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U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

70 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

74,297 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 60 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 40 of 70 complaints (57.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns3752.9%
Braking behavior68.6%
Electrical and battery issues34.3%
Transmission and shifting11.4%
Engine operation11.4%
Steering behavior11.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Fuel/Propulsion System
40
Fuel System, Gasoline
24
Electrical System
3
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
3
Engine
2
Power Train
2
Service Brakes
2
Air Bags
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Fuel/Propulsion System40
Fuel System, Gasoline24
Electrical System3
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump3
Engine2
Power Train2
Service Brakes2
Air Bags1

Fuel/Propulsion System: 40; Fuel System, Gasoline: 24; Electrical System: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 3; Engine: 2; Power Train: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Air Bags: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
10
50,000 to 74,999
18
75,000 to 99,999
17
100,000 to 149,999
11
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,99910
50,000 to 74,99918
75,000 to 99,99917
100,000 to 149,99911
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 10; 50,000 to 74,999: 18; 75,000 to 99,999: 17; 100,000 to 149,999: 11; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (18). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2010
5
2011
4
2012
16
2013
12
2014
18
2015
6
2016
1
2019
4
2020
2
2023
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20105
20114
201216
201312
201418
20156
20161
20194
20202
20232

2010: 5; 2011: 4; 2012: 16; 2013: 12; 2014: 18; 2015: 6; 2016: 1; 2019: 4; 2020: 2; 2023: 2

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 37 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10349997 · 2010-08-17 (August 17, 2010)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E55. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FROM THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE FUEL TANK SEALS. LATER WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE FURTHER INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND FOUND A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE FUEL ATOP THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FUEL ASSEMBLY IN 2008. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER RE…

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10349997 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10363904 · 2010-11-03 (November 3, 2010)

ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE IN CENTER LANE IN TRAFFIC WHILE MANEUVERING TO MAKE LEFT TURN. THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED. LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE TWICE BEFORE BY MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 43,085 miles reported. Look up ODI 10363904 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10335474 · 2010-06-09 (June 9, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE ABS PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10335474 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10579343 · 2014-04-12 (April 12, 2014)

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IN TRAFFIC AND IN THE LEFTMOST LANE. A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE CAR'S DASHBOARD THAT ADVISED THAT THE CAR HAD DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPABILITY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO DETERMINE HOW DIMINISHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS AS I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IN TRAFFIC. UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN, I HAD NO BRAKES. AT THAT TIME A SECOND AND DIFFERENT WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD WITH A STOP SIGN IKON; THE WARNING STATED: STOP CAR IMMEDIATE…

Owner-reported narrative. 58,161 miles reported. Look up ODI 10579343 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10455105 · 2012-04-13 (April 13, 2012)

EVERY TIME I FILL MY VEHICLE UP WITH FUEL, THERE IS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE BOTH OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, AND INSIDE THE CABIN. THE SMELL IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE A HEADACHE IN SHORT ORDER. WHEN REMOVING THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE, YOU CAN OBSERVE STANDING FUEL ON THE FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY. I'M UNSURE IF THIS PROPAGATES FROM THE SPOT OF THE BUILD UP, OR IS FROM ANOTHER PLACE AND THIS IS WHERE IT ULTIMATELY ENDS UP. A LARGE CONCERN FOR ME, BESIDES THE EXPOSURE TO GASOLINE FUMES, IS THE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL BUILD UP TO ELECTRICAL WIR…

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10455105 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10669345 · 2014-12-31 (December 31, 2014)

REFERENCE THE NHTSA ACTION# PE12001 THERE IS A FUEL LEAK AT ONE OR BOTH OF THE FUEL SENDING UNITS AND AT ONE OR BOTH OF THE FUEL PUMPS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK OF THIS CAR. WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK TO FULL, GAS LEAKS AND PRODUCES A VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE AND AROUND THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. I HAVE REMOVED THE REAR SEAT TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE UNITS AND I HAVE OBSERVED STANDING GASOLINE ON THE TOP SURFACE OF THE SENDING UNIT SEALS. THERE ARE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS INSIDE OF THESE UNITS AND THEY APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN SHORTING DUE TO T…

Owner-reported narrative. 39,625 miles reported. Look up ODI 10669345 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10558099 · 2014-01-01 (January 1, 2014)

TOOK MY CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TO GET CHECKED FOR A KNOWN ISSUE IN WHICH THE RADIATOR WOULD MIX THE ENGINE COOLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. DEALER CONFIRMED I HAD THE FAULTY RADIATOR AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD GLYCOL IN IT. I WAS TOLD THEY CAN NOT COVER THE REPAIRS NOR REPLACE THE PARTS AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY ALL COSTS EVEN THOUGH IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE. SO I DECIDED TO FLUSH THE FLUID OUT AND INSTALL A SEPARATE COOLER TO AVOID FLUID FROM GOING THROUGH RADIATOR IN HOPES I COULD SAVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING DAMAGED BY THE CONTAMINATE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10558099 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10547412 · 2013-10-09 (October 9, 2013)

