Mercedes-Benz recall 11V496 covers 6,872 2011-2012 E, Gl, S Class, Ml, and R vehicles for diesel fuel filter leaks. Free repair at Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 6,872 2011-2012 E, Gl, S Class, Ml, and R vehicles because the diesel fuel filter can leak around its heating component. Diesel fuel on the road can create crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Mercedes-Benz makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The diesel fuel filter on 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, S Class, Ml, and R vehicles cleans fuel before it reaches the engine. On these diesel models, the filter also has a heating component that helps keep fuel flowing through the filter in cold conditions. The filter is supposed to hold diesel fuel inside the housing while fuel moves toward the engine.
In this recall, the leak is tied to the area around that heating component. The recall text does not give a deeper manufacturing cause, but the failure point is clear: fuel can escape from the filter instead of staying sealed inside it. That leaves diesel fuel where it does not belong in the engine area.
There is no warning sign before failure. After a leak starts, an owner can notice a diesel smell, wetness near the filter area, or fuel spots under the vehicle, and the vehicle needs Mercedes-Benz dealer service.
Who's affected?
Covers five diesel Mercedes-Benz model lines across the 2011 and 2012 model years, all tied to the fuel system.
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz Gl | fuel system |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class | fuel system |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz Ml | fuel system |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz R | fuel system |
| Units affected | 6,872 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
This defect can deposit diesel fuel onto the highway, creating a crash risk for your vehicle and nearby traffic. Until the recall is handled, drive cautiously and schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, S Class, Ml, or R is included in this recall.
- Confirm whether Mercedes-Benz has an owner notice for your VIN before scheduling service.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask about the diesel-fuel-filter inspection and replacement that addresses fuel leaking near the heating component.
- Reference recall number 11V496 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid driving if you smell diesel fuel or see fuel leaking, and ask the dealer what to do before moving the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the diesel fuel filter, especially the area around the heating component where the leak can occur. If the filter shows the recall condition, the technician replaces the diesel fuel filter. Because the remedy status is not listed here, confirm appointment timing with a Mercedes-Benz dealer before you plan the visit. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| October 3, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V496?
Recall 11V496 covers 6,872 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, S Class, Ml, and R vehicles with a diesel fuel filter that can leak near the heating component. NHTSA says leaked diesel fuel can reach the highway and create crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect and replace the filter for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz E, Gl, S Class, Ml, or R is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V496. If it is, call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the diesel fuel filter inspection and replacement. Reference recall 11V496 when you schedule. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter free of charge at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 11V496.
Is it safe to drive with recall 11V496 open?
The official risk is a diesel fuel leak that can put fuel on the road and create crash risk. This recall is not marked do-not-drive, but an included vehicle still needs the free dealer repair. If you smell fuel or see leaking fuel, stop driving and call the dealer.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mercedes-Benz is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 11V496 when you ask for the diesel fuel filter inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V496000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V496 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V496000 |
Source documents
-
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 →