2005 Mercedes Benz E320 complaints

THE CAR HAS A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL BOTH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AS WELL AS OUTSIDE THE CAR AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK. THIS SMELL PERSISTS FOR SEVERAL DAYS, UNTIL THE TANK GETS TO BELOW 3/4 FULL, AT WHICH TIME THE FUEL SMELL GOES AWAY. THE STRONG FUEL SMELL RETURNS WHEN THE TANK IS AGAIN REFILLED TO FULL CAPACITY. THE SEALS AROUND THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT AT THE TOP OF THE TANK WERE REPLACED TWICE WITH FACTORY MERCEDES-BENZ PARTS BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC, AND THIS HAS NOT STOPPED THE PROBLEM. THERE APPEARS TO BE A LEAK IN THE GAS TANK OR OTHER FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND DID NOT SEE ANY FUEL LEAKS AT THAT POINT, LEAVING ME TO SUSPECT A LEAKING GAS TANK. *TR

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. *TR

STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE CABIN AND GARAGE AFTER FILL UP, BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM KENDALL DODGE IN MIAMI FL. THE DAY BEFORE, FILLED UP TWICE AFTER THAT AND THE SMELL OF GAS IS DANGEROUSLY PRESENT EVERY TIME. THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND REPAIR COSTS OVER $2000.00. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED WITH TRAUMA TO THE HEAD. THE PASSENGER WAS FATALLY INJURED WITH TRAUMA TO THE TORSO AND THE TWO REAR PASSENGERS DIED FROM SMOKE INHALATION. THE POLICE WERE ON SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE THAT ERUPTED UPON IMPACT. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *TR

I OWN A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E 320. I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE CAR, ESPECIALLY AFTER FILLING UP, FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IT HAD GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME, SO I HAD IT CHECKED EARLY ON BY MY MECHANIC BUT OBSERVED NO LEAKS. THE GAS VAPORS CONTINUED TO BECOME WORSE, SO BAD THAT I HAD TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE FOR FEAR OF EXPLOSION AND/OR FIRE. MY GAS WATER HEATER IS IN THE GARAGE AND MY CHILDRENS BEDROOM IS ABOVE IT. EARLY ON, MY WHOLE FAMILY BEGAN HAVING HEADACHES, NAUSEA, AND BURNING WATERY EYES. WE NOW KNOW IT WAS GASOLINE VAPORS EMITTING FROM THE FAULTY GAS TANK SEALS WHICH ARE LOCATED BELOW THE REAR SEATS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER NEAR MY HOME; WALTERS MERCEDES BENZ. THE SERVICE AGENT, [XXX], CALLED AND SAID THAT THE SEALS IN THE GAS TANK WERE LEAKING AND IT WOULD COST $750 TO REPLACE THEM. ALSO, THE TECHNICIAN OBSERVED SOME POSSIBLE LEAKING ON ANOTHER HOSE TO THE TANK AND IT WOULD BE $2,400 TO HAVE THE WHOLE TANK REPLACED. I FOUND THIS OUTRAGEOUS, BUT HAD NO OTHER CHOICE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT MERCEDES HAD A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE SAME PROBLEM TO OTHER CARS SIMILAR TO MINE. THE SERVICE MANAGERS AT WALTERS SAID THAT MY VIN NUMBER DIDN'T MATCH THE RECALL. SO, I CALLED MB USA (800-367-6372) TO HAVE A CASE OPENED. [XXX] (EXT [XXX]) IS THE CASE INVESTIGATOR ASSIGNED. HIS SUPERVISOR IS [XXX]. (EXT [XXX]). I EXPLAINED THE ABOVE TO ANDREW H. WHO STATED THAT HE WOULD BE CONTACTING WALTERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER AND GET BACK TO ME WITHIN 48

