2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
Owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class over 15 years — 4 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most E-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 6. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
235
4
0
15
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (92 of 235), then Fuel and propulsion system (28) and Electrical system (23). Those filings include 7 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 6 that report an injury.
The 2013 E-Class has 185 complaints, 6 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 E-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (235 total)
Show 14 more Show less
7
1
6
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"The vehicle was parked when the steering wheel locked , and the headrest. The electrical for my headlight driver side low beam gave me a warning lamp message."
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"The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was…"
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"The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the inside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The…"
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"Brake failure due to leaking brake fluid after dealership conducted rear sub frame extended warranty coverage replacement and recent brake fluid services and after two (2) multi point inspections including video and…"
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"The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes- Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the odor of fuel was present coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from the…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 5 stars |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 5 stars |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
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
For 2014 E350 sedans, NHTSA campaign 16V-899 covers certain 2014-2016 E350 vehicles (with SL, S-Class, and other models): the electric power steering control unit may have improperly soldered contacts, which can cause loss of power-steering assist or a fire risk even when parked; dealers replace the EPS control unit. Campaign 19V-010 names certain 2014 E350 coupe/cabrio and related models for a Takata passenger frontal air bag inflator that may explode and send metal fragments into the cabin; dealers replace the passenger frontal air bag module. Confirm open campaigns by VIN under trim strings such as E350.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class over 15 years — 4 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most E-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 6. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (92 of 235), then Fuel and propulsion system (28) and Electrical system (23). Those filings include 7 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 6 that report an injury.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 E-Class has 185 complaints, 6 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Owners have filed 235 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with NHTSA.
What generation is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
W213 generation (2017-2023).
What oil does a US Mercedes-Benz E-Class typically take?
Generation notes list MB-approved 0W-40 full synthetic for common US E350/E300 fills; confirm the approval sheet in the manual.
What tire sizes does a Mercedes-Benz E-Class use?
Sizes vary widely by chassis and trim; W213 E300 pages span about 225/55R17 to 245/40R19.