2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 24%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class, 24% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I started smelling gas in the car cabin. There was gas on my driveway as well. The gas sign started to flash on my dash and the check engine light came on. Went to the dealership and they said there was a major leak in the purge system. They quoted me $3066.88. They should take responsibility and not pass it on to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10556255, filed 2013-12, 88,900 miles“Each time I fill up the gas tank to capacity, the fuel tank emits vapors. It seemed somewhat tolerable in the past, though this past week, it was enough to go through walls and up 2 stories. It's past tolerable and just downright unacceptable now. I know I'm not the only owner to have this problem. Frankly I'm amazed a company with the pedigree of mercedes benz has allowed this to go unsolved across the market.”
NHTSA complaint #10476883, filed 2012-09, 210,000 miles“My whole garage smells like gasoline whenever we fill up the gas tank. The smell will remain until we drive the car for a few days, consuming perhaps 1/4 of the tank. This has been on-going only for the last year.”
NHTSA complaint #10585406, filed 2014-04, 80,000 miles“Very strong gas fumes when gas tank is full. Fumes completely permeate my two car garage and also enter passenger compartment. The fumes disappear when tank level reaches 7/8 full. There are several postings on different websites on the web regarding strong gas odor when the tank is full on e model mercedes years 2003 to 2006. This is a serious issue with potential for explosively and/or fire. I contacted mercedes requesting the issuance of a service recalled based on the apparent high incidence. The company does not seem interested in taking any action.”
NHTSA complaint #10433530, filed 2011-10, 107,000 miles“I own a 2003 e-class mercedes benz purchased this year from ralley motors, roslyn, new york. Since I took the title to the vehicle, there has been uncontrolled mild acceleration at low speeds, the car bucks and shakes upon de-acceleration resulting in my having lost control of the vehicle and consequently requiring my jamming abruptly on the brakes to avoid hitting another vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, the car had significantly steered to the right at all times, requiring my constantly having to steer to the left in order to drive straight ahead. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047007, filed 2003-12, 500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10025554Mar 1, 2008Mercedes benz service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Check fuel filter module assembly and repair or replace if necessary. Models 211 and 219 amg. Model…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 20% |
| 2006 | 6 | 60% |
| 2005 | 5 | 56% |
| 2004 | 5 | 33% |
| 2003 | 11 | 24% |
| 2001 | 1 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 4% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class
16 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology