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Mercedes-Benz E350Model year report

2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Problems

Compared with other Mercedes-Benz E350 years

Typical for this model

57/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2015

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
217filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
69,700miles, 67 complaints with mileage
Recalls
7campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 19 city / 28 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2012 E350 most often report a fuel odor traced to the fuel filter flange or pump housing under the rear seat, and a large share of sampled complaints concern the Takata-related passenger air bag recalls and long waits for parts. A second cluster involves engine wiring harness oil contamination, camshaft and sensor faults, and pre-safe/air bag warning messages. Brake-line rust, seat-belt retractor failures and power steering faults appear in smaller numbers, typically on higher-mileage cars.

  1. Fuel system

    Fuel odor and leaks at the fuel filter flange / pump housing

    • 34 complaints (16%)
    • median 82,250 mi at 8.3 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $1,798 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2016–2026

    Owners describe a strong gasoline smell inside and around the car, often noticed while parked in a garage and later while driving. Several found raw fuel pooled on top of the fuel pump housing or filtering unit under the rear seat, or a cracked flange leaking near the tank. Dealers typically diagnosed a cracked fuel filter flange or failed pump assembly; some owners were told their VIN was not covered by the earlier fuel system recall. Mostly reported between roughly 55,000 and 150,000 miles, with a few as low as 35,000.

    Recall 12V5570001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Smell for fuel around the rear seat and under the car after refueling, and lift the rear seat cushion to look for staining or pooled fuel. Ask whether the fuel filter flange or pump assembly has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My vehicle is emitting a very strong fuel smell and possible leak coming from the fuel pump. This is located under the rear seat, which had a recall. I believe that the item is faulty and should replaced once again. I reached out to the dealership and to mb corp; but they do not want to take responsibility for their faulty design and product. The vehicle is not safe to drive with the strong vapors, which are dangerous to health. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11348441, filed 2020-08, 130,000 miles

    “Fuel pump housing (under rear seat,drivers side) cracked and leaking fuel. Car fills with strong fuel vapors with raw fuel collecting on top of fuel pump housing. This was noticed while driving, pulled rear seat cusion to discover raw fuel inside car.”

    NHTSA complaint #11298586, filed 2020-01, 74,500 miles
  2. Engine

    Oil in engine wiring harness, camshaft and sensor faults

    • 23 complaints (11%)
    • median 81,000 mi at 8.3 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $5,687 (median of 6 quotes)
    • filed 2013–2026

    Owners report the check engine light coming on, rough running, slow starts and occasional stalling, traced by shops to oil migrating through the wiring harness, failed camshaft or crankshaft sensors, or camshaft and cylinder head wear. Some describe rattling at start-up from the chain tensioners. Repairs ranged from sensor replacement to harness and camshaft work. Generally reported between about 50,000 and 115,000 miles, with a few much earlier.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the engine wiring harness or camshaft sensors were replaced, and check for oil residue at the harness connectors and a lit check engine light.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2012 E350 coupe. Car was making an odd clunking noise when started, but would fade or idle out after a couple of seconds. Took it into mb service today and was just informed that my car has a camshaft problem and it's wearing on the right cylinder head. Service rep says they have seen several cars come in with the same issue. Repairs cost $9,000! Seems like an engineering/mechanical defect as I was told there was nothing I could have done to prevent this issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11010739, filed 2017-07, 115,000 miles

    “'experienced rattling sounds and took vehicle for inspection to Mercedes-Benz of tucson (mbt) on 5/9/18 'inspection found secondary chain tensioners producing rattling noise until oil pressure is built up. Est cost of repairs $1497.94. Receipt reads: no consequential damage to be expected 'july 2018 check engine light. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11319793, filed 2020-03, 89,000 miles
  3. Air bags

    Passenger air bag recall parts unavailable / warning lights

    Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints

    Many owners filed about the Takata-related passenger air bag recall, reporting long waits for a remedy and dealers saying parts were not available. Others describe air bag warning lights staying on, a Pre-Safe inoperable message, or air bags not deploying in a collision. Some had the vehicle inspected at a dealer without a repair being completed. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 40,000 to 130,000 miles, with several filed while the recall remedy was still pending.

