2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds 587 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 3 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most C-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 8. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
587
3
0
15
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (312 of 587), then Suspension (74) and Engine (69). Those filings include 8 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, 8 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
The 2013 C-Class has 573 complaints, 11 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (587 total)
Show 15 more Show less
8
7
8
1
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Fuel tank is rusting. Leaking fuel, heavy fuel smell inside cabin. My saftey and anyone around the vehicle would be at risk due to fire chance. Confirmed by independent service center Vehcile has only been inspected by…"
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"Brake line corrosion issues, related and reported along with the sub-frame assembly corrosion. After getting the sub-frame repaired XXX, corrosion and deformation of the tie rods and control arms caused vibration and…"
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"The rear sub frame has rusted and part of it has failed"
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"Vehicle: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sport Problem Component: Fuel / Propulsion System Safety Issue Description: My 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 developed a serious fuel tank leak at approximately 106,460 miles which…"
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"I have a rust free, relatively lower mileage car I bought for my teen daughter. Despite being such a clean car the rear subframe has rusted and rear suspension has broke off while driving, hitting the fuel tank and is…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4 stars |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 17V-627 covers certain 2012-2014 C250, C350, and C300 4Matic sedans (with many other Mercedes models): insufficient grounding of steering components can allow the driver air bag to deploy inadvertently. Dealers add grounding. Campaign 17V-252 covers certain 2013-2014 C250 and C300 4MATIC vehicles among other models for a related electrical concern on affected builds. Confirm open campaigns by VIN; Mercedes lists recalls under trim strings such as C250/C300, not the umbrella "C-Class" name.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds 587 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 3 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most C-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 8. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (312 of 587), then Suspension (74) and Engine (69). Those filings include 8 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, 8 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 C-Class has 573 complaints, 11 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Owners have filed 587 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with NHTSA.
What engine oil does a Mercedes-Benz C-Class use?
5W-40 full synthetic (MB-approved; common US C250/C350 fills)
What does NHTSA recall 17V-627 cover on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
NHTSA campaign 17V-627 covers certain 2012-2014 C250, C350, and C300 4Matic sedans (with many other Mercedes models): insufficient grounding of steering components can allow the driver air bag to deploy inadvertently.
What generation is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
W204 (2012-2014).