2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Fuel system Problems

I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, particularly related to the fuel pump system under the rear passenger area. It has come to my attention that the fuel pumps in these vehicles emit a strong, unpleasant odor every time the car is refueled. This poses a significant risk to both the driver and passengers. I have personally experienced a similar issue with a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, where the pumps were constructed with a substandard plastic material that, over time, will melt and start dripping from the top of the pump. This degradation of materials significantly compromises the integrity of the system, creating a serious hazard that could, in the worst case, lead to catastrophic outcomes, including fire or explosion. I strongly urge Mercedes-Benz to investigate and address this issue as a matter of priority. The potential consequences of ignoring this matter are severe, and a permanent solution must be found before any further risk is posed to the safety of vehicle occupants. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical safety concern. I look forward to your prompt response and the implementation of necessary corrective actions. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11692024

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, particularly related to the fuel pump system under the rear passenger area. It has come to my attention that the fuel pumps in these vehicles emit a strong, unpleasant odor every time the car is refueled. As a safety engineer, I can confirm that this poses a significant risk to both the driver and passengers. I have personally experienced a similar issue with a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, where the pumps were constructed with a substandard plastic material that, over time, will melt and start dripping from the top of the pump. This degradation of materials significantly compromises the integrity of the system, creating a serious hazard that could, in the worst case, lead to catastrophic outcomes, including fire or explosion. I strongly urge Mercedes-Benz to investigate and address this issue as a matter of priority. The potential consequences of ignoring this matter are severe, and a permanent solution must be found before any further risk is posed to the safety of vehicle occupants. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical safety concern. I look forward to your prompt response and the implementation of necessary corrective actions. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11634148

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that the odor of fuel was present inside and outside of the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked fuel leaked underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side fuel tank housing had cracked causing fuel to leak. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not included in the Manufacturer's Extended coverage for the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 66,300.

NHTSA ID

11574920

Incident

Feb 19, 2024

Mileage

66,300 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a gasoline odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was a gasoline leak however, the location of the leak was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11570907

Incident

Mar 15, 2023

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, there was a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong gasoline odor inside and outside of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and the sending unit were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11554946

Incident

Oct 13, 2023

Mileage

90,000 mi

Feul leaks from the tank when the vehcle is on idling. I understand its feul pump leaking the feul. This is a gushing leak under the tank whne the car is idling no obvious leak when parked the engine is off.

NHTSA ID

11532658

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

STARTING SMELLING FUEL ON LEFT REAR OF CAR FOUND OUT IT WAS THE LEFT FUEL SENDING UNIT CRACKED AND LEAKING NEXT TO THE FUEL LINE NIPPLE

NHTSA ID

11152482

Incident

Aug 22, 2018

Mileage

46,139 mi

VEHICLE HAS ~ 20K MILES, BROUGHT INTO DEALER BECAUSE ABS LIGHT WENT ON WHILE DRIVING SAYING SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. DEALER THEN FOUND GAS TANK LEAK, AND WOULD NOT LET ME LEAVE THE DEALER, BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD. SEARCH SHOWS RECALL FOR EARLIER MODEL YEAR 2012 WITH SAME ISSUE, BUT DEALER SAYS NO RECALL FOR 2013. ABS SENSORS ARE ALSO MALFUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING. TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS FOR ABS SENSORS. TWO BEEN REPLACED WITHIN ONE WEEK!

NHTSA ID

11112787

Incident

Jul 12, 2018

Mileage

19,437 mi