There are 4 owner-reported fuel system complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Classin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
About 2 to 3 weeks ago I suddenly started smelling faint gas outside the vehicle on the driver side. Over 2 weeks it got stronger and finally I was able to smell it inside and immediately investigated. I discovered the fuel filter underneath the rear seat behind the driver was leaking and the foam under the seat was soaked in gasoline. I did not find my vehicle to be in recall for this safety issue. However, I did find recall 12V-557 for other models that have similar issues with a defective fuel filter. I believe my vehicle should be covered by this recall. I resolved this issue by visiting the dealership and after being told my vehicle was not under recall, I purchased the fuel filter myself from the parts department and replaced it. Included are 2 pictures. One showing crack in the filter that cause gasoline to spray against a cover and leak into the vehicle. And a second picture taken showing the fuel filter soaked in gasoline prior to its removal.
MY VEHICLE HAS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHILE DRIVING BUT PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIC OR PARKED. THIS SMELL IS SO STRONG THAT I CANNOT SIT IN THE CAR AND MY CLOTHES REAK OF THE SMELL. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY EXTERNAL GAS LEAKAGE OR PERFORMANCE ISSUES WITH THE CAR. ONLY THE GAS ORDOR THAT HAS GIVEN ME A HEADACHE AND MAKES ME NAUSEATED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 12V557000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000.
CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON 10 FWY GOING FROM AZ TO CALIF. WOULD NOT RESTART & WAS TOWED TO PALM SPRINGS MBZ. NOT OPEN TIL MON 27TH. *TR
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026