MY CAR REMITS STRONG GASOLINE ODOR EACH TIME THAT I REFUEL MY TANK. WHEN I NOTICED THIS SMELL I THOUGHT IT HAD TO DO WITH THE GAS CAP. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BE INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD MY FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR HAD ABOUT 45000 MILES ON IT WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE SMELL. A CAR WITH THAT LOW OF MILEAGE SHOULD NOT BE EXPERIENCING A FUEL TANK LEAK. I AM SERIOUS CONCERNED ABOUT MY CAR CATCHING FIRE AND EXPLODING. PLEASE HELP. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, A FUEL ODOR WAS SMELLED INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 05/28/13*LJ UPDATED 06/11/2013 *JS

THE FUEL TANK LEAKS WHEN TANK IS FILLED ABOVE 3/4 . GAS POOLS UNDER REAR SEAT AND LEAKS UNDER CAR. *TR

FUEL LEAK, SMELL OF GASOLINE IN GARAGE. POSSIBLE LEAKING FUEL TANK, LEAKING FUEL SENDING UNIT OR FUEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION. IT IS DANGEROUS AND MAY CAUSE FIRE OR EXPLOSION DUE TO THE FUEL LEAK. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR

COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK, I STARTED TO GET THE STRONG GAS SMELL EVERY TIME I FILL UP THE GAS TANK. THE SMELL STAYS THERE FOR 2-3 DAYS. IT'S SO STRONG THAT IT FILLS UP THE WHOLE GARAGE WITH THAT FOUL GAS SMELL. SOMETIME WE CAN EVEN SMELL IT IN OUR LAUNDRY. THE ENTIRE CAR CABIN GETS FULL OF FUEL SMELL AFTER I FILL UP THE TANK AND MY KIDS REFUSE TO SIT IN THE CAR. I ALWAYS FILL UP GAS AT CHEVRON AND IT COMES WITH TECHRON. I WAS THINKING THAT IT'S THE TECHRON SMELL AND SINCE IT USED TO GO AWAY IN A DAY OR TWO, I NEVER WORRIED ABOUT IT MUCH. BUT TODAY WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO FIX SOME OTHER THINGS, HE ALSO NOTICED THE GAS SMELL AND TOLD ME THAT THE LEFT FUEL SENDING UNIT ON MY CAR IS LEAKING AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH E CLASS CARS AND MB SHOULD RECALL OR REPAIR IT FOR FREE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING, SHE SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 4/26/13 *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AFTER BEING REFUELED. AN APPOINTMENT WAS SECURED WITH THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL TANK FILL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL SMELL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,500.

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WE NOTICED A MILD GAS SMELL AFTER FILL UP. THE SMELL USED TO GO AWAY IN A MATTER OF HOURS, SO WE ATTRIBUTED THAT TO POSSIBLE SPILL DURING REFILL. GRADUALLY, SMELL BECAME STRONGER AND LASTED LONGER. EARLY JANUARY 2013, AFTER A RECENT FILL UP, WE STORED THE CAR IN GARAGE FOR 2 WEEKS WHILE USING OUR OTHER VEHICLE. THE SMELL BECAME SO STRONG, IT WAS FELT IN LAUNDRY ROOM NEXT TO THE GARAGE. SMELL WOULDN'T GO AWAY SO WE SUSPECTED A GAS LEAK. UPON EXAMINATION BY DEALER, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE IS SIGNIFICANT GAS LEAK UNDER REAR SEAT (PASSENGER SIDE). THE LEAK WAS FROM A DEFECTIVE FUEL FILTER AND SENDER UNIT. WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON DEFECT WITH 2005 E320 CLASS CARS. INDEED MANUFACTURER HAD ISSUED A RECALL IN 2008 COVERING LEAKING FUEL FILTERS. THE RECALL INCLUDED 2005 E320 BUT APPARENTLY DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY/HEALTH HAZARD THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

