2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 117about this part
- Share
- 58%of 203 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 117 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320, 58% of the 203 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Strong odor of gasoline after each complete fill-up. This vehicle is always in the garage.and odor lingers for several days following each fill-up. I have changed the entire fuel tank assembly and the problem is still there.no smell if I fill-up to no more than 80% of the tank capacity. Date and mileage are of the first occurrence are as shown are only an estimate.”
NHTSA complaint #10616251, filed 2014-07, 235,650 miles“A strong smell of fuel was present after starting the vehicle in my driveway. Checked the vehicle for leaks and found none. The following day, the same occurred in my driveway but fuel seeped from the rear of the vehicle when I backed up. Took the car to my mercedes mechanic who inspected the vehicle and replaced the fuel pump and lines located above the fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10503592, filed 2013-03, 88,000 miles“After filling up the fuel tank to full, I noticed a very strong fuel odor inside and outside of the car. Does not make any difference whether the car is moving or parked. The purge valve filter was replaced but the problem remains. I use this vehicle to transport my newborn son daily. His car seat is on the right rear of the passenger compartment, directly next to the fuel filler area.”
NHTSA complaint #10562283, filed 2014-01, 107,000 miles“I noticed a strong gasoline smell inside the garage when the door is closed. I walked around the car trying to determine where it is coming from. The strongest gas smell is around the rear wheelwell on the drivers side. Three days later, the gas smell went away. Then I went to fill-up my gas tank after four days and there is the gasoline smell again inside the garage on the same location.”
NHTSA complaint #10496313, filed 2013-02, 53,155 miles“Whenever I fill up my gas tank, I get a very strong gas odor in the car. Its very strong in the back seat and around the rear driver wheel on the outside. It goes away once my tank gets to 3/4 full approximately. My kids are in the backseat in their car seats, inhaling these fumes. Now my wife is pregnant, and she inhales these fumes too. The dealer wants to charge an arm and a leg. I need help.”
NHTSA complaint #10472417, filed 2012-08, 99,000 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…
- 10016670May 1, 2009Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. This may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain…
- 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320
50 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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