I COULD SMELL FUEL LEAKS OR A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THEIR VEHICLE, AND AFTER REFUELING. WENT TO MB DEALERSHIP FOR TUNE UP, OIL, AND AIR FILTER CHANGE. TWO DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ME DRIVING DOWN 55 SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE AT 65MPH. I WAS IN DENSE TRAFFIC SO I TURNED ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND TRIED TO COAST THE CAR ONTO THE SHOULDER TO GET SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. SCARY SINCE TRAFFIC WAS SO DENSE BUT I MANAGED. I TRIED TO START THE CAR A FEW TIMES AND IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER 5 MINUTES IT STARTED AND I DRO…

Owner-reported narrative. 123,465 miles reported. Look up ODI 10547412 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10363893 · 2010-11-03 (November 3, 2010)

SUDDEN ENGINE STOPPAGE WHILE DRIVING WITH LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND POWER STEERING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 18,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10363893 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

70 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

85.7%Usable mileage60 / 70 records
100.0%Valid incident date70 / 70 records
100.0%Valid filing date70 / 70 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates70 / 70 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2003200420052006
Fuel/Propulsion System
4057.1%
ODI 10471956 · 63,500 mi

REFERENCE PE12001 GASOLINE STARTED POURING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE REAR SEAT BENCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. EXTREME GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME OF INCIDENT. ISSUE IS ONGOING. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL 2008020001 WAS DONE ON THIS CAR IN 2008. BUT THAT THE RECURRENT PROBLEM "FIX" WOULD BE OUT OF MY POCKET. I CALLED MBUSA AND DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAIN BUT THEY WOULD TAKE NO ACTION. THIS IS A WELL K…

Look up ODI 10471956 at NHTSA ↗

6255.9%
ODI 10467117 · 96,000 mi

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12001 BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED 05/2012 WITH 95,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM REAR SEAT AREA, STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, ALSO IF LEFT OVERNIGHT IN CLOSED GARAGE (WITH FUEL TANK FULL), GARAGE SMELLS OF GAS. I HAVE REMOVED THE METAL FUEL SENDER ACCESS COVER UNDER THE REAR SEAT AND FOUND A POOL OF GAS, APPROX 20Z AROUND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (HAVE PHOTOS OF THIS). *TR

Look up ODI 10467117 at NHTSA ↗

7556.8%
ODI 10458086 · 62,000 mi

AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK IN MY 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E55 UP WITH GASOLINE, THERE ARE OVERWHELMING GASOLINE FUMES THAT ENGULF THE INTERIOR AND IS ALSO PREVALENT FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. WHEN ENTERING MY CLOSED GARAGE AFTER A GAS FILL UP, THE ENTIRE GARAGE IS ENGULFED BY THE VERY STRONG AND DISTINCT ODOR OF GASOLINE. TO FURTHER THE DESCRIPTION, PLEASE REFER TO THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION WITH THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12001 AS REFERENCE TO WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR

Look up ODI 10458086 at NHTSA ↗

1647.1%
ODI 10468513 · 62,251 mi

I CAME OUTSIDE TO MY CAR AND COULD NOT GET IT TO START. THE CAR WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT TURN ON. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (EURO MOTORCARS IN GERMANTOWN, MD). I WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING AND THAT THE FUEL SHORTED THE CONNECTOR THAT TURNS THE FUEL PUMP ON. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM ONLINE TO SEE IF IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE, AND IT SEEMS AS IF MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS ISSUE AND MERCEDES ALREADY PERFORMED A RECALL ON THESE CARS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I CONFIRMED WITH THE DEALER THAT THE RECALL WAS DONE TO MY V…

Look up ODI 10468513 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline
2434.3%
ODI 10349997 · 55,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E55. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FROM THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE FUEL TANK SEALS. LATER WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE FURTHER INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND FOUND A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE FUEL ATOP THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FUEL ASSEMBLY IN 2008. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER RE…

Look up ODI 10349997 at NHTSA ↗

4338.7%
ODI 10352224 · 38,400 mi

I HAD A MERCEDES BENZ E-CLASS RECALL TO REPLACE THE FUEL SENDING UNIT DONE IN 2008 AND A YEAR AND A HALF LATER I STARTED SMELLING GAS INSIDE MY CAR EACH TIME I FILLED UP THE TANK. I IGNORED IT IN THE BEGINNING BUT AFTER A WHILE I GOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I WAS SURE IT WAS RELATED TO THE GAS SMELL SO I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THEY SAID THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETELY FOR A COST OF $1200 PLUS LABOR (UNFORTUNATELY I DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY). I KNOW A CAR MECHANIC IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHO…

