A strong gas smell in the passenger cabin as well as outside driver side passenger door and the check engine light prompted me to take the car to a local dealer. After diagnostic test, dealer indicated there was a leaking fuel purge valve and shut off valve. After a $1,600 quote, I requested they not do the work so I could take it for a second opinion. Was called back later that day and informed of a "miscommunication" and that the car was fixed with a $1,600 bill awaiting me. I worked out a payment agreement with the dealer and never took the car back despite intermittent gas smells in and outside the car and check engine light going on and off. The check engine light came back on for good less than 12 months later. Took car to another local shop where I was told one of the fuel pumps needed to be replaced. $600 later, and 4 more trips back to the shop, the check engine light and strong gas fumes still permeate the car. Took it to shop #3 today and was told there is a crack in the fuel tank. The quote is $1,700. I don't trust the dealer, and believe that the fuel pump replace by shop #2 was not the issue. It appears as if it's been the fuel tank all along. This is clearly a defect in the part as the car has never been in an accident and has less than 70K miles on it currently. It's a safety hazard and with two children, I don't have a choice but to fix the problem. Please let me know if there is anything additional necessary to help conclude this investigation. I'm hoping there will be recourse with mbusa to reimburse it's customers for the faulty part replacement and labor costs. Thank you.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Had to replace the fuel pump now I have to replace the fuel tank. Can not fill my fuel tank if so the fuel smell fills my home because I park in the garage. Took it to my mechanic and was told to watch for flames it could cause serious problems. Please help with this issue.

- Harvey, LA, USA

We purchased this vehicle recently from a private seller. The first time we filled up the tank, we noticed a very strong gasoline odor. I called the seller and he told me that the only way to avoid that is by not topping off the tank. I figured this wasn't normal, so I started doing some research. Turns out Mercedes E class vehicles have a problem with the fuel seal. In fact, there was a recall for this problem, but the local Mercedes dealer does not want to honor it because they say it is only for the amg models. But my model has the same problem. Then, upon further investigation, I found that a class action lawsuit against Mercedes was being filed this year for the same exact issue concerning E class vehicles from 2003-2009.

- Miami, FL, USA

Upon filling up the car emits a strong gas smell. The gas smell continues to be present all the time even when the car is parked and not turned on.

- North Babylon , NY, USA

Everytime I fill my fuel tank I've noticed a strong fuel odor. Upon inspection I have found the fuel tank to have traces of fuel on the exterior of tank, so my tank has a leak somewhere.

- Bloomfield , NJ, USA

Car was not moving when we noticed a strong odor of gasoline coming from the rear seat area, when we pulled into our garage the odor was so strong we moved the car to the outside to prevent a possible fire in our home, I called the dealer and the service manager immediately told me that he thought the gas tank sender/sensor was leaking and possibly that both sensors were leaking and possibly the tank. He also told me that gasoline could be pooling on top of the gas tank causing the odor. He later called me and confirmed that all of the above had happened and could be repaired for approximately $3250 I ask if this was a recurring problem on this model he said that there were no recalls or warning but they had seen this problem before. I then went on line and found a lot of blogs describing my problem almost identically. In my opinion this is a serious defect in the construction of this car and could and probably will cause serious injury and possibly death to some one riding in this model. I believe there is enough evidence in the recurring blogs that Mercedes is quite aware of this serious safety problem and are probably ignoring this very expensive fix, please do not ignore this complaint until someone or several are hurt or killed.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

I own 2004 Mercedes E500 4matic one day after filling gas tank with fuel notice strong smell came from driver rear side of the car. I drove to my garage and investigate this problem. The sending fuel unit located under rear seat drivers side has a crack from which fuel leaking out. Called to Mercedes Benz of usa several times, but they refused fix this problem. This is the serious safety issue.

- Parker, CO, USA

Cracked fuel filter module with leaking fuel under left back seat.

- Joliet, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that he smelled an overpowering odor of gasoline fumes in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls and offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 225,000. Updated 11/1/12 updated 11/13/2012

- Coto De Caza, CA, USA

The vehicle has the smell of gas venting into the passenger compartment and concerned for passenger safety. Currently the vehicle is not properly meeting or complying with epa regulations concerning proper emissions of fuel ventilation and has gross product safety issue concerning passenger(s) inside the vehicle. The fueling system is venting improperly and fuel sender is not sealed properly. Car has never had problem until current date of filing. Aware of current Mercedes corporate legal response to your enquire however the system has never been worked on (by Mercedes dealer) nor is this just a minor issue with low vehicle count. Please protect me and my family concerning this issue! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Hilliard, OH, USA

There is a strong fuel smell in the vehicle after filling up gas tank. Mercedes Benz dealer found the issue associated to left side fuel sending unit, which seem to be a recurrent issue with this model in Mercedes. Dealer requires $875.34 to fix the issue. I have contacted mbusa to see if they can help with this repair. In 2008 there was a voluntary recall #2008-020001, on some E and cls class for 03-06 vehicles, however I was told my car VIN is not part of this recall. Web forums of Mercedes Benz owners are filled with same complaint for all E class models with chassis W211. Please investigate this issue. I understand there is an open NHTSA case PE12-001 that may be related to my complaint. Thank you for your prompt attention. This is my second Mercedes W211 model vehicle with the same issue.

- Great Falls, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E-500. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle emitted the smell of gasoline fuel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 82,838. Updated 10/10/12 the consumer stated that the dealer found gasoline leaking underneath the rear seats and puddling. Updated 10/10/2012

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

There is a smell of gas fumes inside and outside of the car. When the tank is full, liquid gas can be seen running from the topside of the tank, to the driver's side fuel pump.

- Piedmont, SC, USA

Noticed a strong gasoline smell in my garage and inside my vehicle. Also noticed that my left rear passenger seat was discolored with dark yellow staining. Check engine light appeared on car and took to local Mercedes-Benz dealer to check problem and was told that the fuel sending unit had failed and that raw fuel was leaking in passenger compartment causing the gasoline odor and staining to upholstery. Was strongly urged by service advisor at Mercedes-Benz to replace the sending unit "anytime you're leaking fuel that's a safety issue". had sending unit replaced as advised and was told to keep windows down to air the car of gasoline fumes. Mercedes- Benz attempted to clean upholstery however this was unsuccessful and will likely need to be replaced.

- Houston, TX, USA

Strong fuel smell inside and outside of car after refueling.

- Mundelein, IL, USA

After filling my car with gas a strong odor of gasoline is present. You smell the odor from both inside and outside of the car. After the gas goes below about 3/4 of a tank the smell is no longer present. I have read several online complaints of other owners of this vehicle having the same issues.

- Marion, OH, USA

I came out to my garage one morning to find a my car wreaking of fuel. I decided to drive the car around for a few to see if it the pungent odor would go dissipate altogether. During this time, I took it to my mechanic to let him do a quick once-over before he left for the day. He stated that there was fuel leaking onto my exhaust. Being that he didn't have the tools and whatnot to replace the sending unit, I had it towed to Mercedes Benz. I was not going to let my girlfriend drive the car to the dealership. No way, no how. Skyland automotive(my local mecedes Benz dealership) found a puddle of fuel under my back seat. They replaced the fuel sending unit partially under my third party warranty. I, however, had to pay roughly $500 out of pocket. I have heard of this issue happening on many W211 E class cars, it has happened to some more than once. I'm at 7X, xxx miles now and definitely don't want to have to go through this again. Fuel leaking onto the ground is bad enough, but leaking onto my exhaust isn't to be tolerated. It's downright dangerous. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Brevard, NC, USA