    Recall 19V010000Recall 17V017000Recall 17V627000Recall 12V492000Recall 21V638000

    What to check: Run the VIN through the manufacturer's recall lookup to confirm the passenger air bag recall is closed, and check that no air bag or Pre-Safe warning appears when the ignition is turned on.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have been waiting three years for repair of the passenger airbag, takata, that has been recalled. Passengers are afraid to drive in the vehicle, rightfully so. I think three years is more than enough time to accomplish a repair. I would like a repair.”

    NHTSA complaint #11323656, filed 2020-05, 50,000 miles

    “Takata recall it has been a year since the notification of a side air bag defect which could injure or kill a passenger, and I have heard nothing from mercedes benz. The local dealer in sarasota, fl says they have no information regarding the replacement. If they are manufacturing vehicles with safe air bags, then why can't they fix mine?”

    NHTSA complaint #11114707, filed 2018-07, 49,000 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Pre-Safe inoperable message and sudden power loss

    Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe a 'Pre-Safe Inoperable' message on the cluster, sometimes with the car slowing on its own or refusing to accelerate, and in one case a headrest deploying unexpectedly. Owners also report a gas pedal that dropped the car into limp mode and a wiring harness fault in the trunk that stopped the lid from opening. Dealers diagnosed items such as a gas pedal sensor, ECU harness, fuse box or battery. Reported from very low mileage up to about 105,000 miles, with many between 50,000 and 90,000.

    Recall 17V1770001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check that no Pre-Safe or air bag warning is showing, drive the car through a full throttle pull to confirm it does not fall into limp mode, and ask whether the fuse box or harness has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I started my car and it made a big loud noise from engine then I start getting all messages on screen that every things not inoperable. Even the gear shift was locked and the more I kept the car on the more noise was making. Its like I am pushing hard on gas panel.”

    NHTSA complaint #10676749, filed 2015-01, 30,000 miles

    “When pushing gas pedal to the floor to pull out in traffic the car went into limp mode and would not accelerate. Took to dealer and error code is gas pedal sensor. Dealer said it is an issue with the ecu wire harness. This is a known issue. I could have been killed. Has happened 3 times now and dealer has been unable to fix it.”

    NHTSA complaint #11078524, filed 2018-03, 80,000 miles
  5. Brakes

    Rusty brake lines and brake pedal / vibration complaints

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners report rusted brake lines leaking fluid with a soft or slow-returning pedal, and one noted a rusted subframe found at the same time. Others describe vibration while braking from highway speed that a workshop traced to brake components rather than wheels. Dealers quoted several thousand dollars for line and hardware replacement. Mostly reported from about 65,000 miles upward, often on cars over 100,000 miles in rust-belt areas.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Have the brake lines and subframe inspected from underneath for rust, and test braking from highway speed for vibration or a pedal that does not return promptly.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Rusted brake lines causing brake fluid leaking and loose break pedal. This is severely affecting break system performance and vehicle safety. Mb dealer quoted $2910.00 plus tax for replacement.”

    NHTSA complaint #11415345, filed 2021-05, 65,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated his wife had noticed that the steering wheel was off-center and turned to the left independently. Additionally, the contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle flipped sideways. The contact's wife was able to exit the highway and pull into a gas station. The contact met his wife at the gas station. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11647634, filed 2025-03, 170,000 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that focuses on fuel leaks at the rear seat and tank area, brake line corrosion and stored engine fault codes is worthwhile on this model year, and confirm the passenger air bag recall has been completed for the VIN. Service records showing harness, sensor and camshaft history help judge how much engine work the car has already had.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 217 consumer complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. 67 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 69,700 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 151 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Mercedes-Benz E350 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 57 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Body and structure (8), Seat belts (4), Tires (4), Wheels (4), Forward collision avoidance (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Lane departure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “There was a recall on my front passenger air bag that was replaced around February 2020, based on a recall. The other day my Front Right Passenger Air Bag Malfunction Warning Signal appeared on the dash board. After bringing it into Mercedes Benz - I was notified that my Passenger Right Side Air Bag needed replacement. I was told it would cost $1,800 to replace. Shouldn't this be a part of the Air Bag Recall?”

