On many 2003 and 2004 models. Broken fuel tank baffle inside fuel tank. This is well documented and could possibly cause explosion.

- Seneca , SC, USA

On July 22, 2020 the vehicle (2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)began making a loud banging noise in the rear when stopping and turning. I delivered the vehicle to a local shop where the vehicle was diagnosed as having a broken baffle in the fuel tank. The only solution is to replace the entire fuel tank. Many other owners of this model have experienced the same issue and is clearly a manufacturer defect; this cannot be caused by excess wear on the vehicle. Because there is now a large section of the fuel tank freely swinging inside, there is a chance that this could cause a spark and subsequent explosion. I cannot safely drive this vehicle until the fuel tank is replaced at a very large cost. This model should have been recalled when this issue was first coming to light over 15 years ago.

- Morrisville, PA, USA

I experience a strong odor of fuel when entering my vehicle and when driving the vehicle, also when driving the vehicle I heart a loud thumping sound coming from the trunk area. Sounds to me as though something is floating inside gas tank. This odor has sickened me and has severely upset my stomach to the point that I'm unable to drive my vehicle except for a short distance. The thumping sound is created when vehicle is moving or coming to a stop but happens continuously while driving.

- Palm Springs, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500. When the vehicle was started, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound underneath the vehicle near the fuel tank. Additionally, there was a constant fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Mercedes-Benz of Virginia beach (located at 4949 Virginia beach blvd, Virginia beach, va 23462, (757) 499-3771) where it was diagnosed that one of the baffles in the fuel tank fractured, separated, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000. The VIN was not available.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA