URGENT: NHTSA Opens investigation into fuel leaks on the E55.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2004 E55
For anyone in the Dallas, Texas area:
I am going to be interviewed by a local news consumer advocate about this issue on Thursday. If you are in the area, please let me know and I will let him know about you as well.
The NHTSA is YEARS away from doing anything about this. Only public pressure will work.
I've also been posting this on MB's Facebook pages. Feel free to copy and paste:
My Benz is a bomb waiting to explode.
Hi. My name is Tony and my Mercedes leaks gas into the back seat, right under my child's carseat, because of a defective part that Mercedes Benz refuses to acknowledge.
There are thousands of others like me.
Let's go back to 2003. Starting that year, Mercedes manufactured thousands of vehicles with a particular "fuel sender" design (it's a part that sits on top of the gas tank, under the rear seat of the car) that is made of plastic. This plastic cracks over time, leaking liquid gasoline into the insulation under the back seat. Every time you fill the car up, gas literally pools under the seat, releasing toxic and explosive vapor into the cabin where you and your family sit.
They don't think this is a defect.
Even though there is no other make/model of car that has this problem. Even though the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has launched an investigation (which MB's attorneys are fighting). Even though any MB mechanic will tell you that they see hundreds of vehicles with this problem. To Mercedes, this is just not an issue.
Please, for your health and for your family's safety, do not buy a car from these people. If they won't acknowledge this problem, which is so obvious and so dangerous, what else are they hiding?
UPDATE 2/22/13:
An MB rep named Mike called me to tell me that MBUSA refuses to address this issue because the "guidelines" (his word) don't call for it. He said that this "issue" isn't covered under the previous fuel system recall, so they are not obligated to fix it. Well, that's pretty obvious.
MB continues to hide behind lawyers and "guidelines" while gasoline leaks into your back seat.
http://jalopnik.com/5928347/5-millio...from-customers
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...2001-50231.pdf
http://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercede...m-problems.php
http://www.scribd.com/doc/100877072/Mercedes-Lawsuit
I am going to be interviewed by a local news consumer advocate about this issue on Thursday. If you are in the area, please let me know and I will let him know about you as well.
The NHTSA is YEARS away from doing anything about this. Only public pressure will work.
I've also been posting this on MB's Facebook pages. Feel free to copy and paste:
My Benz is a bomb waiting to explode.
Hi. My name is Tony and my Mercedes leaks gas into the back seat, right under my child's carseat, because of a defective part that Mercedes Benz refuses to acknowledge.
There are thousands of others like me.
Let's go back to 2003. Starting that year, Mercedes manufactured thousands of vehicles with a particular "fuel sender" design (it's a part that sits on top of the gas tank, under the rear seat of the car) that is made of plastic. This plastic cracks over time, leaking liquid gasoline into the insulation under the back seat. Every time you fill the car up, gas literally pools under the seat, releasing toxic and explosive vapor into the cabin where you and your family sit.
They don't think this is a defect.
Even though there is no other make/model of car that has this problem. Even though the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has launched an investigation (which MB's attorneys are fighting). Even though any MB mechanic will tell you that they see hundreds of vehicles with this problem. To Mercedes, this is just not an issue.
Please, for your health and for your family's safety, do not buy a car from these people. If they won't acknowledge this problem, which is so obvious and so dangerous, what else are they hiding?
UPDATE 2/22/13:
An MB rep named Mike called me to tell me that MBUSA refuses to address this issue because the "guidelines" (his word) don't call for it. He said that this "issue" isn't covered under the previous fuel system recall, so they are not obligated to fix it. Well, that's pretty obvious.
MB continues to hide behind lawyers and "guidelines" while gasoline leaks into your back seat.
http://jalopnik.com/5928347/5-millio...from-customers
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...2001-50231.pdf
http://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercede...m-problems.php
http://www.scribd.com/doc/100877072/Mercedes-Lawsuit
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
Is this interview going to be on camera or just a written interview?
I'd say there is nothing more powerful than being able to show them the defect and let them get it on video.....
Let them smell the raw fuel smell around and inside the car.
Pull the rear seat and inspection covers while they film it.
Let them see the raw fuel puddles inside those inspection cover areas with their own eyes (and video cameras). It will leave them with an impression that is hard to forget.
My advice:
If you are going to hammer MBUSA on FaceBook you should probably rework your message to contain a few more "facts" and a little less "emotion" if you want people to take you seriously. Cite the NHTSA Action Number (PE12001) and the actual part numbers for the items you've had replaced.... otherwise most people reading it may just dismiss you as some kind of lunatic, and not bother pay attention to your message.
Good luck with the interview. Be sure to post up afterwards with any new status....
-G
I'd say there is nothing more powerful than being able to show them the defect and let them get it on video.....
Let them smell the raw fuel smell around and inside the car.
Pull the rear seat and inspection covers while they film it.
Let them see the raw fuel puddles inside those inspection cover areas with their own eyes (and video cameras). It will leave them with an impression that is hard to forget.
My advice:
If you are going to hammer MBUSA on FaceBook you should probably rework your message to contain a few more "facts" and a little less "emotion" if you want people to take you seriously. Cite the NHTSA Action Number (PE12001) and the actual part numbers for the items you've had replaced.... otherwise most people reading it may just dismiss you as some kind of lunatic, and not bother pay attention to your message.
Good luck with the interview. Be sure to post up afterwards with any new status....
-G
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 10
From: Illinois
W211 E63
For anyone in the Dallas, Texas area:
I am going to be interviewed by a local news consumer advocate about this issue on Thursday. If you are in the area, please let me know and I will let him know about you as well.
The NHTSA is YEARS away from doing anything about this. Only public pressure will work.
I've also been posting this on MB's Facebook pages. Feel free to copy and paste:
My Benz is a bomb waiting to explode.
Hi. My name is Tony and my Mercedes leaks gas into the back seat, right under my child's carseat, because of a defective part that Mercedes Benz refuses to acknowledge.
There are thousands of others like me.
Let's go back to 2003. Starting that year, Mercedes manufactured thousands of vehicles with a particular "fuel sender" design (it's a part that sits on top of the gas tank, under the rear seat of the car) that is made of plastic. This plastic cracks over time, leaking liquid gasoline into the insulation under the back seat. Every time you fill the car up, gas literally pools under the seat, releasing toxic and explosive vapor into the cabin where you and your family sit.
They don't think this is a defect.
Even though there is no other make/model of car that has this problem. Even though the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has launched an investigation (which MB's attorneys are fighting). Even though any MB mechanic will tell you that they see hundreds of vehicles with this problem. To Mercedes, this is just not an issue.
Please, for your health and for your family's safety, do not buy a car from these people. If they won't acknowledge this problem, which is so obvious and so dangerous, what else are they hiding?
UPDATE 2/22/13:
An MB rep named Mike called me to tell me that MBUSA refuses to address this issue because the "guidelines" (his word) don't call for it. He said that this "issue" isn't covered under the previous fuel system recall, so they are not obligated to fix it. Well, that's pretty obvious.
MB continues to hide behind lawyers and "guidelines" while gasoline leaks into your back seat.
http://jalopnik.com/5928347/5-millio...from-customers
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...2001-50231.pdf
http://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercede...m-problems.php
http://www.scribd.com/doc/100877072/Mercedes-Lawsuit
I am going to be interviewed by a local news consumer advocate about this issue on Thursday. If you are in the area, please let me know and I will let him know about you as well.
The NHTSA is YEARS away from doing anything about this. Only public pressure will work.
I've also been posting this on MB's Facebook pages. Feel free to copy and paste:
My Benz is a bomb waiting to explode.
Hi. My name is Tony and my Mercedes leaks gas into the back seat, right under my child's carseat, because of a defective part that Mercedes Benz refuses to acknowledge.
There are thousands of others like me.
Let's go back to 2003. Starting that year, Mercedes manufactured thousands of vehicles with a particular "fuel sender" design (it's a part that sits on top of the gas tank, under the rear seat of the car) that is made of plastic. This plastic cracks over time, leaking liquid gasoline into the insulation under the back seat. Every time you fill the car up, gas literally pools under the seat, releasing toxic and explosive vapor into the cabin where you and your family sit.
They don't think this is a defect.
Even though there is no other make/model of car that has this problem. Even though the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has launched an investigation (which MB's attorneys are fighting). Even though any MB mechanic will tell you that they see hundreds of vehicles with this problem. To Mercedes, this is just not an issue.
Please, for your health and for your family's safety, do not buy a car from these people. If they won't acknowledge this problem, which is so obvious and so dangerous, what else are they hiding?