Look up ODI 10352224 at NHTSA ↗

5440.9%
ODI 10350632 · 49,500 mi

2005 MERCEDES BENZ E55 FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS SPRAYING GAS INTO COMPARTMENT WHICH IS UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SIDE BACK PASSENGER SEAT. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR ALREADY AND IT WAS REPLACED AND FAILED IN JUST 18MONTHS. BROUGHT THE CAR TO MERCEDES OF FREEHOLD AND THEY SAID "BEEN CHANGED UNDER RECALL" AND THEY CANT DO ANYTHING FOR ME NOW THAT THE NEW PART HAS FAILED. ENDED UP BUYING THE PART OUT OF POCKET AND REPLACING IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANY MORE. GAS BEING SPRAYED UNDER THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT SAFE AT ALL! NOT TO MENTIO…

Look up ODI 10350632 at NHTSA ↗

1647.1%
ODI 10438976 · 67,205 mi

SUMMARY: BOTH FUEL SENDING UNITS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL WAS PUDDLING UNDER THE REAR SEATS AND WAS DRIPPING ON TO THE GROUND. MY 6 YEAR OLD SON GOT IN THE CAR THIS MORNING AND COMPLAINED THAT IT SMELLED LIKE GAS. THIS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE LEAKING FUEL CAME IN CONTACT WITH A HOT EXHAUST PIPE? A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM IN 2008, HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, IT ONLY DELAYS IT UNTIL YOU ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND ARE FORCED TO PAY OU…

Look up ODI 10438976 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
34.3%
ODI 10419674 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER A RECALL WHERE A NEW SLEEVE WAS INSTALLED ON THE FUEL CLAMP. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/15/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICL…

Look up ODI 10419674 at NHTSA ↗

76.3%
ODI 10467117 · 96,000 mi

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12001 BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED 05/2012 WITH 95,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM REAR SEAT AREA, STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, ALSO IF LEFT OVERNIGHT IN CLOSED GARAGE (WITH FUEL TANK FULL), GARAGE SMELLS OF GAS. I HAVE REMOVED THE METAL FUEL SENDER ACCESS COVER UNDER THE REAR SEAT AND FOUND A POOL OF GAS, APPROX 20Z AROUND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (HAVE PHOTOS OF THIS). *TR

Look up ODI 10467117 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10458621 · 42,945 mi

I FILLED UP MY CAR WITH GAS ON FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012 AND THEN WENT OUT. I PARKED MY CAR ON THE ROAD AND CAME BACK TO IT A COUPLE HOURS LATER. THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE SMELL IN THE AREA AS I WALKED BY AND THOUGHT IT WAS ANOTHER CAR OR GAS WAS DUMPED ON THE ROAD. A COUPLE HOURS LATER I GOT INTO MY CAR AND DROVE HOME. THE GAS SMELL WAS STILL IN THE AREA WHEN I LEFT. I PARKED MY CAR AT HOME AND CHECKED IT ON SATURDAY MORNING. THE GAS SMELL WAS LESS SO I PARKED THE CAR ON THE ROAD THINKING IT WOULD BE SAFE. IN THE EVENING, I WALKED PA…

Look up ODI 10458621 at NHTSA ↗

38.8%
ODI 10476870 · 36,100 mi

PLEASE REFERENCE EXISTING NHTSA COMPLAINT #PE12001. MY 2006 MERCEDES E55 HAS RAW FUEL PUDDLING UNDER THE REAR SEAT AREA BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THERE APPEARS TO BE A LEAK FROM THE HOUSING OR TANK ITSELF IN THIS AREA. THE FUEL LEAK IS SUBSTANTIAL AND THE VAPORS FROM THIS LEAK ARE OVERWHELMING INSIDE THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN NUMEROUS DETAILED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS LEAK. I ALSO HAVE A VIDEO CLIP THAT APPEARS TO CAPTURE A HISSING SOUND OF PRESSURIZATION INSIDE THE TANK FORCING FUEL VAPOR INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHAR…

Look up ODI 10476870 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
11.4%
ODI 10479305 · 55,000 mi

EACH TIME I FILL THE VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE, ESPECIALLY UNTIL THE TANK IS FULL, I HAVE A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS ON A FULL TANK, AND THE LESS FUEL I HAVE THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY. MOST LIKELY A LEAK OF FUEL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. REF: NHTSA ACTION# PE12001. *TR

Look up ODI 10479305 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 10467117 · 96,000 mi

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12001 BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED 05/2012 WITH 95,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM REAR SEAT AREA, STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, ALSO IF LEFT OVERNIGHT IN CLOSED GARAGE (WITH FUEL TANK FULL), GARAGE SMELLS OF GAS. I HAVE REMOVED THE METAL FUEL SENDER ACCESS COVER UNDER THE REAR SEAT AND FOUND A POOL OF GAS, APPROX 20Z AROUND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (HAVE PHOTOS OF THIS). *TR

Look up ODI 10467117 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10453677 · 42,000 mi

AFTER FILLING UP THE CAR WITH GAS, A TERRIBLE ODOR OF GAS WOULD PERMEATE THE WHOLE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. ONCE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND YOU WALKED AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR YOU COULD SMELL GAS AS IF IT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR ONTO THE GROUND. I WOULD LOOK UNDER THE CAR AND NOT FIND ANY GAS DRIPPING ON THE GROUND. I ACTUALLY GOT SCARED WITH HOW BAD THE ODOR WAS THAT I TOOK THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE PART ON THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT. I PAID TO HAVE IT R…

Look up ODI 10453677 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
34.3%
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 10910680 · 35,000 mi

I HAVE GAS FUMES INSIDE THE CAR. I CHECK THE PUMP SENDER , AND I FOUND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE CONNECTOR FOR THE PUMPS. SEE PICTURE. THIS ISSUE COULD CREATE ELECTRICAL SPARK AND YOUR CAR COULD BE ON FIRE! BIG ISSUE CHECK YOUR VEHICLE. THE DESIGN OF THE CONNECTOR ARE UNDER HEAT CAPACITY. AND THAT THE ROOT CAUSE OF LEAK OF FULL.

Look up ODI 10910680 at NHTSA ↗

32.3%
ODI 10546735 · 29,833 mi

FILLED MY CAR UP THE NIGHT OF 10/1/13. PARKED THE CAR INSIDE GARAGE CONNECTED TO MY HOUSE. UPON WAKING UP THE MORNING OF 10/2/2013, I WAS OVERWHELMED WITH VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR. I TRACED THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR TO MY 2005 MERCEDES BENZ E55 AMG PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I IMMEDIATELY OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR TO EVACUATE THE FUEL ODOR. I WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE FUEL SMELL TO THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK SEAT. ARMED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, I STARTED THE CAR AND BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICE A FLUID PUDDLE AND LIQUID LINE FORMED. I GOT O…

Look up ODI 10546735 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
22.9%
ODI 10579343 · 58,161 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IN TRAFFIC AND IN THE LEFTMOST LANE. A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE CAR'S DASHBOARD THAT ADVISED THAT THE CAR HAD DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPABILITY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO DETERMINE HOW DIMINISHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS AS I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IN TRAFFIC. UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN, I HAD NO BRAKES. AT THAT TIME A SECOND AND DIFFERENT WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD WITH A STOP SIGN IKON; THE WARNING STATED: STOP CAR IMMEDIATE…

Look up ODI 10579343 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 10694089 · 154,000 mi

WHEN I WAS PARKING MY CAR I LOST FULL CONTROL OF MY FRONT BRAKES AND HIT MY FRONT BUMPER TO THE POLE TO AVOID A NEAR MISS WITH A PEDESTRIAN. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES AND THERE WAS NOT PRESSURE, MEANING I COULD PRESS THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WOULD BE NOT STOP. ANYWAY, TOWED IT TO MERCEDES DEALER (FLETCHED JONES MB) AND THEY SAID THE SBC PUMP WAS LEAKING AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST $2300. I RESEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SBC UNIT ON MY VEHICLE SO I PRESENTED THE RECALL…

Look up ODI 10694089 at NHTSA ↗

10.8%
ODI 11383880 · 170,000 mi

MERCEDES BENZ OF FORT WASHINGTON HAS DENIED A REPLACEMENT OF SBC UNIT AND COMPONENTS UNDER A SAFETY RECALL. I LOST BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. 'DECREASED BRAKES POWER' RED MESSAGE APPEARED

Look up ODI 11383880 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
22.9%
ODI 10809392 · 115,000 mi

DURING INITIAL WARMUP OF VEHICLE (GENERALLY SOAKED AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES 60F AND BELOW) A SHORT TERM (5-8 SECONDS) UNSTABLE IDLE OCCURS 20-30 SECONDS AFTER INITIAL ENGINE START AND WHILE IN A FORWARD DRIVE GEAR. THIS UNSTABLE IDLE GENERATES TORQUE VARIATIONS THAT WILL OVERCOME A BRAKE APPLY AND INCUR VEHICLE MOVEMENT. THE BRAKE APPLY IS A LEVEL WHICH WOULD KEEP THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON LEVEL GROUND TO COUNTER ACT NORMAL CREEP TORQUE. APPLYING THE BRAKE HEAVIER WILL PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING.

Look up ODI 10809392 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.5%
ODI 10544788 · 125,000 mi

AFTER I FINISHED PUMPING FUEL MY PASSENGER IN THE BACK SMELLED GASOLINE. I HAD JUST PUT FUEL SO I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS SOAKED WITH GASOLINE. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS CAN BE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. SEEMS THERE IS A HOLE NEAR WHERE THE GAS ENTERS THE PIPE THAT GOES DOWN TO THE GAS TANK.

