There was strong gas odor after filling up the car with gas. The rear passenger side would smell of gas until the gas tank reached below approximately 70% levels. After parking in the garage, it smelled as there was a gas leak. This would not occur if the we didn't fill up the gas tank. *tr
2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class fuel system problems
moderate 120 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
120
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 120 fuel system complaints filed for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 120 fuel system complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 11 model years of Mercedes-Benz E-Class in our records for fuel system problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2006 E-Class has a documented fuel-system defect affecting the sending unit seals, gaskets, and possibly the tank itself, causing fuel leaks and odors that emerge after full refills and persist even after dealer repairs. Out-of-warranty repairs can run $2,000–$3,500; Mercedes has generally refused recall coverage, making this a significant hidden cost risk for used buyers.
Owners of 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles report a persistent fuel-system defect centered on fuel leaks from the fuel sending units and/or fuel tank. The primary complaint is a strong gasoline odor—both inside and outside the vehicle—that typically appears after a full refill and worsens when the tank remains above three-quarters full. Owners describe pulling back rear seats and finding fuel puddled directly on top of the fuel tank sending unit assembly, particularly on the driver's side. The odor can linger for several days and reportedly causes nausea, dizziness, and headaches in occupants.
Many owners note that dealers have confirmed the leak originates from failing seals, gaskets, or the plastic sending-unit housing itself. The most severe cases involve fuel pooling under rear seat insulation, creating what owners describe as fire hazards. Several owners report the problem returning or worsening even after dealer repairs. Repair costs cited range from $659 to $3,800; some dealers replaced fuel sending units for $1,000–$1,300, while others insisted on full fuel-tank replacement at $2,000–$3,500. A 2011 recall campaign reportedly addressed the issue on some vehicles, but the problem persists on many others. Owners consistently note the defect occurs without accidents or neglect and believe Mercedes should issue a broad recall rather than charging consumers out-of-warranty repair costs.
Same Mercedes-Benz E-Class fuel system reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Leaking fuel sending unit seals and gaskets
Fuel seals, gaskets, and plastic components of the fuel sending unit fail, allowing raw gasoline to pool on top of the fuel tank in the area beneath the rear seat.
When: Typically appears after full refill, worsens when tank above 3/4 full, reported across mileage from 25,000 to 151,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline odor inside and outside vehicle, especially after refueling; Fuel puddling under rear seat and on top of fuel tank sending unit; Odor intensifies when tank is full, diminishes as fuel level drops; Gasoline-saturated insulation under rear seats; Nausea, dizziness, headaches from prolonged exposure to fumes; Smell can persist for several days after refueling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced fuel sending units at $659–$1,300 per unit (some vehicles have two units). Full fuel tank replacement at $2,000–$3,500 in cases where sending-unit repair failed. One owner paid ~$1,167 labor plus parts; another paid $1,022.57 for dual fuel pump/sending-unit replacement. A 2011 recall campaign reportedly performed on some vehicles but problem often recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2011 recall campaign addressed issue on some 2005 and 2006 E55 vehicles but did not resolve problem permanently for all owners. NHTSA investigations PE-12001 and EA-13003 opened. Owners report Mercedes-Benz generally refused out-of-warranty coverage and denied the defect was a manufacturing issue; some dealers offered discounted repairs (one discounted to $1,476 instead of full cost). One owner reported warranty coverage on a 2009 model but denial on 2006.
Fuel tank structural failure and cracking
The plastic fuel tank develops cracks at the top or fails internally, allowing fuel to leak and vapors to enter the vehicle cabin.
When: Reported at mileage ranging from 40,000 to 106,000 miles; typically appears after several years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline smell especially after full refill; Odor present both inside cabin and outside vehicle, driver-side rear area; Gas fumes entering cabin through HVAC system; Fuel stains and residue visible on ground and under vehicle; Check Engine light may illuminate
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (illuminated in some cases), Diagnostic code related to fuel system (one owner mentioned fuel-gauge malfunction code)
Repairs/costs cited: Full fuel tank replacement at $2,000–$3,500 (estimates and completed repairs). One owner reported repair cost of $2,000; another quoted $3,000; another paid $1,476 (discounted by Mercedes). One owner declined $3,000 repair estimate and traded the vehicle. In one case, multiple dealers performed smoke testing to confirm tank leak.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers and Mercedes corporate generally refused to acknowledge tank as defective or cover repair costs outside warranty. No recall issued for tank failure specifically, though one owner noted a recall for fuel filters on 2011–2012 models. Owners state Mercedes should issue recall to address the defect.
Fuel gauge and fuel-pump malfunction
The fuel gauge or fuel pump fails intermittently or permanently, leading to inaccurate tank-level display and, in one case, sudden power loss while driving.
When: One vehicle reported sudden gauge failure at 65 mph; problems recurred two months after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge shows incorrect level or fails to register full tank (may show 3/4 full when tank full); Engine deceleration from 65 mph to 0 mph on freeway despite fuel available; Gauge malfunction repeated after dealer repair; No warning light illuminated when gauge fails; Fuel pump may be faulty or exhibit intermittent open circuit
Codes mentioned: Intermittent open circuit detected in fuel pump
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced fuel gauge twice; problem recurred. One owner reported fuel pump replaced on 04/03/2012 due to intermittent open circuit. Fuel tank replacement eventually performed in one case ($2,500 estimate cited). Repair costs not fully detailed for gauge-alone replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall referenced for fuel gauge defect. One owner noted fuel safety light never triggered when gauge malfunctions, leaving driver unaware of low fuel. No manufacturer assistance mentioned.
Synthesized from 120 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
After filling gas tank, whiled stopped, there is a strong odor of gasoline evident. The small seems to originate near the rear passenger side. Sometime it's detectable inside the car, but mostly it's readily apparent outside the vehicle. After driving the car for 10-30 miles, the smell goes away. *tr
Very strong gasoline odor inside and outside automobile, strongest after refueling. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes benz e350. The contact stated that the fumes from the fuel tank were entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they advised him that the fuel tank and the fuel pump failed, in which both would require replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that the vehicle was…
Had fuel system trouble with your 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the fuel system problem on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 120 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,200 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Across the 110 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.