| Issue ID | 942096 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10476612 |
| Manufacurer | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. |
| Brand | MERCEDES BENZ |
| Model | E350 |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| File date | 05/09/12 |
| Component | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | 2006 mercedes benz model e350. Strong fuel odor emanating from rear area (trunk) of vehicle on the outside. Car would not start and towed by aaa to mercedes benz dealership/car repair. Aaa tow driver stated that the odor of gasoline was so strong he was tempted in calling the fire department. Mercedes benz service representative informed us at first that car was full of water. Originally the mechanic claimed he found a pool of water inside the car's trunk. The service representative informed the technician of our complaint of a strong odor of fuel coming from both inside and outside the vehicle. It was at this time the technician stated that he found a heavy pool of fuel in the trunk area of the vehicle. They were unable to identify the source of the fuel leak. They changed the gasoline tank and fuel pump but were uncertain of the actual cause of the leak. The vehicle remained at the dealership for one week. Mercedes benz service manager refused to acknowledge the fuel leak was caused by a factory defect and not by wear and tear of the parts and we were charged for all the repairs. We are aware that similar incidents have been reported for the same mercedes benz model in other states. We feel this needs to be addressed urgently before someone either gets hurt or loses their life. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 72488 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | PEMBROKE PINES, FL |
| VIN pattern | WDBUF56J96AXXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | 0 |
| No. of fatalities | 0 |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 0 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |