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.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

Strong smell of gasoline vapors inside cabin while driving and also while parked. Got headache while driving from fumes. First noticed smell of gasoline when I entered my garage. Then I noticed gasoline leaking near rear driver wheel. Towed car to mechanic. Mechanic said there was a leak in the fuel sending unit on the drivers side. Mechanic replaced the fuel sending unit. Seems to me that gasoline vapors in my garage or inside the cabin are a health hazard and potential for explosion.

- Austin , TX, USA

Reference NHTSA action number: PE12001. Smell fuel after filling tank. Smell noticeable outside car. Smell would go away when fuel level drops. 6/22/12, during normal maintenance visit at dealer, I mentioned fuel smell. They found fuel smell coming from a leaking fuel pump O-ring seal. They replaced the O-ring on the top of the fuel tank. I filled the tank 5 days later. Smelled fuel again. I removed the back seat and opened the fuel pump access port. The well around the fuel pump housing was full of fuel. 7/5/12, returned car to dealer. They said that the tank was "warped" and needed to be replaced. The leak seems to have stopped, but fuel had leaked onto the insulation under the back seat. The interior of the car now reeks of gasoline, almost to the point of not being able to drive due to smell.

- Claremore, OK, USA

Everytime I fill the car up with gas I smell a gas leak coming from the fuel pump under the rear seat driverside.

- East Elmhurst, NY, USA

Fuel vapor leek around the fuel tank. If tank is filled beyond 3/4 a strong odor of gas permeates the cabin as well as the immediate area surrounding the car. Can not keep in an enclosed garage for fear of explosion.

- Austin, TX, USA

Strong gasoline smell inside car....fuel sending unit under rear seat pooling with gasoline......occurs at fillup and smell reduces as tank empties.....

- Nashville, TN, USA

Fuel smell when vehicle is filled up...fuel leaking at top of fuel tank...this is a know problem with the W211 E class cars from 2003 to 2009 dealer wants $2000 to repair this flaw in the fuel system Mercedes will not help at all with this known problem.

- St Johns, FL, USA