Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a fuel leak, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. A diagnostic test revealed an Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) control system leak. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Also I have had the exact same thing happen to me in the recall dated 3/15/2013. After taking a long trip up to san francisco when I got home my oil tank was leaking -there was a strong odor of gasoline coming from my backseat. I took it in to the dealer they replaced my fuel tank but before they did that they sent me on the road without fixing and no rental car. I thought I would pass out from the smell of gasoline. The dealer told me to roll my windows down when driving what? I drove my car like that for approx 1 week before the fuel tank came in. They did pay for it. I was concerned if I where to smoke in the car what would happen?
After filling gas tank, whiled stopped, there is a strong odor of gasoline evident. The small seems to originate near the rear passenger side. Sometime it's detectable inside the car, but mostly it's readily apparent outside the vehicle. After driving the car for 10-30 miles, the smell goes away.
2006 Mercedes Benz E500 - I noticed a strong smell of gas. Outside of the car you could smell gas coming from the rear end under the wheel well. Inside of the car it was coming from the back passenger seat area. I called Mercedes Benz corporate office which then directed my call to customer care. They said they would refer me to a authorized mb dealer, and their were no recalls on my vehicle at the present time. The dealer they referred me to was walter's Mercedes Benz in riverside ca. I took it in and, I received a call the next morning stating it was my fuel filter & sensor. They also found a small oil leak. Fyi I have never seen any oil leakage from my car. Then went on to tell me that the repair was not covered by any recalls and it would cost me $790 for the fuel filter replacement and $1300 for the oil seal replacement. …
I have a 2006 E500 sedan. Just before the three year warranty expired, we notice a strong fuel smell in the car. We had a Mercedes dealer, check it out and the serviceman said he found the problem with a seal on the fuel pump panel below the left rear seat. Said he had the problem fixed. This was the area of the problem but he didn't stop the leak. After the warranty expired we had the car serviced and the dealer found a bayonet fitting to a overflow cannister disconnected. The leak problem still persist and I have resorted to not filling the car up with gas. I have had to rip out the sound proofing blanket under the rear seat because of fuel odors. ( it got soaked. ) the seat foam got wet in the area just above the fuel access panel. Is there a seal (o-ring or otherwise in the fuel tank o cap in that access area) should I take the cap off and look for a burr on the tank? …
The interior cabin of my 2006 Mercedes Benz E500 has a strong odor of gasoline, especially after refueling. Recently, I get headaches and dizzy when driving, so I have to roll down the windows to get rid of the smell. I have addressed this problem to multiple Mercedes Benz service centers and they said that there is no danger but if I wanted the smell to go away, it would cost me appx $2000. I feel that this is a danger while driving because the fumes can cause the driver to pass out, or a spark in the car possibly from a short circuit or cigarette lighter could ignite in the car and cause an accident. After doing research regarding this matter, it seems it is the exact complaint of: reference NHTSA action number: pe12001. I feel that this engineering/manufacture defect should be addressed by Mercedes Benz and repaired due to its potential hazards it May cause on the highway.
Strong smell of gasoline inside & outside of car for 2-3 days after gas fill up. Car into Mercedes Benz of pembroke pines fl. Oct. 10, 2010. Replaced l/side fuel sender unit. Strong smell of gasoline remained so strong could not drive more than a few blocks or park in garage. Car back to Mercedes nov. 5, 2010. Diagnosis - faulty gas tank vent. Replaced gas tank got car back nov. 13, 2010. Repairs well over $2000. Even though car emitted gas smell detectable from 50 feet, and clearly unhealthy to drive, not considered emission issue. Mercedes internet forums indicate this is a common problem with 2003-2006 e class.
I noticed strong gasoline smell in my 2006 E500. The smell is very strong inside the cabin and my vehicle always stays in the garage. When I walk into the garage I also smell a very strong gas odor. I had similar smell 2 years ago and got it to the dealer. They said the fuel tank opening under the rear seat was not properly closed and leaked the gas. They claimed they fixed it and also replaced any insulation that was there the to ensure smell completely goes away. For a while I was not getting the smell but it suddenly started coming and it is very strong. I also hear that it is affect lots of vehicles.
I am greatly concerned. I smell gas inside and outside of my Mercedes E500 2006 model. After fueling up my car , I smell gas inside the cabin towards rear seat area and outside of the drivers rear of the car. This cannot be safe and not healthy breathing in fumes of gas . I have children that sit in the back seat. They are breathing in fumes . My son was diagnosed with cancer after this problem with the car. I question if this was the cause, exposure to gas inside the car. The car is @ the Mercedes dealer being looked at as we speak.
Fuel smell inside cabin after refilling to 100% capacity. Only goes away once car has crossed 3/4 tank which is normally about 75 miles. There have been hundreds of complaints just like this, I have had it looked into as much as I could, but could not afford to have my mechanic pull the fuel tank to diagnose further. This needs to be looked into and fixed. Normally Mercedes is excellent when it comes to safety issues, I'd think they'd take this a bit more seriously. This investigation is related to action number pe12001.
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 E500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500, 58% of the model year's 50 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500, though it has 4 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles.
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.