FOR THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS WE HAVE SMELLED A GAS ODOR IN OUR GARAGE AND ON THE INSIDE OF OUR 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. SINCE AN ODOR OF GAS CREATES THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN WE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR 01/22/2013 (TODAY). THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN FIELDS MOTORCARS - 209 S. LAKE PARKER AVENUE, LAKELAND, FL 33801. WE ARE ALSO HAVING THE ANNUAL SERVICE DONE AT THIS TIME. AFTER INSPECTION THIS MORNING, THE MECHANIC ADVISED OUR SERVICE WRITER THAT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. BASED ON THEIR RECOMMENDATION THE FUEL TANK IS BEING REPLACED. ANY FUEL LEAK HAS A POTENTIAL FOR DANGEROUS AND FATAL CONSEQUENCES. THE COST FOR THIS IS APPROXIMATELY $2000.00. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THE FUEL TANK LEAK IS NOT COVERED BY THE FACTORY WARRANTY, NOR IS THERE A GOVERNMENT MANDATED RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO US TOMORROW, 01/23/2013. IN RESEARCHING THE FUEL TANK LEAK IN OUR VEHICLE, I HAVE FOUND THERE IS AMPLE INFORMATION INDICATING THE FUEL TANK LEAKING ISSUE IS NOT LIMITED TO MY VEHICLE. I ALSO NOTED THAT IN FEBRUARY, 2012 THE NHTSA HAS OPENED UP AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER. IN ADDITION, THE TEXAS LAW FIRM WIGINGTON, RUMLEY DUNN & RITCH ALONG WITH GEORGIA LAW FIRM CONLEY GRIGGS PARTIN FILED A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ON JULY 18, 2012, AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA AND ITS GERMAN PARENT CORPORATION DAIMLER ON BEHALF OF THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS WHO PURCHASED MODEL YEAR 2003-2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS VEHICLES. AS A CONSUMER P

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR WHILE THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE FUEL TANK HAD LEAKED AND FUEL ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND COLLECTED IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL GASKET HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 100,000.

FUEL LEAK IN FUEL TANK. AROUND SENDING UNIT AND SOMEWHERE ELSE I CAN'T TRACK DOWN. *TR

VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR FROM CAR, LOOKED UNDER CAR EXPECTING A LEAK BUT COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING, RESEARCHED ONLINE FURTHER FOUND SIMILAR STORIES POSTED BY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. ASKED MY MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC, HE CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL TANKS ON THESE CARS AND BENZ REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THEM! COST ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC IS APPROX $2000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, SHE COULD SMELL GASOLINE BUT THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL PLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON BUT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

EVERY TIME THE CAR IS FILLED UP WITH GAS, THERE IS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. REMOVED THE BACK SEAT AND THE PLATE THAT COVERS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND GAS PUDDLES UP AROUND THE SEAL OF THE SENDING UNIT. HAD SEAL REPLACED, BUT THAT ONLY HELPED FOR ABOUT A MONTH. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN TANK IS FULL (PROBABLY DUE TO THE PRESSURE IN THE TANK). THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND I TRY TO AVOID FILLING TANK COMPLETELY, BUT SOMETIMES IT'S HARD TO TELL WHEN IT'S GETTING CLOSE TO FULL. THE PROBLEM ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS ALSO A SENDING UNIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

CABLE HARNESS AND CONNECTORS IN STEERING COLUMN AIRBAG, POOR CONNECTION FROM USING STEERING WHEEL. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS DISINTEGRATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FRONT THRUST ARMS WITH BUSHINGS HAD TORN BOOTS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TRANSMISSION DATA LINK CONNECTOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL AFTER FILL UPS. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER EXPECTING IT TO BE A SEAL OR SOMETHING BUT FOUND OUT THAT THE TOP OF THE TANK IS PRONE TO CRACKING AROUND THE INLET. WHEN THE FUEL IS FULL IT LEAKS. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE E CLASS. SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE A CAR THAT IS ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD THAT HAS A PROBLEM WITH A LEAKY GAS TANK? I THINK IT COST BETWEEN 2K AND 3K TO REPLACE THE TANK. I REALLY DON'T THINK A CAR THAT IS THAT EXPENSIVE,THAT NEW SHOULD HAVE A ISSUE LIKE THIS? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL, HE WOULD SMELL GASOLINE FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS LEAKING. THERE WAS ALSO A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD WORSEN WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS REFUELED TO CAPACITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC BUT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK, I NOTICED A STRONG ODOR AFTER I GOT HOME AND GOT OUT OF CAR. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED PUDDLE OF GAS ON DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR JUST IN FRONT OF REAR TIRE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME NOW WHEN I FILL UP THE GAS TANK. MY SHORT TERM RESOLUTION UNTIL THIS CAN BE FIXED IS TO NOT FILL UP GAS TANK ALL THE WAY. *TR

NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR EMANATING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. ON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS FUEL POOLING UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK SEAT AND THAT TWO ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE SUBMERGED IN THE FUEL COLLECTING UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. THE FUEL ORIGINATED FROM A CRACK NEAR THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD NOT TO MENTION THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH ISSUES TO ALL PASSENGERS INCLUDING THE NINE YEAR OLD THAT IS TRANSPORTED IN THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED. *TR

ON A RIGHT TURN THE RACK AND PINION MECHANICAL PART FAILED. STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, AND ALMOST CAUSED A MOVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE MECHANICAL FAILURE CAUSED A BLOW BACK OF FLUID WITH METAL FILINGS INTO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE PUMP OVERFLOWED ONTO THE BELT. THE BELT THEN STRESSED THE WATER PUMP UNTIL IT TOO WAS BROKEN. $8,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE LEAKS IN THE FUEL TANK AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER REFUELING, A STRONG ODOR OF WOULD EMIT OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHEN DRIVING THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS CURRENTLY AN OPEN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE12001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP, FUEL SYSTEM ,GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,400. UPDATED 05/02/12*BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DENIED PROBLEM. UPDATED 05/12/2012 *JS UPDATED 10/12/12*LJ

I'VE HAD THE SMELL OF FUEL IN MY E320 BASE MODEL FOR ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS NOW. I DIDN'T PAY IT MUCH ATTENTION UNTIL NOW (3/31/2012) WHEN I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH FOR MYSELF AND FOUND A LEAK FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO FUEL LINE HOUSING. I DID NOT TAKE PICTURES BUT THE HOSE LINE CONNECTION TO THE PUMP WAS CRACKED AND UPON TAKING HOSE OFF PUMP HOUSING, THE HOUSING CONNECTION SNAPPED COMPLETELY OFF. IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIND ANOTHER FUEL PUMP NOW BECAUSE VEHICLE IS DISABLE. *TR

AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK COMPLETELY FULL, I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. I REMOVED THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND ALSO REMOVED THE TWO PANELS THAT COVER THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. ONCE I REMOVED THE TWO PANELS I SAW A PUDDLE OF FUEL SITTING IN A LOW SPOT ON TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THIS CONCERNS ME AS IT IS PUDDLING AND VAPOR IS BEING PUT INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ATMOSPHERE. *TR

FUEL TANK LEAKS FUEL AT THE TOP WHEN TANK IS FILLED HIGHER THAN 3/4THS. THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED REPORTS OF THIS ON THESE MODELS ON THE INTERNET. THE ISSUE APPEARS TO START OCCURRING AROUND 90-100K MILES. SINCE MERCEDES ARE MADE TO GO MANY MILES THIS CAN BE AN ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE HAD IT AT A MECHANIC HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD REPORT THIS TO MERCEDES AS IT APPEARS THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK HAS A FLAW IN IT. WE HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM AS WE WANT IT TO BE INVESTIGATED. LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE SMELL OF FUEL WAS POTENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL LEVER SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

AFTER PARKING MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AFTER A REFILL, I NOTICE A THE SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM MY CAR. WHEN I TOOK A CLOSER LOOK I NOTICE THAT MY CAR WAS LEAKING GAS AND THE SMELL WAS HORRIFIC. THIS IS A SERIOUS EMISSION ISSUE THAT NOT SHOULD BE HAPPENING IN MERCEDES BENZ. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO EMIT A NOISE AND THE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE CURB AND THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF FOR ABOUT TEN SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE WITHIN SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS OR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE LEAK WAS LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WOULD EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE DURING THE FIRST FIFTY MILES OF DRIVING AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE, INTERFERING WITH THE CONTACTS ABILITY TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING ABNORMALLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE LEAKING FUEL TANK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,190.

