After fueling my car, gasoline smell became intolerably strong. I called the dealer and they told me that the 2007 e350 is known for leaks and I should bring it for a diagnostic check. The manufacturer according to the dealer is aware but no federal action has been mandated. Estimates could range from $1000 to $2000. Bummer. *tr
2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class fuel system problems
moderate 103 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
103
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 103 fuel system complaints filed for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 103 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 #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 E-Class fuel system fails consistently across three primary failure modes: fuel sending units leak beneath the rear seat, fuel tanks crack at seams and vent connections, and fuel pumps stop working altogether.
Owners describe gasoline pooling in 2–6 cup quantities directly under the rear seat fuel pump assembly, creating intense odors that penetrate the cabin and garage. The leak typically appears at the seal between the sending unit and tank or from the top of the pump itself when the fuel tank is full; odor subsides as the tank drops below 3/4 capacity. No visible ground leaks appear in many cases, but fumes enter living spaces strongly enough to trigger heating-system safety warnings and cause nausea and headaches during driving.
Dealers acknowledge this as a "known problem" present in earlier E-Class models (E55 AMG). Fuel pump and seal replacements run $264–$800 for parts and labor; full tank replacement costs $976–$2,200. The critical issue: replacement components fail identically within days or weeks. One owner had a pump fail before reaching home after dealer repair; another had a second fuel tank leak develop within three years. Dealers cannot explain why OEM replacements carry the same design flaw.
Check-engine codes P0456 (evaporative emission system leaks) appear in some cases. NHTSA investigations PE12-001 and EA13-003 are ongoing; a warranty program exists for 2003–2006 models, but the 2007 model year remains uncovered despite 103 complaints in this cluster alone.
Same Mercedes-Benz E-Class fuel system reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel sending unit and seal leaks
Fuel pools on top of the fuel tank in the cavity beneath the rear seat, originating from the fuel sending unit (pump assembly) or its seal rings. Fuel can be seen leaking from the top of the delivery pump when energized.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; typically becomes apparent after tank fill-ups; owners report issues from 30,000 to 128,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle, especially near driver-side rear wheel; Gasoline pooling (2-6 cups reported) under rear seat at fuel pump location; Gasoline fumes penetrating interior cabin and garage; Odor peaks when tank is full, subsides as fuel level drops to 3/4 or lower; No visible external leaks on ground in many cases; Discoloration and fuel staining of seat padding and insulation
Codes mentioned: P0456 (evaporative emission system leak detected - very small)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of fuel sending unit/pump assembly (211-470-60-94 or similar) with new seal rings (211-471-05-79) reported at $264–$800+ labor; owners report failures repeat even after replacement with identical OEM parts; some dealers acknowledge replacement unit may carry same design flaw
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Action PE12-001 (ongoing investigation); NHTSA Action EA13-003; Warranty program referenced in place of recall for some model years (2003–2006); Mercedes acknowledged issue as 'known problem' per service advisors in narratives; refused warranty coverage in post-warranty cases; service managers advised owners dealers are 'aware' but offer no assistance; no manufacturer-initiated recall for 2007 models despite 103 complaints in this cluster alone
Fuel tank structural leaks and vent hose failures
Cracks or defects in fuel tank seams, vent hose connections, and plastic linings allow fuel to escape. Failures occur at tank seams, around expansion plugs at tank top, and in vent hose connections with defective plastic liners.
