2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350, 4% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Total steering failure. The steering locked up solid, and trying to turn the steering wheel was met with a hammering noise from under the front of the car. Fortunately, this occurred in our driveway - had it happened on the highway there would definitely been an accident. We took the car to our local repair shop (the mercedes dealer is a 1-1/2 hour drive from where we live) and they determined that the aluminum bolts holding the electric drive motor to the steering rack had corroded through and motor had fallen off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11181281, filed 2019-02, 70,000 miles“I have a 2012 mercedes benz e 350 that I purchased in buffalo, ny. My vehicle has about 75,000 miles on it. My vehicle is registered in michigan and a USA vehicle. I am currently working on an assignment in canada. On march 5, 2019, I went to drive the vehicle from my hotel parking lot in ottawa, canada on a trip to buffalo, ny when I heard the vehicle making loud noises towards the front end and the ability to steer was lost. The vehicle would not turn and was essentially immobilized. I left it as is and had it towed to star motors mercedes, 400 w hunt club rd, nepean, on k2e 1b2, canada. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186241, filed 2019-03, 75,000 miles“I attempted to start the car and it would not crank. I called mercedes service and they sent service to jumpstart the car. The car finally started. As I began to drive, a warning light stating power steering malfunction - check owners manual came on. With considerable difficult, I avoided the curb in the parking lot and managed to get the car to a parking space. The power steering malfunction indicator would not come off even after turning the car off and on again. The car became undrivable.”
NHTSA complaint #10458487, filed 2012-05, 550 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11764591, filed 2026-09“The collar around the bottom of the steering wheel has melted. Happened while car parked in my driveway. I don't know how! No accident involved! Dealer can't explain what happened or why! How safe is my vehicle? Never heard of such! The bottom of the steering wheel is exposed! The cost to repair is on me! What is going on. This is not a wear or tear situation! How safe am I? Maybe heat inside the car caused it! Don't know! More photos available”
NHTSA complaint #11351881, filed 2020-08Related service bulletins
- 10178745Jul 10, 2020The aluminum bolts of the steering gear housing cover and the aluminum bolts on the powerpack may corrode in corrosion-critical countries where exposed combination with…
- 10056472Jun 20, 2014Xentry (mercedes): after engine has started, several issues occurs, an acoustic warning sounds is heard, the instrument cluster displays warning message power steering…
- 10167002Feb 25, 2014Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- 10167003Feb 18, 2014Fault code U41600 logged in 'ES' (electric steering) control unit after software update or steering gear replacement. Note: Fault code U41600 means: Implausible data were…
- 10167000Feb 18, 2014Surface damage on steering wheel trim
- 10167550Jul 18, 2013Single, throttle lift-off, clunking noise from the side shaft when starting off (audible at the wheel). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice…
- 10044181Mar 12, 2012Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 10042608Oct 5, 2011Xentry(mercedes): bulletin regarding the 4 spoke steering wheel chrome badges on driver airbag that are peeling and/or discolored.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 | 10% |
| 2015 | 5 | 16% |
| 2014 | 27 | 10% |
| 2013 | 10 | 6% |
| 2012 | 9 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 5% |
| 2010 | 8 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 7% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
84 complaintsFuel system
35 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsEngine
20 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology