Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact removed the rear seat where the fuel tank was located and discovered that fuel was leaking into the vehicle underneath the rear seat instead of going into the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from underneath the vehicle, above the fuel tank. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,800.
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.
I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The odor is strong just after filling the tank, and then it disappears at appox. 3 quarters of a tank. This issue has been physically challenging for me, making me dizzy and giving me migraines. I'm also very concerned about the safety issues relating to gasoline fumes inside the car... My understanding is that this is a common issue for the said Mercedes Benz model and year. It is a dangerous parts defect that is unacceptable.
After fueling up, a smell of gas occurs. Slight gas puddle forms under the car after every fuel up. Drops gas gauge down and after that no more smell of fuel but still slight puddle of gas after leaving the car parked. Noticed it about a month ago and it seems to get worse. Doesn't seem safe knowing the car is leaking fuel.
Strong gas odor after filling gas tank. While in for service on vehicle other than gas odor mechanic at dealership found gas on skid pan under car while on rack. He said tank or possible o ring May be at fault. This was September of 2012. At that time I decided not to pursue repairs due to financial restraints. This January of 2015 I received a warranty extension addendum stating " specifically, the warranty on the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and related gaskets ( collectively the "covered fuel tank components") for gasoline-fueled, non pzev certified model year 2003-2009 e class and 2006-2011cls- class vehicles will be extended from original 4 year/ 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to 15 years, regardless of mileage." today I left my 2003 E320 for service to address the problem. …
Vehicle presented with red light indicating to take vehicle to workshop in red. Braking was extremely difficult, SRS system stalled the vehicle, emergency mode was activited,we were unable, at first to turn on the ignition switch. The vehicle operated as if it was paralyzed. We finally got the vehicle to run and turned vehicle into mb dealership. We were informed that the sbc unit was in need of replacement, we were beset with 1,800.00 repair. The vehicle is very dangerous to drive if you are not prepared for longer stopping distances, thankfully my husband was able to get the vehicle to the dealership. I found myself not strong enough to press on the brake pedal for adequate braking distance. Fuel: upon fueling vehicle, the fuel handle will stop and immense amounts of fuel will spurt out from fuel tank. There is also a smell of gas/fuel in the cabin after fill up. …
Daughter drives this car. I have owned it since 2005. Mercedes never notified us nor made us aware of an extended warranty on the defective fuel tanks. A mechanic told us about the warranty and told us to contact Mercedes immediately. February 2018 I contacted corporate office and they told me twice that I needed to have the car taken to Mercedes dealership and have them confirmed the issue. Twice Mercedes corporate office reps told me to drive it to dealership and have them evaluate the car, contact corporate for an " exception". I did just so. The car runs okay, however, the strong gas smell inside the car is frightening and I had the car towed to the Mercedes dealership because I could not chance my daughter dying in a automobile explosion. As a matter of fact, we have been renting cars from enterprise for my daughter for the past 2 months since her car is out of commission. …
We have been experiencing fumes of gas after the gas tank is completely filled. Later the car developed rough idling. We took the car to Mercedes-Benz of oklahoma city where the car has always been serviced for inspection, the dealership kept the car for four days. In the mean time we received a letter from Mercedes-Benz of USA notifying us of extension of warranty on fuel system for up to 15 years. When we asked the dealership about it we were told they know and are following the "bulletin" issued by the company. Initially we were told there was a leak on the top of the gas tank, however the car was returned to us by replacing the fuel filter under warranty. There was no paper work so we don't know what was actually diagnosed and done. The car is still idling rough, the fuel gauge is not reading correct (though the tank is full, gauge shows 1/4th empty). …
Recently on today 7-12-16 at 174,000 miles the display on my 2003 E320 4s Mercedes Benz all of a suddenly displayed an illuminated message in bright white : "brake" service brake visit workshop. My vehicle was in motion on a busy major highway when the hydraulic brake system exhibited this message. Shortly prior to this messaging, I notice my brakes were more hard to apply pressure,. I am glad I wasn't driving fast, this could have been a serious tragedy to myself as well as those others on the expressway just a as I was. 2. Problem with my gas tank after I fill the tank , the gas fumes become so intense after parking this vehicle inside my garage. I didn't know there were a recall. Is this fuel safety hazard recall still in effect? If so, whom do I contact to have it repaired at no cost to me the owner? 3. …
NHTSA investigations
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of…
Fuel System complaints in other E320 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320?
NHTSA has 88 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, 41% of the model year's 214 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 1% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.