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Mercedes-Benz GLK350 fuel pump problems

25 of the 904 owner complaints about the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 describe fuel pump failure, most of them for the 2010 model year.

owner complaints
25
worst model year
2010
typical mileage
70,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Fuel smell 10Fuel leak 8Check engine light 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P2138 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, particularly related to the fuel pump system under the rear passenger area. It has come to my attention that the fuel pumps in these vehicles emit a strong, unpleasant odor every time the car is refueled. This poses a significant risk to both the driver and passengers. I have personally experienced a similar issue with a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, where the pumps were constructed with a substandard plastic material that, over time, will melt and start dripping from the top of the pump. This degradation of materials significantly compromises the integrity of the system, creating a serious hazard that could, in the worst case, lead to catastrophic outcomes, including fire or explosion. I strongly urge Mercedes-Benz to investigate and address this issue as a matter of priority. The potential consequences of ignoring this matter are severe, and a permanent solution must be found before any further risk is posed to the safety of vehicle occupants. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical safety concern. I look forward to your prompt response and the implementation of necessary corrective actions. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 5, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, particularly related to the fuel pump system under the rear passenger area. It has come to my attention that the fuel pumps in these vehicles emit a strong, unpleasant odor every time the car is refueled. As a safety engineer, I can confirm that this poses a significant risk to both the driver and passengers. I have personally experienced a similar issue with a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, where the pumps were constructed with a substandard plastic material that, over time, will melt and start dripping from the top of the pump. This degradation of materials significantly compromises the integrity of the system, creating a serious hazard that could, in the worst case, lead to catastrophic outcomes, including fire or explosion. I strongly urge Mercedes-Benz to investigate and address this issue as a matter of priority. The potential consequences of ignoring this matter are severe, and a permanent solution must be found before any further risk is posed to the safety of vehicle occupants. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical safety concern. I look forward to your prompt response and the implementation of necessary corrective actions. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 26, 2024 · Fuel system · FL

My truck has been smelling like gas for a while. I replaced the gas cap and still smelled gas when I was driving. Recently I started smelling it inside the car. It was leaking from two places under the car when I would drive it or just have it running. The mechanic took the plastic piece off the bottom and gas started pouring down. He took the back seats out and there was a pool of gas sitting on the fuel pump. He had me start the car and it immediately started spewing from the fuel pump inside the car. I did not know I could report a complaint so I did not take pictures. The car has been sitting since Saturday without being turned on and the gas spot on the ground remains wet. It’s very dangerous and right now I cannot fix it due to finances.

Filed Jan 30, 2024 · Fuel system · NV

I smell gasoline every time I fill up the gas tank and don't smell it when not quite full. I haven't check yet but I think that the fuel pump flange has deteriorated. My co-worker has the same exact issue and he found out that it was the fuel pump flange. There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate. Thank you. Sincerely,

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, there was a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong gasoline odor inside and outside of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and the sending unit were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Fuel system · 64,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while starting the vehicle after refueling, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was leaking onto the rear seats. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 64,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I'm having the same issues as described in Recall no. 12V557000. However when I called Mercedes they mentioned that my Vin wasn't part of that recall. I don't understand how can that be when my car is 2011-2012 glk350 model as described in recall and I smell gas, can see gas leaking and the flange where my fuel filter is cracked as well as the flange to the fuel pump side. This car as well as many other Mercedes have two separate flanges that are prone to crack and not just the fuel filter side but the fuel pump side as well. there's many forums where they all have complained about this issue. If you can smell gas, there's obviously fuel vapors leaking and not to the mentioned the physical leak that is landing everywhere you drive. This is a serious fire hazard and is extremely harmful to my kids and passengers.

Filed Mar 14, 2023 · Fuel system · HI

My vehicle started smelling like gas. Took it in for inspection. Mechanic found a leak in the fuel assembly, resulting in gasoline pooling inside the vehicle under the back seat and leaking out through the bottom of the vehicle. I went online and noticed a recall was issued for 2011 and 2012 models. Ongoing issues with fuel modules leaking although no visible cracks were present. I contacted Mercedes to have them review if this would be covered under their recall and they declined saying they did not want to cover this under their recall. Mercedes made me take the vehicle in to their dealership in Kahului Maui to verify the issue which I did. They sent me a quote for the repair with no specific parts listed, just fuel module in the amount of $1884.71. Comments: "left fuel pump/filter assembly leaking" No warning lamps or check engine lights came on which is disturbing since exposed gasoline could lead to ignition with a small spark. With further investigation online I found that I am not the only GLK350 2014 owner that is having issues with fuel module leaking. Mercedes inspection form available here: https://app.mykaarma.com/service-cart/mpi/t8xQy8Ac2bYidaNLm0xxzW7MeeqxfPne_HG5wpWCmhQ/detail

Filed Jan 3, 2023 · Fuel system · TX

Gas leak when filling tank with fuel. Last year I had fuel pump replacement Smells like gas in my garage and I noticed leak This is not good

Filed May 27, 2022 · Fuel system · TX

When my child was riding in the same car with me, my car suddenly died due to all fuel leaked out. Our car ran out of gas because all fuel were leaked. We can smell gas inside the cabin. Initially I thought car died because we ran out of the gas. After receiving 2 gallon gasoline from the tow truck, we saw dripping gasoline from the bottom of the car when the car engine is on. I am glad it did not happen to me on the highway or there was no fire sparkles near by. My car is only 110K miles with no accident record. I do not expect a car has a defective hazard like this. People could be killed. We took the car to the dealership. Fuel Pump Assembly 221-470-17-90-28 and Fuel Filter Unit221-470-17-90-28 will be replaced. Benz has recalled 2011 model. I have news below, " The specific models are the 2011-2012 C300, GLK350, E350, S400 Hybrid, S550, S63 AMG, CL550 and CL63 AMG, but only those built from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Mercedes says there are some 5,800 vehicles affected by the latest recall in the U.S. the unit may crack when operated in high temperatures. This may cause fuel to leak, which could then cause a fire." My question is, why my 2010 model was not recalled? They were using same parts. If my car's parts has the defect, which caused "fuel to leak, which could then cause a fi re." for just under 110K miles, why the federal safety agency does not do anything to prevent this happen? If you search "Fuel leaking benz" , you will see tons of consumer complains. I could have ended up die if I was not lucky. Fuel pump is a critical part, it should not drip gasoline. Can you force Benz to take action before people died?

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasolineReported December 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles affected
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 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 fuel pump

Which Mercedes-Benz GLK350 years have fuel pump failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2010 (9 complaints), 2011 (5 complaints) and 2014 (4 complaints).

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