2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 59%of 142 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 84 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500, 59% of the 142 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There is a very strong smell of gasoline coming from the back seat. When I fill the gas tank the smell is so strong it fills the entire garage. When I removed the back seat I found a small puddle of gas. I first started noticing the smell in the middle of last month -(march 2016)- and continues to get worse each time I fill the gas tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10855195, filed 2016-04, 61,135 miles“I have a 2004 mercedes E500 and after filling the car with gas I began to notice the strong smell of gasoline coming from the vehicle after leaving it parked in my garage. As the vehicle was driven and the fuel fell below 1/2 tank the smell got less and less. However, I just filled the tank again the smell is stronger than before.”
NHTSA complaint #10545557, filed 2013-09, 121,000 miles“I own 2004 mercedes E500 4matic one day after filling gas tank with fuel notice strong smell came from driver rear side of the car. I drove to my garage and investigate this problem. The sending fuel unit located under rear seat drivers side has a crack from which fuel leaking out. Called to mercedes benz of USA several times, but they refused fix this problem. This is the serious safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10478227, filed 2012-10, 78,500 miles“After filling my car with gas a strong odor of gasoline is present. You smell the odor from both inside and outside of the car. After the gas goes below about 3/4 of a tank the smell is no longer present. I have read several online complaints of other owners of this vehicle having the same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10468809, filed 2012-08, 53,000 miles“Fuel collecting under the left rear seat. Strong smell of gasoline inside and outside. Took the rear seat cover out and saw puddle of fuel. I am extremely concerned if it will catch fire and injure or cause death of my children. Updated 3/13/13 pictures received 03/19/13”
NHTSA complaint #10498086, filed 2013-02, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 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…
- 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
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500
26 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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