NHTSA Complaint #11608765 — 2008 MERCEDES BENZ S63

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.