Editorial perspective by Frank DeSantis · European brand specialist
In the European service world, Mercedes-Benz fuel-system failures land on our lifts with regularity. 601 complaints across 41 year-model entries (2005–2023) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 8 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Across the 424 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 73,063 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $1,200; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Check the fuel pump access cover for prior work. A vehicle on this list that already had a pump replacement is a vehicle to consider — the work is done.
Worst-affected Mercedes-Benz model-years for fuel system Top 25 by complaint volume
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected hose and clamp, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Sprinter and 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is 4790205.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 5, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2KRAPUM2. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-444.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel hose connections, and replace the clamps and fuel hose, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2KRAUCH.
Common questions
How many Mercedes-Benz fuel system complaints are on file with NHTSA?
601 complaints across 41 model-year entries from 2005 to 2023. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Mercedes-Benz.
Which Mercedes-Benz model has the most fuel system complaints?
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with 132 complaints in this category. Next: 2006 E-Class (120) and 2007 E-Class (103).
What does it cost to fix Mercedes-Benz fuel system problems?
Independent shops average $1,200 for fuel system repairs across the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mercedes-Benz fuel system recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover fuel system on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.