’t pass smog. Then went to a smog station and repair. Check engine light back on again. I saw Mercedes had an extended warranty to avoid recalling several safety complaints. I got the car from a guy who never looked into recalls or extended warranty for these complaints. Please help me to get refunded what I payed so far with repairs on gas leaks. Also to repair the whole gas system. It is dangerously ongoing. I never got notified by Mercedes nor did the previous owner.

Filed Sep 18, 2022 · Fuel system · NM

I have a smell of fuel on the rear driver-side wheel. Seems like there is a fuel leak from either the fuel filter module or it is a tank leak. I took off the rear cushion and we can see and smell fuel visibly on the left side under the seat queshon and over the fuel filter module. Seems like there was a similar problem with the 2003-2006 e class and the 2006 cls class vehicle. I think this is a safety issue as I have seen online many other customers are having a similar issue. I think it will be a fire and safety hazard and should be investigated.

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 Mar 25, 2021 · Fuel system, Seats · 50,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes-benz e500. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to euro auto center (5180 venice blvd los angeles, ca 90019, (323) 938-9888) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear seats were soaked in fuel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. ## VIN passed ## mercedes-benz e500 2005 ##

Filed Dec 24, 2020 · Fuel system · 119,300 miles · FL

Very strong fuel odor present inside and outside vehicle after being driven. Smell prominent at left rear wheel well.

Filed Jan 14, 2020 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · CA

Also I have had the exact same thing happen to me in the recall dated 3/15/2013. After taking a long trip up to san francisco when I got home my oil tank was leaking -there was a strong odor of gasoline coming from my backseat. I took it in to the dealer they replaced my fuel tank but before they did that they sent me on the road without fixing and no rental car. I thought I would pass out from the smell of gasoline. The dealer told me to roll my windows down when driving what? I drove my car like that for approx 1 week before the fuel tank came in. They did pay for it. I was concerned if I where to smoke in the car what would happen?

Filed Sep 25, 2018 · Fuel system · 151,000 miles · TX

2005 mercedes e500 wagon has a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle when the fuel tank is completely filled. This odor persists for a few days until the fuel level has gone down. This has persisted for about a year. Due to this safety issue, mb has extended the warranty on this part to repair it. Vehicle was taken to mb of plano for repair. Once the technician confirmed the fuel tank needed to be replaced, the technician followed the procedure which requires them to remove the muffler system to remove the fuel tank. The technician stated that a muffler bracket was rusted and would need to be replaced to complete the repair. The dealership notified me that this bracket is only available as a part of the complete muffler and would cost ~$600 to replace and would not be covered by the warranty. The muffler was operating properly and does not need to be replaced for any other reason. The dealership appealed the warranty and that was denied. I appealed to the mercedes executive referral team and they also denied the claim due to the age and mileage of the vehicle. If I am not willing to spend $600 to replace a perfectly good muffler, then I will have to drive a vehicle with two small children that has a live gasoline leak inside the cabin because mercedes benz will not replace the muffler bracket. I have been in contact with ralph at mercedes benz executive referral as well as the mercedes benz of plano service department.