2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 6%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 170,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350, 6% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 170,000 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.
“In having maintenance on my vehicle, the dealer advised that the subframe is corroding and needs to be replaced. I searched several Mercedes forums and found a number of owners citing similar corroding subframes yet no other undercarriage components showed rust or corrosion. All owners felt that this should be remedied by Mercedes before a failure causes injuries. Forum participants suggested and encouraged to file a complaint to NHTSA for investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #11487500, filed 2022-10“The rear subframe is broken. I was braking and the car lost control about two weeks ago. Ever since then the car feels like it's slipping whenever I brake or on a turn. I lose control of the car and I'm endangering my life and others. I went to take my vehicle to get inspected today and the said the rear subframe is broken and no fault of my own. The car was kept in a garage for years and only has 55k miles on it. There's no reason a subframe should be broken.”
NHTSA complaint #11491677, filed 2022-10“My 2012 Mercedes E350 has rear sub-frame is starting to rust/corrode and I need to replace it within 3 months. This could cause the rear end to break free and forcing the back of the vehicle to swerve while braking. My Mercedes authorized repair shop stated that similar problems have been identified in other models using same rear subframe and they have replaced them. I have 143K miles and the car is garaged year round. It will cost $5K to repair. Mercedes USA will not fix this for free while all European Mercedes group repair this for free as a defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11506183, filed 2023-02“On April 29, 2024, I was driving my 2012 E350 Mercedes and the brakes failed upon leaving an appointment. There was less than 10% stopping ability. Fortunately, I was able to use my transmission toggles and Emergency brake as back up, if needed. I immediately stopped to pick up brake fluid and filled the reservoir which was virtually empty. Drove the vehicle home, left it parked for two hours and then tried to then drive it again but to no avail. The system had bled all over my garage floor and driveway. As such it was taken to the dealership on a flatbed. Estimated repair... …”
NHTSA complaint #11586710, filed 2024-05“Brake line is thoroughly corroded, went to a repair shop, when they brought it back down, the Subframe collapsed. Mercedes has a 20 yr warranty on the subframe so they will cover that but want another $3K to fix the brake line that was obviously tied to the same mfr issue that the sub frame was in regards to rusting. Dealer won't take any responsibility for anything but the subframe.”
NHTSA complaint #11683155, filed 2025-08Related service bulletins
- 11032684May 13, 2026Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can…
- 11017211Apr 21, 2025Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt, and environmental influences, corrosion may be…
- 10151948Jul 19, 2018Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
- 10166993Jan 31, 2014Creaking/squeaking noises from the front axle when steering
- 10051975Dec 4, 2013Xentry (mercedes): with steering at full lock, noise can be heard, like knocking and/or creaking, coming from area of front axle when maneuvering. Models 203 (c240, 320, 32…
- 10043810Nov 14, 2011Mercedes: airmatic malfunction. Leaking airmatic system and not a faulty compressor.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 20% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2014 | 30 | 11% |
| 2013 | 13 | 8% |
| 2012 | 14 | 6% |
| 2011 | 17 | 8% |
| 2010 | 17 | 9% |
| 2009 | 3 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 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 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSteering
9 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 Nov 1, 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