I noticed fuel / gas smell from my vehicle. I looked up cause for this type of occurrence. I was referred to a recall bulletin for this particular cause - Recall Campaign #2013020002. My vehicle (VIN #) is not on the recall list. Both MB dealerships in my area state I would have to cover the cost to replace the Fuel Filter Flange. I am certain the Fuel Filter Flange is defective and should be listed in the recall. I pulled up the rear seat and removed the cover to expose the Fuel Filter Flange. There was gasoline on top of the Fuel Filter Flange. (I have documented with pictures).
2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350: gas smell in the cabin
12 of the 133 complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 describe gas smell in the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 122,078
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Gas smell in the cabin by model year
What owners say
Vaporized gasoline fuel odor emanating from the back seat area due to fuel filter flange crack
I noticed the smell of fuel coming from my vehicle, specifically when I top off at the gas station. This is dangerous as fuel can combust if ignited. I took the vehicle to be service, to find out about the fuel odor and was advised of the federal safety agency recall. Upon researching I see that although the federal safety agency recall #12V557000 specifically covers this issue, when entering my VIN, the recall does not appear for MY specific vehicle, which is a 2011 GLK-350. It appears there are several affected vehicles not included in the recall. This is a failure on behalf of Mercedes Benz as it is simple to conclude that the issue includes more vehicles than initially recalled. These vehicles need to be included as well.
Fuel/Propulsion System - There is a gas leaking from somewhere above the gas tank. I did not have this fixed yet because I see a recall for this but my VIN wasn't included in the initial recall. There are 17 other complaints on here for the same issue but we haven't been included in the recall as of today 1/2/2023. The recall that fixed other 2011 GLK 350s is the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V557000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). My car is available for inspection upon request. I am very afraid of a fire because the tray underneath the car on the passenger side is full of gas & the tray is right over the exhaust. I stuck a large cotton swab in the tray to soak up the liquid & since it smelled like gas I tried to light it. It caught on fire immediately. This is definitely a safety hazard as it can ignite if a spark or lit cigarette would happen to bounce up in there. Yes it is unlikely but I have seen stranger things. The tray holds a large amount of gas and is directly under the gas tank. The check engine light came on and the diagnostic machine says fuel evap control system leak. A mechanic looked at the leak after taking the rear passenger tire off and finding the gas pooling in that tray. Odometer reads 145,000.
The fuel tank flange cracked. After refill the tank, the fuel smell is in the cabin, and fuel leak out under the seat.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz glk350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the contact started to smell fuel fumes inside the cab of the vehicle. The contact stated she was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to local dealer mercedes-benz of san francisco located at 500 8th st, san francisco, ca 94103, (415) 673-2000, however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact continued to experience the failure and saw fuel leaking inside of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v557000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was unknown. *ln
The vehicle did not pass inspection showing a small fuel leak. I noticed a smell of fuel odor coming from outside parked vehicle and noticed a leak coming from underneath the vehicle as well. It appears to leak the most when the gas is full. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel leak with the fuel pump. The certified mechanic informed the contact that their failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number 12v557000 (fuel system, gasoline). I contacted park place mercedes of grapevine, tx, phone number 843‑815‑0300) who informed me my vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000. This issue seem to be wider than the initial recall sample. This is very dangerous.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz glk350. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle after refueling. Additionally, while driving, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal odor in the garage after the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that there was no evidence of a fuel leak under the vehicle. Mercedes-benz of el paso, mercedes-benz building, 1122 airway blvd, el paso, tx 79925, (915)613-1694, was contacted by phone and informed of the failure. An appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle diagnosed which was still pending. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz glk350. The contact stated that they would smell a fuel odor coming from outside the vehicle. The contact stated they noticed a leak coming from underneath the vehicle as well. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel leak with the fuel pump. The certified mechanic informed the contact that their failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number 12v557000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (mercedes-benz of hilton head located at 155 fording island rd, bluffton, sc 29910 phone number 843‑815‑0300) who informed the contact that their vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
When I fill up my 2011 glk 350 with gas I have a very strong raw gas smell from the vehicle. It is so bad that I am afraid it will cause a fire inside my garage. It goes away as the fuel is run out of the vehicle. I check with mercedes and with my VIN # it was not on a recall list however many other glk 350 were on a recall list for the same problem. It is recall 12v557000. I feel mercedes should cover all 2011 glk 350 for this issue as it is a definite safety issue with raw gas leaking. It was also in a bulletin sent to dealers about this issue. The federal safety agency id 10059568. It is a leaking fuel filter flange. It is also a very dangerous problem!! The fix for it is replace the fuel filter flange and plastic pump also normally at a cost of $1200.00 at the dealer. Mercedes needs to recall all 2011-2012 glk 350 for this issue in my opinion.
Gasoline smell when fuel tank is full. I removed my rear seats and removed access panels to fuel filter/pumps...and discovered the passenger side access panel had gasoline on the unit and surrounding area. Somehow, there is a gasoline leak coming from that passenger side unit. I did not take any photos since I did not want any active electronics near the gasoline and gasoline fumes.
Smells like gas, seems to be a small fuel leak
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
- Risk
- If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
- Remedy
- Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 12V557000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 fuel smell
Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350?
12 of 133 owner complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (9%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2010.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350?
There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350
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