2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 29%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350, 29% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,250 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.
“I did some research on mercedes 3.0l diesel motors and there seems to be an issue with the seal failing about 50,000 miles causing the motor to leak oil and the seal as well as the oil cooler need to be replaced. It is such a common problem on the 3.0l diesel engines that when you call any repair shop the first thing they ask is if the car is a diesel. Also the seal replacement is all over the mercedes blogs saying the same issue on the 3.0l diesels. …”
NHTSA complaint #10928395, filed 2016-11, 54,500 miles“While driving at freeway speeds car went into limp mode. Engine rmp were limited to 1500rpm and speed dropped to 25mph.this happened 3 times during week of 3/14/16 and again on 3/22/16. Had to make defensive emergency maneuver to steer the car away from the traffic lanes and stop on the side of the freeway. Was almost rear ended by a semi. Car had to be turned off and restarted to come back to normal driving mode. Car was taken to mercedes dealer and it was diagnosed to be a bad torque converter causing this limp mode. Dealer repaired the car by replacing the torque converter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852448, filed 2016-03, 52,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11023193Sep 17, 2025Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11008873Oct 1, 2024Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10176661May 1, 20205 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350
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