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Body and structurePart report

2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Body and structure Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
4%of 217 total for the year
Median mileage
92,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350, 4% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 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.

“The interior dash vents (shiny items) are reflected unto the side mirrors making it dangerous when changing lanes because one cannot be sure what one is seeing in those lanes because the reflection is very pronounce. These vents and other dash items are also reflected on the windshield, almost like an obstruction when one is driving. In addition, the adjustable front seats, are so uncomfortable that one is constantly adjusting the seat setting while driving. These issues can cause quite a distraction and are obviously dangerous. …”

NHTSA complaint #10472816, filed 2012-08, 70 miles

“Recently, I took my 2012 Mercedes E350 4Matic for an oil change and after inspecting the vehicle, I was informed by my mechanic that the car had a rusted sub-frame, with visible holes near the right rear wheel. I was told this needed to be immediately addressed as it was a safety issue. He explained that if not fixed, the wheel could detach from the vehicle while driving and could result in a crash or serious injury/death. My mechanic indicated that Mercedes Benz of America is aware of this issue and they do not offer any assistance with the necessary repair. …”

NHTSA complaint #11484413, filed 2022-09

“The rear subframe of this vehicle has rusted on a seam and is cracking. I do not know if the seam is a weld or a bend in the metal. There is no corrosion on rest of the underbody. I do not know when the condition started. I noticed it upon braking. It felt as though the rear end of the vehicle was going to swing out around me. It started about three months before this report and got progressively worse. It was only noticeable when braking firmly from moderate or higher speeds, I have taken the vehicle to the Mercedes dealership and they advise the fault is not covered by warranty. …”

NHTSA complaint #11503151, filed 2023-01

“The rear subframe is corroded and needs to be replaces - there was no prior warning and the Benz dealer stated this is something that only is evident to even the most highly trained mechanics once it is at the point of total failure. The rear brake lines are also corroded and the Benz dealer will only pay for the subframe and not the very expensive rear brake line replacement which seems to be entirely related.”

NHTSA complaint #11595448, filed 2024-06

“The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds; when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that upon inspection, the brake pedal felt abnormally loose and there was a brake fluid leak present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was lifted and was noticed that the sub-frame was rusted. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle as a second opinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11612577, filed 2024-09, 160,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2017114%
2016714%
2015413%
2014259%
20131811%
201284%
2011157%
2010116%
200935%
200863%
200721%
200651%
200517%

Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350

Air bags
84 complaints
Fuel system
35 complaints
Brakes
20 complaints
Engine
20 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Other or unknown
17 complaints
Suspension
14 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Seats
8 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Tires
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 30, 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