VEHICLE WAS ACTING NORMALLY UP TO INCIDENT. ENTERING HIGHWAY ACCELERATING LIKE NORMAL AND PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF TRACTOR TRAILER WHEN SUDDENLY CAR HAD DRAMATIC AND FRIGHTENING LOSS OF POWER. FULL THROTTLE DID NOTHING. DOWNSHIFTING DID NOTHING. WITH TRUCK HORNS BLARING AND NEAR COLLISION, I PULLED OFF THE ROAD. RESTARTING CLEARED THE PROBLEM. DRAMATIC LOSS OF POWER HAS OCCURRED THREE MORE TIMES WITH NO WARNING NOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. NOW LIGHT COMES ON WITH EGR OUT OF RANGE CODE. DISCUSSING THIS WITH OTHER MERCEDES DIESEL OWNERS POINTS TOWARDS SOOT CLOGGED EGR VALVE AND SOOT CLOGGED INTAKE MANIFOLD. HOW SUCH A PROBLEM COULD OCCUR SO FREQUENTLY AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE WITH A COMPANY KNOWN FOR DIESELS IS UNKNOWN.

2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. CONSUMER STATES FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG ODOR OF GAS WAS PRESENT. AFTER THE FUEL FILTER PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED, THE MECHANIC HAD NO IDEA THERE WAS ALSO A GAS TANK PROBLEM. THE NEXT MONTH, THE STRONG ODOR OF GAS WAS BACK AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FUMES WERE COMING FROM THE GAS TANK DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE GAS TANK DESIGN. A HOLD WAS DISCOVERED IN THE GAS TANK UNDER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *JB

GAS LEAK REAR TANKS MERCEDES E320, GAS LEAKS OUT WHEN TANK IS FULL, DEALER SAYS TO NOT TO; OFF TANK. CILL COST $2200 TO FIX. NO WARRANTY. CAR ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND NEEDS NEW GAS TANK. DEALER SHOULD PAY FOR THIS KIND OF MAINTENANCE, IS REPLACING GAS TANK EVERY 5 YEARS TYPICAL MAINTENANCE? THIS COULD CAUSE FIRE, VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. CONSUMER STATES BRAKE FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED AS SHE WAS DRIVING 65 MPH. THE DASH LIGHTS INCLUDING THE BRAKE LIGHT LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE CONSUMER APPLIED REPEATED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE ND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE BRAKE SBC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

I WAS DRIVING A 2005 E320 MERCEDES AND HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE PASSES THE STOP SIGN AND WE HAD A CAR ACCIDENT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLORED AND I WAS INJURED. *TR

CAR BOUGHT OFF LEASE FROM MERCEDES BENZ CREDIT AT AUCTION. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO SMELL STRONG FUEL VAPOR ODOR WHEN THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH FUEL. DETERMINED THAT FUEL TANK IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THIS PLASTIC FUEL TANK HAD A CRACK IN IT. IT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY COST. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A NATIONAL RECALL AND BE PAID FOR BY MERCEDES BENZ. ONLINE, THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS OCCURRING IN OTHER MERCEDES E320'S LIKE MINE. THE DEALER ADMITTED REPLACING OVER 20 OF THESE FUEL TANKS PER MONTH.

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACTS GARAGE WHEN THE CONTACT COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REFUELED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000. SM.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE NOTICED A GASOLINE ODOR AND A LEAK ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A SPURGE LEAK. THE DEALER PERFORMED A SMOKE TEST WHICH DID NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED ON JANUARY 12, 2009. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL EVERY TIME HE ADDED FUEL TO THE VEHICLE AFTER THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER ON MAY 6, 2010. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SEAL IN THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER ON JANUARY 31, 2011 AND THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED SINCE THE FUEL TANK WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 04/08/11*LJ UPDATED 12/28/2011 *LN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WHEN A BEEPING NOISE SOUNDED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN FORCE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES THERE WAS MINIMAL RESPONSE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT WAS REPLACED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,264.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E320 CDI (NA) EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES (MODEL AND SIZE UNKNOWN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT HAD THE TIRE CHANGED. THE VEHCIEL WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER TO REPLACE THE TIRE. THE CONTACT WROTE A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.