When: Discovered during service or after fill-ups; failures reported across 30,000–128,000+ miles; some as early as first refill after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline odor from garage and vehicle interior; Fuel fumes penetrating passenger compartment and trunk area; Visible fuel leaking from tank seams or vent connections; Odor intensifies after filling tank completely
Codes mentioned: P0456
Repairs/costs cited: Full fuel tank replacement quoted at $976–$2,200+ per owner reports; vent hose replacement ($368 inspection quoted); tank seals and gaskets replaced without long-term success in several cases; one owner reported tank replacement after seal replacement failed; replacement tanks and components sometimes exhibit same failure mode
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirm 'known problem'; acknowledged in NHTSA investigations PE12-001 and EA13-003; some dealers noted issue present in E55 AMG models which were recalled; Mercedes covers half cost in at least one case (anecdotal); no systematic recall program for 2007 E-Class; owners cite pending class-action lawsuit against Mercedes
Fuel pump failure with no-start condition
Fuel pump becomes non-functional or delivers insufficient fuel, preventing engine from starting despite cranking. Occurs as a secondary failure following fuel leaks or as independent failure.
When: After extended fuel leakage; can occur abruptly; reported at 72,000–77,000 miles and lower
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but will not start; No fuel reaching engine despite cranking attempts (fuel starvation); Abrupt loss of power while driving (stalling at intersection); Prolonged fuel odor preceding no-start event in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement quoted at $800–$2,000; one owner had identical replacement pump fail within days of first repair; dealers sometimes claim pump 'was working when delivered' despite customer reporting same symptom immediately after
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for this failure mode; dealers treat as warranty item if in coverage period; customers out of warranty quoted full labor and parts
Persistent fuel odor after repair attempts
Strong gasoline odor and fumes continue or worsen even after dealership repairs (pump replacement, seal replacement, tank replacement, or combinations thereof). Replacement components often fail with identical symptoms within weeks to months.
When: Recurring within days to weeks after repair completion; reported across multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline odor identical to original complaint after repair; Nausea, headaches, and eye irritation from prolonged exposure to fumes; Fumes forcing owner to leave garage door open or avoid driving; Odor in garage triggering heating-unit pilot-light safety concerns
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts per owner (fuel pump, seals, fuel tank, vent hoses replaced serially); cumulative repair costs exceed $2,500–$3,000 in some cases; owners report paying for diagnostics ($90–$135) and labor discounts not applied; one owner reported $1,752 spent on second failure within 3 years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge issue is 'common' and 'known' but decline responsibility post-warranty; Mercedes Customer Service directed owners to pay diagnostic fees before considering assistance; referred complaints to NHTSA without acknowledgment of defect; one owner noted manufacturer stated 'parts designed to last that period of time' rather than admitting design flaw
Synthesized from 103 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Gas leak when fueling causing gasoline fumes in the vehicle. Very dangerous!! *tr
After fueling car, there is a strong raw fuel smell that permeates the car. It will last for about 40 miles then will subside. If you have not driven sufficient mileage before parking, the smell can last for days, weeks and/or months. If the car happens to be parked on an incline, the fumes are strong enough to keep you out of the car. *tr
Gasoline odor was smelled in/out after filling up. Found gas-leak beneath driver's rear seat, on top of gas tank, inside the cabin. Also found gas drops on garage floor. *tr
There is a strong smell of gasoline over 1/2 tank full, and frequent check engine lights on for an EVAP system leak. This is a known issue with these cars, and I am concerned to drive the vehicle with gasoline fumes coming inside the car and creating a fire hazard. Mercedes knows about this problem and needs to address it. *tr
NHTSA action# pe12001 strong fuel/gasoline odor smell coming from the drivers side rear wheel area. Fuel tank is filled to full (after it "clicks" off) and this is when the odor is most prevalent. The e350 is parked in a single, detached house's 2-car garage. Fuel/gasoline smell is particularly strong in the enclosed 2-car garage. I am afraid the these vapors will ignite when in an…
Very strong smell of gasoline outside the car when parked; and inside when driving or when stopped while driving slow. This happened a day after servicing the car transmission at the same dealership.took it back to dealer, they claim it's a very common issue and the car is hazardous to drive because gas leak is on top of exhaust and can start a fire. It needed $3,000 repairs (gas tank + fuel…
Strong odor of gasoline after filling gas tank to registered full level. *tr
Had fuel system trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 103 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 93 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 46,200 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,200; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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/2007/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.