Recall 10V540 affects 2,297 2011 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, R, and M vehicles for fuel-filter leakage. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2,297 2011 E, Gl, R, and M vehicles because an improperly lubricated O-ring can let the fuel filter leak diesel fuel. Leaking fuel can make roads slippery and increase crash risk, and the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel filter on 2011 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, R, and M vehicles is part of the system that sends clean fuel from the tank toward the engine. It traps debris before fuel reaches sensitive engine components. A small O-ring seals the filter connection so fuel stays inside the line while the engine is running and pressure is present.
On affected vehicles, that O-ring was not properly lubricated during assembly. Without enough lubrication, the seal does not seat as designed. Fuel can leak at the filter instead of staying contained in the fuel system, especially when the system is pressurized during normal operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. If leakage starts, the recall record does not identify a reliable early symptom before the seal fails.
Who's affected?
The included E, Gl, R, and M lines all tie back to the same fuel filter component.
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz Gl | fuel system |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz R | fuel system |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz M | fuel system |
| Units affected | 2,297 |
A matching 2011 Mercedes-Benz model line does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel deposited on the road can make the pavement slippery and increase the risk of a crash for your vehicle and other road users. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair through a Mercedes-Benz dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, R, or M is included in this recall.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 to confirm whether recall 10V540 is handled under superseding campaign 11V-496.
- Ask a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer about the free fuel-filter replacement that fixes the fuel leak from the poorly lubricated O-ring.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 10V540 when you call.
- Avoid driving with a diesel fuel smell or visible fuel leak, and have the vehicle inspected before further use.
What happens at the repair
The repair described for this defect is fuel filter replacement. At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the fuel filters tied to the O-ring lubrication issue. Because campaign 10V540 has been superseded, ask the Mercedes-Benz service desk to handle the current superseding campaign, 11V-496. The dealer repair will be free once available under the active campaign. Parts and labor are covered under the recall process.
Timeline
| October 29, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 24, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V540?
Recall 10V540 covers 2,297 2011 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, R, and M vehicles with a fuel filter O-ring lubrication problem. The defect can let diesel fuel leak from the filter and spill onto roads, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the fuel filters for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, R, or M is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V540. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the free fuel filter replacement. Reference recall 10V540, and ask the dealer about the superseding recall campaign 11V-496.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the affected fuel filters free of charge. The recall repair began on November 24, 2010.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is diesel fuel leaking from the fuel filter and spilling onto the road. Diesel fuel on pavement can make the road slippery, increasing crash risk for your vehicle and other traffic. The fix is the free fuel filter replacement at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2011 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, R, or M vehicle is included, then reference recall 10V540 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V540000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V540 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V540000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →