2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 fuel system problems
Owners reported fuel system problems in 41 complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500, 29% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 41 29% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 96,000 miles 31 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When fuel system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 13 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 7 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 31 fuel system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 96,000 miles, and 6% were reported before 60,000 miles.
None of the fuel system complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What owners wrote
Strong smell of gasoline every time I fill up and until I drive about 50 miles. I was told by a german auto repair shop that it is a cracked gas tank and that this is a systemic problem with mercedes e-class models from 2003-2005. The smell appears to be emanating from the rear passenger driver's side. I have also been told there was a recall for this exact issue in europe and asia but that mercedes never issued a recall in the us for this issue despite being extremely pervasive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated that when he refueled, he could smell strong gasoline fumes inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that there was a leak on top of the fuel tank and the tank would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 113,000.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500
- Brakes 38 complaints
- Suspension 21 complaints