| Issue ID | 944584 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10478819 |
| Manufacurer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| Brand | MERCEDES BENZ |
| Model | E55 |
| Model Year | 2005 |
| File date | 23/02/09 |
| Component | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | This complaint is in reference to nhtsa action #pe12001. During 2009, at approximately 31k miles on the vehicle (2005 mercedes benz e55), a strong fuel smell/odor was evident in the passenger cabin. The smell was strongest at the rear seat driver's side. This issue was brought to the attention of a service advisor at a mercedes benz authorized service center. An open recall was indicated to replace the driver and passenger side fuel sender units in the fuel tank, located below the rear seat. The recall was performed at 31,300 miles and while the fuel tank was not replaced, the problem did appear to be resolved. During 2012, at approximately 50k miles, the same strong fuel smell/odor in the passenger cabin reoccurred, subsequent to the factory warranty expiration date. Upon closer inspection, after removing the rear seat bottom and driver and passenger side access panels, it was immediately apparent fuel had collected/pooled in a cavity on top of the fuel tank where the driver side fuel sender unit is located--ultimately confirming some type of fuel leak. When inspecting the passenger side fuel sender unit, the area appeared to be dry with no fuel leaking on that side. After this inspection was completed, the pooled fuel on the driver's side fuel tank was removed and the surrounding area was cleaned and dried before reinstalling the access panels and rear seat bottom. Currently at 54k miles, the fuel leak has been somewhat lessened/avoided by only filling the fuel tank to no more than 3/4 capacity (or, about 15 gallons out of 21). There remains, however, a slight fuel smell/odor reoccurring during instances when the vehicle has been parked outside for extended periods in the summer heat. Also, when the fuel tank is filled to capacity, the strong fuel smell/odor immediately returns and again requires the unsettling task of cleaning up the leaked fuel. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 31000 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | LADERA RANCH, CA |
| VIN pattern | WDBUF76J65AXXXXXX |
| 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 | 8 |
| 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 |