Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 14 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
I did some research on Mercedes 3.0l diesel motors and there seems to be an issue with the seal failing about 50,000 miles causing the motor to leak oil and the seal as well as the oil cooler need to be replaced. It is such a common problem on the 3.0l diesel engines that when…
"takata recall" the vehicle slips into a limp mode while driving. This have happened several times. I'm taking it to the mb dealer this weekend. 11/16/2016. 57kmiles
I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an "electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1.…
Vehicle cut on fire while sitting lucky outside, the corner of engine passenger side bellow the headlight stores the suspension air pump and electric hydraulic steering pump.. Base on my inspection the ehps heated and set on fire.someone saw the car on fire and called fire…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,250 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 53,250 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz S-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 14 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.