UPDATE 2/22/13:
An MB rep named Mike called me to tell me that MBUSA refuses to address this issue because the "guidelines" (his word) don't call for it. He said that this "issue" isn't covered under the previous fuel system recall, so they are not obligated to fix it. Well, that's pretty obvious.
MB continues to hide behind lawyers and "guidelines" while gasoline leaks into your back seat.
http://jalopnik.com/5928347/5-millio...from-customers
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...2001-50231.pdf
http://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercede...m-problems.php
http://www.scribd.com/doc/100877072/Mercedes-Lawsuit
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 5
From: Chicago
03 E55 AMG, 06 Harley Road King Custom 06 Ram 2500 Cummins, 97 Firebird Race Car, 88 Cutlass Supreme
Be sure to mention how MBUSA is telling many of us that a gas tank is a "WEAR ITEM"!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2004 E55
To answer a few questions/criticisms:
It is an on-camera interview and they WILL be filming the leaking fuel under the back seat.
My FB post is meant to be highly emotional in order to engage people. People get bored with facts and won't continue to read. Emotional impact will = more sharing = more public pressure. The proof is in the pudding, less than 4 days after starting that social media blitz, just in my little circle, we got a TV interview.
Why keep a "bomb" for 10 years? I don't know if that question was aimed at me, but my car just started leaking recently, and I doubt I will be keeping it for another 10 years. However, just because we own nice cars doesn't mean we can afford to throw them out when they are broken. And how much do you think I'm going to get for my car that smells like a gas station and makes your clothes stink of fuel fumes and gives you a headache when you drive it. AND the smell won't come out...I guess I should just replace the whole interior before I sell it?
Anyway, if any of you are in north Texas please let me know. I'm sure the Fox affiliate here would like your story as well.
It is an on-camera interview and they WILL be filming the leaking fuel under the back seat.
My FB post is meant to be highly emotional in order to engage people. People get bored with facts and won't continue to read. Emotional impact will = more sharing = more public pressure. The proof is in the pudding, less than 4 days after starting that social media blitz, just in my little circle, we got a TV interview.
Why keep a "bomb" for 10 years? I don't know if that question was aimed at me, but my car just started leaking recently, and I doubt I will be keeping it for another 10 years. However, just because we own nice cars doesn't mean we can afford to throw them out when they are broken. And how much do you think I'm going to get for my car that smells like a gas station and makes your clothes stink of fuel fumes and gives you a headache when you drive it. AND the smell won't come out...I guess I should just replace the whole interior before I sell it?
Anyway, if any of you are in north Texas please let me know. I'm sure the Fox affiliate here would like your story as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix by way of Texas
2003 E55 AMG
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 10
From: Illinois
W211 E63
To answer a few questions/criticisms:
It is an on-camera interview and they WILL be filming the leaking fuel under the back seat.
My FB post is meant to be highly emotional in order to engage people. People get bored with facts and won't continue to read. Emotional impact will = more sharing = more public pressure. The proof is in the pudding, less than 4 days after starting that social media blitz, just in my little circle, we got a TV interview.
Why keep a "bomb" for 10 years? I don't know if that question was aimed at me, but my car just started leaking recently, and I doubt I will be keeping it for another 10 years. However, just because we own nice cars doesn't mean we can afford to throw them out when they are broken. And how much do you think I'm going to get for my car that smells like a gas station and makes your clothes stink of fuel fumes and gives you a headache when you drive it. AND the smell won't come out...I guess I should just replace the whole interior before I sell it?
Anyway, if any of you are in north Texas please let me know. I'm sure the Fox affiliate here would like your story as well.
It is an on-camera interview and they WILL be filming the leaking fuel under the back seat.
My FB post is meant to be highly emotional in order to engage people. People get bored with facts and won't continue to read. Emotional impact will = more sharing = more public pressure. The proof is in the pudding, less than 4 days after starting that social media blitz, just in my little circle, we got a TV interview.
Why keep a "bomb" for 10 years? I don't know if that question was aimed at me, but my car just started leaking recently, and I doubt I will be keeping it for another 10 years. However, just because we own nice cars doesn't mean we can afford to throw them out when they are broken. And how much do you think I'm going to get for my car that smells like a gas station and makes your clothes stink of fuel fumes and gives you a headache when you drive it. AND the smell won't come out...I guess I should just replace the whole interior before I sell it?
