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ProblemsByVin Index / 2012-MERCEDES-BENZ-E-CLASS / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owner complaints

232 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 2 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

airbags 9 complaints shown

91 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/20/2018 ODI #11162687.0

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-benz e350. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 17v017000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (penske Mercedes-benz, 2010 e garvey ave, west covina, ca 91791) confirmed that parts were not available to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

12/13/2017 40,000 mi ODI #11054499.0

Takata recall has not been performed on my vehicle. I don't feel safe driving this car.

12/11/2019 ODI #11288446.0

A recall for air bags was initiated in 2017. It is almost 2020. Why is it not fixed?

12/01/2018 ODI #11155393.0

Takata recall: this recall was in january 2018 and the car's airbags still have not been replaced and they have no idea when they can replace them. This is un-acceptable.

11/30/2017 ODI #11051426.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-benz e350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v017000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Mercedes-benz of delray (1001 linton blvd, delray beach, fl 33444, (561) 291-6095) confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

11/22/2017 ODI #11046751.0

2012 Mercedes benz e350. Consumer writes in regards to a safety defect with the passenger side airbag. *ld the consumer stated the recall repair exceeded a reasonable amount of time. Updated 11/22/2017*js

11/22/2017 ODI #11048041.0

I received a letter from Mercedes benz asking me to make an appointment with a dealer to get the repairs made to the faulty airbags. The dealer on 5 occasions has said that they don't have the necessary parts.

11/21/2019 ODI #11281536.0

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-benz e350c. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 17v017000 (air bags). The manufacturer and an unknown dealer were notified and stated that the part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

11/21/2017 ODI #11047786.0

Takata recall I received a notice at the beginning of the year about the recall but the manufacturer has not provided the dealerships with the ability to correct the issue.

other 4 complaints shown

12/27/2024 ODI #11632789.0

Recently, I have noticed a strong gas smell emanating from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon further research, I discovered that there was an open recall affecting Mercedes E-Class vehicles of the same year for a similar issue. However,my vehicle’s VIN is not included in this recall. Given that my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described in the recall, I am concerned about the safety implications and believe this matter warrants immediate attention. I would like clarification on why my vehicle is excluded from the recall despite exhibiting the same issue. Additionally, I would like to know if I am expected to pay out of pocket for repairs related to what appears to be a manufacturing defect acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz for other vehicles of the same year and model. I

12/15/2023 ODI #11560325.0

The car was parked in the driveway outside. In the AM when getting into the car I saw that the drivers HEAD-REST had engaged by itself during the day. There was no airbag only pieces of plastic and springs on the seat. The headrest was just hanging there and in no way could be reset. Car was taken to the dealer for repair. Extended warranty would not cover it stating airbag issue even though the headrest has no airbag. Dealer is repairing the headrest - total cost $1,800. Mercedes also does no want to cover it since the auto is a 2012. The problem was reported to Mercedes and they stated that there was no recall on the item. And that is it. Spoke to dealer who indicated that they have seen this problem before but not widespread. And that is it!! Mercedes quality is one to be desired.

12/15/2018 55,141 mi 1 injury ODI #11161495.0

The driver seat plastic/chrome handle. Is separating from the plastic the chrome has become a sharp piece of metal. When I reached in the car it caused a 2.5 inch laceration on my forearm, had to have seven stitches, antibiotics and a tetanus shot.

12/04/2025 ODI #11702962.0

The rear subframe got separated from chassis. I was driving to work and had to hard brake to void a collision with another vehicle all of a sudden vehicle shifted to the left and I ended up on a curb. Further inspection vehicle`s rear subframe rotted out due to rust. Also, both rear brake lines from abs module to calipers are damaged due to corrosion. I ended up replacing both brake lines and did not think too much of it and now I see a lot of people complaining about both brake line corrosion and subframe separation or excessive rust, casing rear subframe to fail. It is a very serios safety issue and Mercedes should hold accountable for these failures. My vehicle is 2012 Mercedes E350 and only has 118k miles on odometer. I have attached pictures for the rear subframe for your review, bu

suspension 2 complaints shown

15 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $900 · see suspension cluster analysis →
12/31/2022 ODI #11499614.0

I have video available that shows significant premature corrosion of the rear subframe and brake line. The safety of others will be put at risk at the time of failure. Failed subframes can lead to loss of control. This problem has been identified and the part inspected by a Mercedes dealership. There are no warning lamps or messages to alert the driver that failure is imminent. This was discovered in the process of the car being serviced for an unrelated emissions recall. Many Mercedes owners report having severe rear subframe and brake line corrosion issues on message boards. Some reported their cars unexpectedly sway and drift to one side while breaking. In multiple European countries, Mercedes is apparently aware of the problem and is voluntarily replacing the rear subframe for free.

11/18/2022 ODI #11494095.0

A state inspection identified that the rear subframe is rusted through. Per the service advisor, the failure of the rear subframe is a safety hazard because it effects steering and braking, and complete failure can cause loss of brakes. Service advisor advised not to drive the vehicle until repairs are made due to safety concerns. Vehicle failed inspection because the issue is a safety issue.

engine 2 complaints shown

11 total in this category · severe · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
11/23/2021 54,700 mi ODI #11441483.0

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was oil contamination through the camshaft sensor. The contact was informed that the engine wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for confirmation of the diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,700. The VIN was not provided.

11/17/2014 19,990 mi ODI #10655349.0

Ticking/ tapping noise from the engine bay when car is excelerating, especially when going uphill. *tr

powertrain 1 complaint shown

9 total in this category · severe · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/15/2021 ODI #11443918.0

The camshaft position sensors leak oil into wiring harness. The oil circulates to other engine sensors and the ECU(engine control computer). Oil in the other sensors and the ECU causes the car to stop operating or operate erratically while driving. a real problem. This is a safety issue there should not be oil leaking into the ECU! The mercedes dealer replaced the leaking camshaft position sensors and confirmed oil had leaked into the ECU and wiring harness on december 13,2021. They recommended replacing the wiring harness and ECU at cost of $6500. I have the replaced bad sensors. Mercedes says they have no culpability in this or a fix. The mercedes complaint number is #23264730932. The previous mercedes engine generation had the same problem and mercedes did a recall on that engine.

electrical 1 complaint shown

14 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/12/2016 25,500 mi ODI #10934672.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-benz e550. While attempting to put on the driver's side seat belt, the seat belt fractured. There were also electrical failures in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt would have to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,500. The VIN was not available.

brakes 1 complaint shown

12 total in this category · severe · avg repair $450 · see brakes cluster analysis →
12/05/2024 Crash ODI #11629095.0

The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated while her husband was driving 20-25 MPH and making a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's husband stood on the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into a small ditch. The contact was occupying the front passenger's side seat at the time of the incident. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The air bags deployed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the air bags. Both the contact and her husband immediately exited the vehicle. The contact's husband did not sustain any injuries. The contact stated that her left arm was deformed. The contact was transported to the H

Showing 300 of 232 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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