Based on news reports from earlier this year, I understand that the NHTSA is investigating complaints of fuel leaks that are common with Mercedes Benz E-class models between 2003 - 2009. I am writing to submit a complaint about my wife's 2006 E 350 that was just serviced for a fuel leak. For sometime she noticed a gas smell after refueling. On 10/16/13 when she refueled the fumes in the car were very strong and did not go away so she took the car to the nearby dealership for service the next morning. The dealership identified the problem as a fuel leak. The leak was severe enough that gas had leaked into the cushions of the back seat where our 3 year old toddler typically sits. The dealership identified the problem as a "safety concern". I agreed. I also expressed my concern to the dealership and mbusa about the gas that leaked into the seat cushion and that the leak seems to be a common problem with their E-class models. Although we have paid for the completed repair, I requested that the repair be covered by mbusa. Because no recall exists, mbusa does not acknowledge the leak as a defect and is currently reviewing my request for an out-of-warranty repair coverage, including the replacement of the rear seat cushion. My wife, oldest son and I have previously been diagnosed with asthma. I am concerned that the fumes that continue to linger will threaten asthma-related complications. I am happy to provide additional information upon request.

- Huntersville, NC, USA

When the car's gas tank was filled, there was a distinct odor of gasoline when the car was parked in the garage. With a bedroom close by and an HVAC system above, we thought this was unsafe and needed to be fixed. We were told that the gas tank needed to be replaced and this was a common problem, but there had been no recall. Mercedes ended up charging us a discounted price of $1476 for the repair, but I think there should be a recall and Mercedes should have paid the full cost of repair.

- Irving, TX, USA

Strong smell of gas in my garage after filling up with fuel.

- Shelton, CT, USA

After each visit to the gas station to fill up with fuel have heavy odor of fuel around entire car. Especially when parked in garage overnight and entire garage smells of gas. Now have to park car outside.

- Santa Clarita, CA, USA

There is an extremely strong gasoline smell in the cabin and exterior of my vehicle. It is very strong smell immediately after filling the fuel tank, but continues to smell throughout the levels in the tank. I am very afraid of a possible fire due to the what seems to be excess gasoline. I am extremely fearful should I ever get involved in a rear end type accident. I feel that myself and my family are in danger until this situation is evaluated. This is a known condition that the manufacturer should take responsibility for and rectify the situation.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

Strong fuel odor was detected in my E350 Mercedes Benz car for few days. Called my Mercedes Benz maintenance shop( Mercedes Benz -green way plaza at houston tx). They checked the car and they told me this a common in this series car. The fuel leak was from fuel pump on top of the fuel tank. This is a very dangerous issue, especially in hot weather area like houston. I don't understand why there is no "recall" on this issue. Updated 09/10/13 updated 12/21/13

- Houston, TX, USA

Based on news items regarding Mercedes-Benz W211 (U.S.a. model year 2003-2008 E class) vehicles experiencing fuel leaks, an inspection of the fuel system was performed on the above listed vehicle. Gross exam revealed no fuel puddling on the ground beneath the vehicle and a lack of fuel odor within the interior and exterior environment immediately adjacent to the vehicle. However, removal of the rear seat bench, underlying insulation pad and left fuel pump access plate revealed fuel odor; closer inspection revealed the superior outer aspect of the fuel pump assembly to be wet with gasoline; fuel-induced discoloration (white to brown) of the plastic comprising this superior aspect was clearly evident. Pooling of fuel within the left pump well of the plastic fuel tank was not present. The clamped black rubber fuel delivery hose was secure and dry, as was the outflow nipple to which it was attached. The plastic immediately adjacent to the nipple was not discolored. No remedial action was taken at this point, however, installation of a new style pump (delivery unit with fluid level sensor, M-B pn A211 470 41 94) and seal ring (M-B pn A211 471 05 79) is planned in the immediate future.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

After filling fuel tank, noticed strong fuel odor on drivers side of car. Opened fuel sending unit access panel under rear seat and noticed fuel pooled on top of the sending unit. The fuel odor dissipates as fuel is consumed. However, the odor returns on each full tank fill. Summary: Gasoline is leaking from the fuel tank under the rear seat behind the driver.

- Mebane, NC, USA

Gas smell/leak when tank is full.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

The same day plate light, trunk remote opener stop working due to melted brown wire in the trunk dealer do not want to fix actually asked for 300 to check the problem. A lots of discussion is going on the web to solve but I could not. Fuel smell in the garage often.

