2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 14 complaints with NHTSA after 15 years, or 0 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 13 S-Class years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
14
0
0
15
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (7 of 14), then Fuel and propulsion system (5) and Powertrain (3). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports a fire.
The 2013 S-Class has 9 complaints, 1 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 S-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (14 total)
1
1
0
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"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…"
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"There is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin. When I lifted up the rear seats, where the odor is coming from, I see a film of fuel around the fuel sending unit on the driver's side. I lift up the sound insulation and I…"
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"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…"
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"ENGINE HAS OIL LEAK SIMILAR TO MANY 2011-2012 DIESEL MODEL."
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"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON SEPTEMBER 5,…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 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
Recall 20V-449 covers certain 2017-2019 S-Class vehicles (with C-Class, E-Class, and related coupe/convertible/CLS models) where an unfastened front seat belt may trigger only a steady warning lamp instead of the intended blinking lamp and audible tone. Dealers update instrument-cluster software. NHTSA complaints on 2015 S-Class filings most often name seat belts, structure, and the electrical system.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 14 complaints with NHTSA after 15 years, or 0 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 13 S-Class years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (7 of 14), then Fuel and propulsion system (5) and Powertrain (3). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports a fire.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 S-Class has 9 complaints, 1 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class with NHTSA.
What oil does a Mercedes-Benz S-Class take?
W222 S 550 lists 0W-30/0W-40/5W-30/5W-40 (~8.5 qt); W223 S 500 lists 0W-40 or 5W-40 (~7.7 qt). Verify the MB approval sheet on the oil container.
What does recall 21V-843 cover on the S-Class?
Certain 2021-2022 S 580 and Maybach S 580 vehicles (9,120 units across those nameplates) where engine wiring may be incorrect—see the NHTSA campaign for the remedy.
Which S-Class generations does this site track?
W222 (2012-2020) and W223 (2021-on).