NHTSA complaint #11430444, filed 2021-08

Fuel system: “My 2012 mercedes E350 has oil contamination of the wiring harness. The oil has also damaged other components in the engine compartment including oxygen sensors; probes and ecu(computer) this is very expensive damage. Mercedes-benz had had recall for this problem in the past but the recall did not extend to the 2012 model year. They need to do another recall for this ongoing problem. This is a major safety hazard, as the car could stall in traffic without warning”

NHTSA complaint #11413931, filed 2021-04, 101,000 miles

Brakes: “The brake lines on my car rusted out from the brake booster all of way to the rear calipers. This is the third time it’s happened to me as I’ve owned multiple E classes. If Mercedes-Benz covers the subframe, why is the brake lines which are located right above said subframe not covered?”

NHTSA complaint #11725790, filed 2026-03

Engine: “While driving on an express way in dallas, texas my GPS made an error concerning an exit and I was required to divert quickly to the left to make exit lane .time was 6:00 pm ,heavy traffic conditions and road and weather conditions were excellent and dry. My mercedes pre activated a skid mode and there was approximately a 70% cut back in engine power .a yellow engine light came on and skid mode came on operator screen but there was no skidding taking place. …”

NHTSA complaint #10585027, filed 2014-04, 20,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

30% of the 67 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 96,566 miles.

13%0–106%10–2510%25–5030%50–7516%75–10013%100–15010%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (67 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 69,700 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’12’14’1638’18’20’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
E-Class · sedan AWDnot rated———5 · 9.9% risk
E-Class · sedan RWDnot rated———5 · 9.9% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2012 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
E350 RWD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic203023$3,550
E350 4matic 4WD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic192822$3,750
E350 4matic (wagon) 4WD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic192722$3,750
E350 4matic Coupe 4WD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic192722$3,750
E350 Convertible RWD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic192822$3,750
E350 Coupe RWD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic192822$3,750
E350 4matic Coupe 4WD3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel7-speed automatic192722$3,750
E350 Convertible RWD3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel7-speed automatic192822$3,750
E350 Coupe RWD3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel7-speed automatic202823$3,550

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 7 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 151 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 151 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E350

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202459,6004———Too new
20236—3526—Too new
2022914,4033526—Not enough data
20211338,60012525—Not enough data
2020842,3636526—Not enough data
2017720,00005——Not enough data
20165138,212542328 · FewerFalling
20153125,00064236 · FewerRising
201427846,600842382 · MoreStable
201316444,5506—2354 · TypicalStable
201221769,7007—2257 · TypicalStable
201122359,2005—2050 · TypicalStable
201018459,9784—2153 · TypicalStable
20096481,5004—196 · FewerFalling
200817386,6884—1926 · FewerFalling
200735076,0005—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200640090,0004—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20051585,0000———Falling
200410135,0000———Not enough data
2003776,0000———Not enough data

All Mercedes-Benz E350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350?

Owners of the 2012 E350 most often report a fuel odor traced to the fuel filter flange or pump housing under the rear seat, and a large share of sampled complaints concern the Takata-related passenger air bag recalls and long waits for parts. The issues reported most often: Fuel odor and leaks at the fuel filter flange / pump housing; Oil in engine wiring harness, camshaft and sensor faults; Passenger air bag recall parts unavailable / warning lights.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?

NHTSA recorded 217 consumer complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 84 complaints (39% of the total), followed by fuel system with 35.

Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 (E350 Convertible, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 reported?

Among the 67 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 69,700 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 96,566 miles; 30% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.