- Bedford, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz E350. The contact stated that while parked he noticed a strong gasoline smell. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the fuel tank would have to be replaced because the fuel pump assembly was leaking fuel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

- Van Nuys, CA, USA

After returning home from the filling station and parking my E350 Mercedes in the garage, I noticed a strong fuel smell outside the driver's side rear of the vehicle, and to a lesser extent inside the car. I was certain I had not somehow "over-filled" it, and after repeated fuelings since then, I know that is not the case. This problem is occurring when the tank is above 3/4-full. It progressively lessens as the amount of fuel in the tank is reduced. I took the car to the Mercedes dealer (where I bought it new) and they advised that the fuel-sending unit is leaking. They wanted $659 for the repair which I declined as I wanted to first do some research and possibly get another quote since the price was absurd. I was then astounded to learn that this is a very common problem on these expensive vehicles, with numerous complaints documented within various automotive forums and filings with the NHTSA. It is wrong that a fundamental part like this should leak fuel. This is not a part that should require any service and in most circumstances should be expected to last the life of the vehicle. There are millions of other vehicles out there without such problems. So, clearly Mercedes did not get it right on their design. I am now concerned about parking the car in my garage since it presents a safety hazard due to the fumes. I expect this problem will only get worse. Mercedes needs to step-up and retrofit these vehicles now instead of leaving it up to the consumer to absorb the cost of their manufacturing mistake.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

Vehicle at 80,000 has fuel smells in and out of the passenger compartment. Had to replace the fuel tank to remedy the situation. Over $2,000 repair. Found out from the service manager at Mercedes Benz that it is a factory defect. Not good.

- Frisco, TX, USA

Strong gas odor inside the car. It made me dizzy and had to open the window fully. Closed the window with ac on at maximum fan speed would not help. The odor lasted for 2 weeks. I found the gas accumulated on top of the tank at driver side after I removed the rear seat.

- Rowland Heights, CA, USA

Leak on the sending unit in fuel tank. Possibly need to replace fuel tank as well. Strong gas smell. Evidently this happens on most of these card and no recall gas been made by mb.

- Dallas, TX, USA

The issue originated as a faint fuel smell when the tank was 3/4 full or higher, parked on slight inclines. The problem has become increasingly worse, and today left a trail of fuel behind it. Calling local dealership tomorrow. Current mileage is 123,3xx.

- Xenia, OH, USA

When entering the vehicle after it has been sitting for a period of time there is the smell of gasoline that lingers until the vehicle has been run for a short time. It happens no matter how much fuel is in the tank but it does not happen all of the time. It can go a week or more sometimes and not happen and then occur for several days straight.

- Lutz, FL, USA

Very strong, lasting, gas odor inside and outside the car. I searched forum of mbworld.org and found many similar complaints. The cause could be a leaking fuel lever sender due to broken seal. I removed the rear seat and found a puddle of gas on top of the tank. The dealer I called told me there was no recall on this matter and I world have to pay $160 for diagnostic even this is emission related safety issue.

- Rowland Heights, CA, USA

I took our car to the dealership for regular maintenance and state inspection. After receiving a phone that the gas tank had leaks and needed to be replaced for $2500 in order to pass state inspection I did some research and discovered that there are over 500 complaints being reported with this problem. Obviously, a gas leak is a major safety issue and given that it appears to be a common defect we are surprised that it has not been put into a recall status.

- Glen Allen, VA, USA

Purchased 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 4matic with 47,851 miles on odometer from mattie imports, Inc., fall river, MA on May 27, 2013. Automobile had approximately one-quarter of a tank of gasoline at purchase. Salesperson declined purchaser's request to "top-off" the gas tank prior to buyer leaving sellers lot. On May 28, 2013 buyer filled gas tank with fuel. Buyer immediately noticed a strong gasoline odor which continued after exiting fueling station. Odor progressed from exterior of automobile into automobile cabin. Buyer checked fuel tank filler cap and confirmed it was properly engaged. Buyer inspected the entire automobile for any leaking fluids and found none. The strong odor of gasoline persisted throughout the night while the automobile was parked in buyer's garage. Buyer left the garage door partially open and placed a fan in the opening and set the fan to exhaust in an effort to remove the strong fuel odor. The following morning the strong gasoline odor was still present. Buyer's 13 year old son was unable to withstand the odor and had to cover his nose and mouth while passing through buyer's garage. Buyer has experienced nausea and lightheadedness since being exposed to the odor. Upon research buyer learned that there exists and ongoing NHTSA investigation into this issue and a class-action lawsuit as well.

- Fairhaven, MA, USA