2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems and complaints

Owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (92), Fuel/Propulsion System (28), Electrical System (23).

Key takeaways

  • 235 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 7 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Air Bags9239%
Fuel/Propulsion System2812%
Electrical System2310%
Service Brakes219%
Engine209%
Unknown Or Other177%
Suspension156%
Steering136%
Fuel System104%
Power Train104%
Gasoline94%
Seats83%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated5/5
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated5/5
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR RWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Steering,electrical System,seats - filed 2026-09-16

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2026-08-31

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft sensor. The contact stated that the crankshaft sensor was replaced; how...

Fuel System, Gasoline - filed 2026-06-22

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the inside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The vehicle was not ...

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More for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.