*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Fuel/propulsion system
Approximately in March 2026, I started noticing a very strong gasoline odor coming from my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-matic with original miles approximately 56,300. The fuel odor always got stronger whenever I would fill up the gas tank. The history on my car is such that it has always been garage kept. The gasoline odor coming from my car started getting stronger and stronger while in my garage. On Memorial Day 2026 I called HQ, Mercedes Benz and told them about the gas odor coming from my car. After the call ended I decided that the car needed to be towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz service center. I considered that the gas order to be very dangerous so I parked my car in the driveway.…
Mar 1, 2026Fuel/propulsion system
I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety-related defect involving the fuel system of my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. I have experienced a persistent gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. The presence of fuel odor is not a normal operating condition and reasonably indicates a potential failure involving the fuel tank, fuel lines, or related fuel system components. Fuel vapors present a known fire and explosion hazard and constitute a safety risk to vehicle occupants, surrounding vehicles, and property. This condition was not present prior to the issue and has persisted despite inspection. I reported this concern to Mercedes-Benz USA and referenced that fuel odor and fuel…
Dec 20, 2025Unknown or otherFire
Vehicle started smoking and caught fire while I was driving. Pulled over and vehicle erupted in flames. It took firefighters 2 hours to put out that fire.
Feb 28, 2024Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon making a stop, he noticed fuel leaking onto the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall for the fuel tank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Sep 5, 2022 · 71,000 milesFuel/propulsion system
the car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought it? this is very dangerous and can cause an explosion. the warranty should have been fixed rather than quoted and seems very greedy to not disclose that information but instead giving a quote. i have lung and heart problems and this is a definite safety issue that needs to be corrected regardless of the age of the car also brought it to dealership scared and they told me too bad it's been too long.…
Jan 12, 2022Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake malfunction warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the SBC hydraulic unit needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04V296000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 199,700.
Jul 1, 2021 · 199,700 milesFuel/propulsion system
VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL. WHEN I FILL CAR UP WITH GAS IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TANK AND ON THE GROUND. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SAID I MISSED THE TIME FOR THE RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE RECALL ENDED IN 2019 SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE MCKINNEY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP AND I INFORMED HIM THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE CALL THE SPC HYDRAULIC PUMP. TURNS OUT THAT IS ALSO A RECALL THAT IS WIDELY KNOWN.AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT SO THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE IT UP THERE AT THE TIME DUE TO COVID. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HONOR THIS SINCE THIS…
Apr 2, 2021 · 141,111 milesSeat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RELEASING THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH AN AUDIBLE CHIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED LATCH SECURELY IN THE BUCKLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CENTER SEAT BELT TONGUE CEASED IN THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V534000 (SEAT BELTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Jun 23, 2020 · 166,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.