2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Fuel System Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  424%
• 50k–75k
  953%
• 75k–100k
  16%
• 100k–150k
  16%
• 150k+
  212%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, a strong fuel odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact rolled down the windows, but the fuel odor was still detectable. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicle, but there was no visible fuel leakage. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was diagnosed that a cover for the passenger's side fuel sending unit was leaking gasoline. The passenger's side fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when fuel was administered into the vehicle, he observed a strong fuel odor in the cabin. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that as he came out to inspect the vehicle he observed a leak under the vehicle near the fuel spout. The vehicle was inspected and the rear seat and the access panel were removed and a large amount of condensation was present near the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,143.

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact took the vehicle in for an oil change and was informed of a recall for fuel system failure. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor whenever there was more than tank of fuel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with Mercedes-Benz Technical Service Bulletin Number: 2013020002. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong fuel odor was detected. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,900.

I noticed about to 6 months or less that my car would shut off or stall after starting ignition and also hearing water sloshing behind the dashboard and the radio does not work and the rear camera goes on/off which is safety hazard, and the Engine symbol remain lighted up even after checking all components. Also, on a few occasion my floorboard in the passenger back seat would be soak and wet. I took the car to my mechanic, and he inform that the drain valve was not working properly. after doing some research on the internet I found that this particular incident was happening in several of Mercedes years 2009-2011 E50, that it was a recall on the water drain system. …

With less than 40,000 miles on the odometer, I noticed a gas smell both inside the car and outside. I was able to access the fuel filter assembly on the top of the gas tank and found it had a substantial leak resulting in a puddle of fuel on the assembly. The car has never been in a wreck on had any damage that would cause this problem. I researched and found earlier years of the same model had this problem resulting in Mercedes Benz extending the warranty to 150,000 miles for this part. They have refused to warranty my car. This is a major safety issue and by releasing gas fumes into the atmosphere is an environmental problem as well.

Purchased vehicle May 22, 2023 at Direct Auto Sales of Orlando, Florida. Approximately two and a half weeks later the subframe broke away from the support arm rendering the vehicle in an inoperable and unsafe condition. A local mechanic said this vehicle should not have been driven. He said we could have been in an accident and suffered severe injuries or even death. Mercedes Benz of South Orlando inspected the vehicle and reported the subframe, fuel tank, front and rear axles, exhaust system, support arms, motor mounts, etc need replacing. Cost is $30,000. How could anyone fail to see damage this extensive.and not report it.

On October 6, 2021 I took my vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek because ewhen I filled my gas tank there was a very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and in the garage. The service department found the passenger side fuel sender upper cover leaking. The same situation is occuring presently, April 5, 2023, very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and garage after I fill the car with gasoline. The Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek invoice # is 934052, Tag # TEK93. This is a safety issue that could ceate a fire hazard if the vehicle were to be involved in an accident.

I just recently discovered that after filling my car with gas, there is a strong odor of gas filled in the garage for over 24hours. When I googled the issue, I discovered that NHTSA did confirm issues with Mercedes E350 from 2003-2009. However, I have also discovered that several owners outside of that model year period are having the exact issue. I ask you please reconsider and open the recall so that Mercedes can pay to fix my car before a fatality occurs. Thank you [redacted]

There is a strong odor of gasoline inside the passenger compartment and around the outside of the vehicle when the gas tank is filled. A previous maintenance code of 0456 was triggered. Several repairs have been done to try and solve this problem, but the issue still remains. There is currently no recall for this specific VIN model but Mercedes Benz have issued the recall for other models with the same issue.

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints in other E350 years