Look up ODI 10544788 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
22.9%
ODI 10558099

TOOK MY CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TO GET CHECKED FOR A KNOWN ISSUE IN WHICH THE RADIATOR WOULD MIX THE ENGINE COOLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. DEALER CONFIRMED I HAD THE FAULTY RADIATOR AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD GLYCOL IN IT. I WAS TOLD THEY CAN NOT COVER THE REPAIRS NOR REPLACE THE PARTS AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY ALL COSTS EVEN THOUGH IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE. SO I DECIDED TO FLUSH THE FLUID OUT AND INSTALL A SEPARATE COOLER TO AVOID FLUID FROM GOING THROUGH RADIATOR IN HOPES I COULD SAVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING DAMAGED BY THE CONTAMINATE…

Look up ODI 10558099 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 10424525

MELT BROKEN GAS TANK, FUEL LEAK: * DRIVE SHAFT HAS SIGN OF RUBBING THE HEAT SHIELD * BURNED/MELTED RUBBER TUBE THAT COVERS THE METAL EMERGENCY BRAKE LINE (PASSENGER SIDE) * BURNED/MELTED HEAT SHIELD NEAR DRIVE SHAFT (PASSENGER SIDE) * BURNED/MELTED GAS TANK (PASSENGER SIDE) THAT HAD A HOLE AND CAUSED MASSIVE FUEL LEAK. *TR

Look up ODI 10424525 at NHTSA ↗

10.8%
ODI 10499808 · 42,000 mi

MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER NO FEWER THAN 4 TIMES FOR VARIOUS FUEL SYSTEM RELATED ISSUES. THE SYMPTOMS OF EACH PART FAILURE INVOLVE A PERVASIVE GAS SMELL FILLING THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE, AND GASOLINE USUALLY POOLS UNDER THE REAR SEAT. THE SMELL IS SO POTENT THAT THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE, AND THE POOLING OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN MUST BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE GAS TANK, FUEL SENDERS, FUEL PUMP, CHARCOAL FILTERS, AND GASKET BETWEEN THE TANK AND FUEL SENDERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE HAD TO FIGHT TO HAVE THIS PAID F…

Look up ODI 10499808 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Fuel/Propulsion System62,324–99,000 mi82,000 mi35
ODI 10471956 · 63,500 mi

REFERENCE PE12001 GASOLINE STARTED POURING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE REAR SEAT BENCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. EXTREME GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME OF INCIDENT. ISSUE IS ONGOING. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL 2008020001 WAS DONE ON THIS CAR IN 2008. BUT THAT THE RECURRENT PROBLEM "FIX" WOULD BE OUT OF MY POCKET. I CALLED MBUSA AND DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAIN BUT THEY WOULD TAKE NO ACTION. THIS IS A WELL K…

Look up ODI 10471956 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10472529 · 80,500 mi

MY PARENT FILLED UP THE CAR AND PARKED IN GARAGE. UPON RETURNING TO THE GARAGE, THEY EXPERIENCED THE STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE FILLING THE GARAGE. THEIR HOME HEATING SYSTEM IS CONTAINED IN A SPACE ATTACHED TO THE GARAGE SO THEY HAVE SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT AN APPARENT FUEL LEAK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472529 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10479291 · 108,000 mi

STRONG FUEL SMELL FROM THE DRIVER'S REAR SIDE OF THE CAR, TRUNK AND INSIDE THE CAR. MY WIFE FILLED THE CAR WITH CLOSE TO FULL TANK DUE TO RECENT CA GAS PRICES JUMPING 50C IN ONE WEEK. I HAVE TRIED TO VENTILATE THE VEHICLE AND PARK OUTSIDE, BUT THE SMELL IS STILL VERY STRONG. THERE NEEDS TO BE RECALL FOR THE FAILING TANK OR SENDER UNIT. *TR

Look up ODI 10479291 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline48,250–73,750 mi62,790 mi22
ODI 10349997 · 55,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E55. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FROM THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE FUEL TANK SEALS. LATER WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE FURTHER INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND FOUND A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE FUEL ATOP THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FUEL ASSEMBLY IN 2008. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER RE…

Look up ODI 10349997 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10363893 · 18,800 mi

SUDDEN ENGINE STOPPAGE WHILE DRIVING WITH LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND POWER STEERING. *TR

Look up ODI 10363893 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10363904 · 43,085 mi

ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE IN CENTER LANE IN TRAFFIC WHILE MANEUVERING TO MAKE LEFT TURN. THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED. LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE TWICE BEFORE BY MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10363904 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range80,585 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11309947 · 96,000 mi

MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING AN SRS WARNING LIGHT THAT THE DEALERSHIP, MERCEDES BENZ OF SOUTH BAY, DIAGNOSED AS BEING A PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR FAILURE. THEY ADVISED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THESE MODELS, WHICH UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I BELIEVE IS THE CASE, AND QUOTED ME OVER $4,000 FOR THE REPAIR. THIS FAILURE TURNS OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG UNLESS THE REPAIR IS PERFORMED. MY UNDERSTANDING, HAVING PREVIOUSLY WORKING FOR ANOTHER OEM FOR 15 YEARS, WAS THAT AIRBAGS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PARTS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEH…

Look up ODI 11309947 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpToo few reports for a range63,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10419674 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER A RECALL WHERE A NEW SLEEVE WAS INSTALLED ON THE FUEL CLAMP. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/15/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICL…

Look up ODI 10419674 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10471956 · 63,500 mi

REFERENCE PE12001 GASOLINE STARTED POURING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE REAR SEAT BENCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. EXTREME GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME OF INCIDENT. ISSUE IS ONGOING. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL 2008020001 WAS DONE ON THIS CAR IN 2008. BUT THAT THE RECURRENT PROBLEM "FIX" WOULD BE OUT OF MY POCKET. I CALLED MBUSA AND DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAIN BUT THEY WOULD TAKE NO ACTION. THIS IS A WELL K…

Look up ODI 10471956 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10592347 · 85,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH THE FUEL PUMP AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Look up ODI 10592347 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range90,085 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10809392 · 115,000 mi

DURING INITIAL WARMUP OF VEHICLE (GENERALLY SOAKED AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES 60F AND BELOW) A SHORT TERM (5-8 SECONDS) UNSTABLE IDLE OCCURS 20-30 SECONDS AFTER INITIAL ENGINE START AND WHILE IN A FORWARD DRIVE GEAR. THIS UNSTABLE IDLE GENERATES TORQUE VARIATIONS THAT WILL OVERCOME A BRAKE APPLY AND INCUR VEHICLE MOVEMENT. THE BRAKE APPLY IS A LEVEL WHICH WOULD KEEP THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON LEVEL GROUND TO COUNTER ACT NORMAL CREEP TORQUE. APPLYING THE BRAKE HEAVIER WILL PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING.

Look up ODI 10809392 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range103,700 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11350309 · 103,700 mi

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, THERE WAS AN INCREASINGLY LARGE RATTLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER LOAD. EVENTUALLY THE RATTLE STOPPED. THEN WHEN I TRIED TO FILL UP THE CAR WITH GAS, IT LEAKED EVERYWHERE CAUSING A MASSIVE FIRE HAZARD. WHILE THIS WAS PUT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 15 YEARS BY MERCEDES BENZ, A 2003 MODEL IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 3 YEARS. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AS IT LEFT ME STRANDED IN RURAL MONTANA ON A ROAD TRIP (I'M FROM WA) AND POSED A MASSIVE FIRE HAZARD IN THE BLAZING HEAT OF SUMMER. I HAD TO…

Look up ODI 11350309 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range94,081 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10579343 · 58,161 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IN TRAFFIC AND IN THE LEFTMOST LANE. A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE CAR'S DASHBOARD THAT ADVISED THAT THE CAR HAD DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPABILITY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO DETERMINE HOW DIMINISHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS AS I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IN TRAFFIC. UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN, I HAD NO BRAKES. AT THAT TIME A SECOND AND DIFFERENT WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD WITH A STOP SIGN IKON; THE WARNING STATED: STOP CAR IMMEDIATE…

Look up ODI 10579343 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10779479 · 130,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING A DRAMATIC REDUCTION OF BRAKING CAPACITY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING AND RESULTS IN GREATLY INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A PROVIDES DISCUSSION CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES CEASED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. DUE TO CONCERNS WITH THE ENGINEERING OF THIS VITAL ELECTRONIC SAFETY SYSTEM. MERCEDES SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RE…

Look up ODI 10779479 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range96,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11309947 · 96,000 mi

MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING AN SRS WARNING LIGHT THAT THE DEALERSHIP, MERCEDES BENZ OF SOUTH BAY, DIAGNOSED AS BEING A PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR FAILURE. THEY ADVISED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THESE MODELS, WHICH UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I BELIEVE IS THE CASE, AND QUOTED ME OVER $4,000 FOR THE REPAIR. THIS FAILURE TURNS OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG UNLESS THE REPAIR IS PERFORMED. MY UNDERSTANDING, HAVING PREVIOUSLY WORKING FOR ANOTHER OEM FOR 15 YEARS, WAS THAT AIRBAGS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PARTS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEH…

Look up ODI 11309947 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

24V874000 · 2024-11-191 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-11024V874000

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 23 reports

2005: 3 complaints · 2006: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2005013
2006011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200513200
20063400

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentFuel/Propulsion SystemFuel System, GasolineElectrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpEnginePower TrainService BrakesAir Bags
Fuel/Propulsion System—
2
ODI 10505868 · 94,764 mi

STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR AFTER FILLING THE TANK. ODOR HAS PERSISTED FOR A WEEK. REFER TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE12001. *TR

Look up ODI 10505868 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10512254 · 12,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55 AMG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, GASOLINE WOULD LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

Look up ODI 10512254 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10471956 · 63,500 mi

