Federal investigators have broadened their inquiry into over 250,000 Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans, as previous recall repairs may have inadvertently caused fuel leaks and potential fire hazards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has intensified its investigation into Mercedes-Benz's E-Class luxury sedans, now encompassing more than 250,000 vehicles due to potential fuel leaks. This issue may have arisen from repairs conducted during an earlier recall. Initially, the probe focused on a limited number of high-performance E55 AMG models from the 2003 to 2006 model years, following 20 complaints about a noticeable gasoline odor during refueling.
Since the initial investigation, the NHTSA has received an additional 533 complaints reporting similar gasoline odors across various E-Class models. This surge in complaints has led to an engineering analysis, the highest level of federal investigation. The expanded probe now includes the E320, E350, E500, E550, and E63 AMG models from the 2003 to 2008 model years. If a widespread defect is identified, a recall affecting over half a million vehicles could be imminent for Mercedes-Benz.
Preliminary findings suggest that the issue—a minor fuel leak from the upper portion of the gas tank—may have resulted from repairs made during a 2008 recall aimed at fixing the pollution control system. The recall identified a defective fuel filler flange that could crack and leak gasoline during refueling. It is possible that the repair process for the flange inadvertently caused additional damage to the gas tank. The 2008 recall initially covered 6,000 vehicles.
In a statement, Mercedes-Benz emphasized its full cooperation with the NHTSA investigation and sought to reassure the public about the potential risks. "We are taking this issue seriously and are cooperating with the NHTSA. Neither we nor the NHTSA have received any reports of fire, accidents, or injury," the company stated.
Fuel leaks and fire hazards have become increasingly common issues for several automakers in recent years. For instance:
If a recall is deemed necessary, it is crucial for vehicle owners to respond promptly to avoid potential fire hazards, even under normal driving conditions. Recalls are issued when a defect is consistently dangerous across a large number of vehicles. Ignoring these fixes can expose owners to significant risks. For owners of E-Class Mercedes vehicles, the results of the NHTSA's investigation should be closely monitored. If a common defect is identified, taking the appropriate steps to address the issue will ensure continued safe driving.
By staying informed and proactive, vehicle owners can significantly reduce the risks associated with these defects and ensure their safety on the road.
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