Anyway, if any of you are in north Texas please let me know. I'm sure the Fox affiliate here would like your story as well.
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
W211 E55
Kudos to you again! Totally agree with you about 'keeping' the car. Not everyone has had this issue since day one. And getting rid of it might be too much of a financial loss and not worth it. Just have to refrain from filling up all the way. Really like to see where this goes.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 959
Likes: 36
From: Maryland
W212 E63 AMG S Model
Guys,
Mercedes-Benz wants their owners to give their "stories" about their cars... go ahead and explain to them the story that runs this entire thread:
https://www.facebook.com/mercedesben...70473163028210
Mercedes-Benz wants their owners to give their "stories" about their cars... go ahead and explain to them the story that runs this entire thread:
https://www.facebook.com/mercedesben...70473163028210
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
Why don't I just leave these here for reference.... these come straight out of the original documentation packet provided by Mercedes-Benz in the glovebox
There's the EPA contact name for reporting the issue (if you've been denied a free replacement of fuel-related parts)....as well as the list of parts that are considered part of the "Emissions System" and are required under Federal Law to be covered for up to 8 years / 80,000 miles.
Do you get the impression that MB-USA is simply trying to "play out the clock" on all of these fuel leak complaints? I do.
Interesting to note: The "Crank Position Sensor" is actually in this list too. If you've ever had issues with a failed CPS it should have been covered as an emissions failure.
-G
There's the EPA contact name for reporting the issue (if you've been denied a free replacement of fuel-related parts)....as well as the list of parts that are considered part of the "Emissions System" and are required under Federal Law to be covered for up to 8 years / 80,000 miles.
Do you get the impression that MB-USA is simply trying to "play out the clock" on all of these fuel leak complaints? I do.
Interesting to note: The "Crank Position Sensor" is actually in this list too. If you've ever had issues with a failed CPS it should have been covered as an emissions failure.
-G
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 959
Likes: 36
From: Maryland
W212 E63 AMG S Model
Why don't I just leave these here for reference.... these come straight out of the original documentation packet provided by Mercedes-Benz in the glovebox
There's the EPA contact name for reporting the issue (if you've been denied a free replacement of fuel-related parts)....as well as the list of parts that are considered part of the "Emissions System" and are required under Federal Law to be covered for up to 8 years / 80,000 miles.
Do you get the impression that MB-USA is simply trying to "play out the clock" on all of these fuel leak complaints? I do.
Interesting to note: The "Crank Position Sensor" is actually in this list too. If you've ever had issues with a failed CPS it should have been covered as an emissions failure.
-G
There's the EPA contact name for reporting the issue (if you've been denied a free replacement of fuel-related parts)....as well as the list of parts that are considered part of the "Emissions System" and are required under Federal Law to be covered for up to 8 years / 80,000 miles.
Do you get the impression that MB-USA is simply trying to "play out the clock" on all of these fuel leak complaints? I do.
Interesting to note: The "Crank Position Sensor" is actually in this list too. If you've ever had issues with a failed CPS it should have been covered as an emissions failure.
-G
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
The Federal requirement is for 8 years / 80,000 miles. You need to read the whole thing in it's entirety to get the complete picture.... I only scanned a few relevant pages for this discussion.
Either way, almost everyone is now "out-of-warranty" based on even the most generous interpretation of this warranty.... so I think we can pretty much forget about MB-USA doing taking any meaningful action on this.
Their legal team will work to slow this process down as much as possible, so that their exposure becomes minimal and the people who were affected by this issue are worn-down by the process and either buy something else or just give up.
-G
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2004 E55
Okay...filmed today for about an hour. Went really well. They interviewed me about my experience and the problems with MB. They asked about the NHTSA investigation and the crash in Australia where those poor people burned up in their E-class. Filmed the fuel senders full of liquid gas...etc.
Now the news crew will go to MB for comment, a materials scientist to discuss the possible reasons for failure, the NHTSA, and lawyers.
They said they would LOVE to hear from anyone in the area with this same problem, so if you are in Texas PLEASE contact me via PM and I can get you in touch with the guy at Fox news.
Now the news crew will go to MB for comment, a materials scientist to discuss the possible reasons for failure, the NHTSA, and lawyers.
They said they would LOVE to hear from anyone in the area with this same problem, so if you are in Texas PLEASE contact me via PM and I can get you in touch with the guy at Fox news.