REFERENCE PE12001 GASOLINE STARTED POURING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE REAR SEAT BENCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. EXTREME GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME OF INCIDENT. ISSUE IS ONGOING. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL 2008020001 WAS DONE ON THIS CAR IN 2008. BUT THAT THE RECURRENT PROBLEM "FIX" WOULD BE OUT OF MY POCKET. I CALLED MBUSA AND DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAIN BUT THEY WOULD TAKE NO ACTION. THIS IS A WELL K…

Look up ODI 10471956 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11350309 · 103,700 mi

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, THERE WAS AN INCREASINGLY LARGE RATTLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER LOAD. EVENTUALLY THE RATTLE STOPPED. THEN WHEN I TRIED TO FILL UP THE CAR WITH GAS, IT LEAKED EVERYWHERE CAUSING A MASSIVE FIRE HAZARD. WHILE THIS WAS PUT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 15 YEARS BY MERCEDES BENZ, A 2003 MODEL IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 3 YEARS. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AS IT LEFT ME STRANDED IN RURAL MONTANA ON A ROAD TRIP (I'M FROM WA) AND POSED A MASSIVE FIRE HAZARD IN THE BLAZING HEAT OF SUMMER. I HAD TO…

Look up ODI 11350309 at NHTSA ↗

00
Fuel System, Gasoline
2
ODI 10505868 · 94,764 mi

STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR AFTER FILLING THE TANK. ODOR HAS PERSISTED FOR A WEEK. REFER TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE12001. *TR

Look up ODI 10505868 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10512254 · 12,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55 AMG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, GASOLINE WOULD LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

Look up ODI 10512254 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10419674 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER A RECALL WHERE A NEW SLEEVE WAS INSTALLED ON THE FUEL CLAMP. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/15/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICL…

Look up ODI 10419674 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Electrical System
1
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 11309947 · 96,000 mi

MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING AN SRS WARNING LIGHT THAT THE DEALERSHIP, MERCEDES BENZ OF SOUTH BAY, DIAGNOSED AS BEING A PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR FAILURE. THEY ADVISED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THESE MODELS, WHICH UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I BELIEVE IS THE CASE, AND QUOTED ME OVER $4,000 FOR THE REPAIR. THIS FAILURE TURNS OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG UNLESS THE REPAIR IS PERFORMED. MY UNDERSTANDING, HAVING PREVIOUSLY WORKING FOR ANOTHER OEM FOR 15 YEARS, WAS THAT AIRBAGS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PARTS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEH…

Look up ODI 11309947 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
1
ODI 10471956 · 63,500 mi

REFERENCE PE12001 GASOLINE STARTED POURING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE REAR SEAT BENCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. EXTREME GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME OF INCIDENT. ISSUE IS ONGOING. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL 2008020001 WAS DONE ON THIS CAR IN 2008. BUT THAT THE RECURRENT PROBLEM "FIX" WOULD BE OUT OF MY POCKET. I CALLED MBUSA AND DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAIN BUT THEY WOULD TAKE NO ACTION. THIS IS A WELL K…

Look up ODI 10471956 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10419674 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER A RECALL WHERE A NEW SLEEVE WAS INSTALLED ON THE FUEL CLAMP. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/15/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICL…

Look up ODI 10419674 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Engine
1
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10837153 · 65,170 mi

TAKATA RECALL, ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL CAP AND EVACUATION SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 10837153 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Power Train
1
ODI 11350309 · 103,700 mi

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, THERE WAS AN INCREASINGLY LARGE RATTLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER LOAD. EVENTUALLY THE RATTLE STOPPED. THEN WHEN I TRIED TO FILL UP THE CAR WITH GAS, IT LEAKED EVERYWHERE CAUSING A MASSIVE FIRE HAZARD. WHILE THIS WAS PUT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 15 YEARS BY MERCEDES BENZ, A 2003 MODEL IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 3 YEARS. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AS IT LEFT ME STRANDED IN RURAL MONTANA ON A ROAD TRIP (I'M FROM WA) AND POSED A MASSIVE FIRE HAZARD IN THE BLAZING HEAT OF SUMMER. I HAD TO…

Look up ODI 11350309 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Service Brakes000000—0
Air Bags00
1
ODI 11309947 · 96,000 mi

MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING AN SRS WARNING LIGHT THAT THE DEALERSHIP, MERCEDES BENZ OF SOUTH BAY, DIAGNOSED AS BEING A PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR FAILURE. THEY ADVISED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THESE MODELS, WHICH UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I BELIEVE IS THE CASE, AND QUOTED ME OVER $4,000 FOR THE REPAIR. THIS FAILURE TURNS OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG UNLESS THE REPAIR IS PERFORMED. MY UNDERSTANDING, HAVING PREVIOUSLY WORKING FOR ANOTHER OEM FOR 15 YEARS, WAS THAT AIRBAGS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PARTS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEH…

Look up ODI 11309947 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

24 mentions · 34.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,500 mi (21 usable records).

