2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 41%of 214 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, 41% of the 214 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When my windows are down and im driving you can smell gasoline very strongly in the car. Even worse in the back seat area. Especially if my gas tank is filled. Im constantly getting a warning to check the gas cap and the gas light goes off flashing then my check engine light will go on.”
NHTSA complaint #11339854, filed 2020-07, 120,000 miles“There is a gas leak on the sending unit (fuel tank) when the vehicle is filled with fuel. This is an extremely dangerous issue, and it is common with the mercedes benz E320. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my child who complains of the strong smell of gas while riding in the car. It leaves the smell of gas in my garage as well..”
NHTSA complaint #10704053, filed 2015-04, 100 miles“Mercedes informed that they would not honor their warranty to cover their faulty fuel pumps. I have had several conversation with susan (executive referral manager) and she declined my request to pay for the invoice. My fuel pump failed and I had to have it replaced before the car had serious problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11053393, filed 2017-12, 103,000 miles“I filled the tank and it leaks on the garage floor at a steady drip underneath the rear driver passenger side tire where the tank sits ...notice it leaking from the top of the tank coming down on to the floor...I cannot fill the tank and the smell and the amount of gas on the floor I believe is quite hazardous in an enclosed garage underneath a bedroom.”
NHTSA complaint #10650706, filed 2014-10, 97,000 miles“When filling fuel tank very strong smell of gas inside of car and outside. When to mercedes dealership and explained the fault and they wanted $5000 to correct issue.found out there was a safety recall on this issue, and they refused to expedite as they said it was for 15 years and that had expired. No recall notices had been sent to me or the previous owner.I have had car for 4 years, previos owner had it for 6.contacted head office in atlanta still would not cover the issue”
NHTSA complaint #11316026, filed 2020-03, 155,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11031595Jan 10, 2015In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has decided to extend the warranty for certain fuel tank components in…
- 11031732Jan 9, 2015In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has decided to extend the warranty for certain fuel tank components in…
- 10057060Jan 9, 2015Mercedes- benz : see document search button for owner letter . In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, mercedes- benz has decided to extend…
- 10167553Jul 1, 2013Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load…
- 10029105Apr 2, 2009Mercedes benz: fuel loss at pressure regulator valve and/or poor engine running characteristics (shakes, knocks, surges, changes to lip home mode, poor output, poor fuel economy…
- 10026201Jun 16, 2008Mercedes benz: work on pressure regulator valve (as of cd13, 1600 bar system). Fuel loss at the pressure regulator valve and/or poor engine running characteristics (shakes…
- 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…
- 10023492Sep 4, 2007Mercedes-benz - leaking high pressure fuel pump/possible fuel loss/odor. Model e320 / model year unknown.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 | 50% |
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2006 | 9 | 22% |
| 2005 | 122 | 53% |
| 2004 | 117 | 58% |
| 2003 | 88 | 41% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 5% |
| 2000 | 4 | 9% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
| 1995 | 8 | 8% |
| 1994 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320
77 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320
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