ODI 10375162 · 93,000 mi

MY 2003 MERCEDES E55 AMG SEDAN HAS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BACK IN 2008. APPARENTLY THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED AND I FEAR AN EXPLOSION FROM MY GARAGE FILLING UP WITH FUMES AND 2 SOURCES OF FIRE, MY FURNACE AND MY WATER HEATER. *TR

Look up ODI 10375162 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10395218 · 68,800 mi

FUEL LEAK AT FUEL TRANSMITTER PASSENGER SIDE UNDER REAR SEAT. *TR

Look up ODI 10395218 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10443819 · 84,210 mi

SMELL OF GAS IN THE CAR CHECKED AND FOUND A POOL OF GAS ON TOP OF FUEL SENDER BELOW THE REAR SEAT BEHIND DRIVER SIDE. *TR

Look up ODI 10443819 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

6 mentions · 8.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,750 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10471956 · 63,500 mi

REFERENCE PE12001 GASOLINE STARTED POURING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE REAR SEAT BENCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. EXTREME GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME OF INCIDENT. ISSUE IS ONGOING. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL 2008020001 WAS DONE ON THIS CAR IN 2008. BUT THAT THE RECURRENT PROBLEM "FIX" WOULD BE OUT OF MY POCKET. I CALLED MBUSA AND DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAIN BUT THEY WOULD TAKE NO ACTION. THIS IS A WELL K…

Look up ODI 10471956 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10579343 · 58,161 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IN TRAFFIC AND IN THE LEFTMOST LANE. A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE CAR'S DASHBOARD THAT ADVISED THAT THE CAR HAD DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPABILITY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO DETERMINE HOW DIMINISHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS AS I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IN TRAFFIC. UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN, I HAD NO BRAKES. AT THAT TIME A SECOND AND DIFFERENT WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD WITH A STOP SIGN IKON; THE WARNING STATED: STOP CAR IMMEDIATE…

Look up ODI 10579343 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10712220

BOUGHT A PRE-OWNED 2003 E55 FROM MERCEDES DEALER 2005. HAVE HAD CAR SERVICED REGULARLY AND EXCLUSIVELY AT DEALER EVER SINCE. HAVE SMELLED GASOLINE SMELL IN GARAGE ESPECIALLY AFTER FILLING-UP CAR. MOST RECENTLY, ON 21-APR-15 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. DEALER SAID GAS TANK LEAKING AND THEY WOULD FIX IT - COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ - NO COST TO ME. MY CONCERN IS: IF MERCEDES KNEW ABOUT THIS DEFECT (SEE LINK TO MERCEDES LAWSUIT (BELOW)) FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS AND I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM FOR SERVICING, REGULARLY, FOR THE …

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 118,056 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10512515 · 112,646 mi

VEHICLE LOST POWER ON INTERSTATE. LATER RE-STARTED AND TAKEN TO TAFEL MOTORS IN LOUISVILLE, KY. BOTH FUEL PUMPS/ SENDER MODULES WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $1627.47 ON 8-3-10 AT 112646 MILES. IN AUGUST OF 2011, BOTH PUMPS AND MODULES BEGAN TO LEAK FUEL. STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN CABIN, AND FUEL LEAKING ONTO GROUND. THEY WERE REPLACED AT MERCEDES BENZ OF INDIANAPOLIS UNDER WARRANTY OF THE SERVICE DONE AT TAFEL MOTORS THE YEAR BEFORE. AGAIN, ON OCTOBER 5 OF 2012, ONE OF THE UNITS BEGAN TO LEAK GASOLINE, STRON…

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ODI 10547412 · 123,465 mi

I COULD SMELL FUEL LEAKS OR A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THEIR VEHICLE, AND AFTER REFUELING. WENT TO MB DEALERSHIP FOR TUNE UP, OIL, AND AIR FILTER CHANGE. TWO DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ME DRIVING DOWN 55 SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE AT 65MPH. I WAS IN DENSE TRAFFIC SO I TURNED ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND TRIED TO COAST THE CAR ONTO THE SHOULDER TO GET SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. SCARY SINCE TRAFFIC WAS SO DENSE BUT I MANAGED. I TRIED TO START THE CAR A FEW TIMES AND IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER 5 MINUTES IT STARTED AND I DRO…

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 58,161 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10579343 · 58,161 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IN TRAFFIC AND IN THE LEFTMOST LANE. A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE CAR'S DASHBOARD THAT ADVISED THAT THE CAR HAD DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPABILITY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO DETERMINE HOW DIMINISHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS AS I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IN TRAFFIC. UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN, I HAD NO BRAKES. AT THAT TIME A SECOND AND DIFFERENT WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD WITH A STOP SIGN IKON; THE WARNING STATED: STOP CAR IMMEDIATE…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 18,800 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10363893 · 18,800 mi

SUDDEN ENGINE STOPPAGE WHILE DRIVING WITH LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND POWER STEERING. *TR

Look up ODI 10363893 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b