CarBrief

NHTSA has 579 owner complaints on file for the 2012 C-Class, and air bags are the largest group[1][2]. Most of the recalls on file involve air bags or air bag software[3][4][5][6][7][8][9].

579owner complaints[1]
7recalls[3]
15–25MPG combined (EPA)[10]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 579 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Eight mention a crash, 7 a fire, 9 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. The counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

By component group, the largest are:

We read a small sample of complaint texts for the biggest groups. It does not describe all owners.

Air bags. In the air bag complaints we read, some relate to the passenger air bag inflator recall, and owners describe waiting for a replacement part[2][9]. Some describe an air bag that did not deploy in a crash, or one that deployed unexpectedly[2]. The median mileage at failure in this group is 54,785[2].

Suspension and structure. In the suspension complaints we read, owners describe the rear subframe rusting or breaking[11]. Owners describe clunking noises, the car pulling to one side and, in some reports, loss of control while braking[11]. Some structure complaints we read describe the same rear subframe corrosion[13]. The suspension median mileage is 120,609 and the structure median is 97,000[11][13].

Engine. In the engine complaints we read, some describe a failed camshaft adjuster, with rattling at start, a check engine light and repair bills in the thousands of dollars[12]. Some describe an engine fire[12]. The engine median mileage at failure is 66,642[12].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 C-Class[3]. Newest first:

The recalls cover different trims and build dates, so not every one applies to every car.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

EPA also lists C300 4matic and C350 versions rated for premium or E85[26][27].

Engine and size

The EPA Test Car List shows four engines for this model year[28][29][30][31]:

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA vPIC, so US cars may differ slightly[32]. The wheelbase is 109 in on every variant listed[32][33].

Variant Length Width Height Curb weight
C250 sedan AWD[32] 180 in 70 in 57 in 3,726 lb
C250 sedan RWD[34] 180 in 70 in 57 in 3,505 lb
C250 Coupe[35] 181 in 70 in 56 in 3,417 lb
C300 / C350 sedan AWD[36] 182 in 70 in 57 in 3,737 lb
C350 sedan RWD[37] 182 in 70 in 57 in 3,527 lb
C350 Coupe[33] 181 in 70 in 56 in 3,560 lb

How 2012 compares with other years

1995: 119 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 41 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 17 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 62 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 77 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 41 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 89 complaints, 3 recalls2002: 165 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 102 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 77 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 135 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 179 complaints, 7 recalls2007: 277 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 829 complaints, 8 recalls2009: 644 complaints, 8 recalls2010: 472 complaints, 6 recalls2011: 507 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 579 complaints, 7 recalls57920122013: 565 complaints, 7 recalls2014: 271 complaints, 6 recalls2015: 411 complaints, 14 recalls20152016: 303 complaints, 14 recalls2017: 226 complaints, 16 recalls2018: 117 complaints, 19 recalls2019: 71 complaints, 18 recalls20192020: 34 complaints, 12 recalls2021: 16 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 25 complaints, 9 recalls2023: 23 complaints, 9 recalls20232024: 15 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 4 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each C-Class model year. The 2012 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951190
1996411
1997170
1998621
1999771
2000410
2001893
20021653
20031023
2004774
20051356
20061797
20072775
20088298
20096448
20104726
20115076
20125797
20135657
20142716
201541114
201630314
201722616
201811719
20197118
20203412
2021167
2022259
2023239
2024153
202542
202641

Among the model years NHTSA lists for the C-Class, 2012 has the third most complaints at 579[3]. Only 2008 (829) and 2009 (644) have more[3]. The neighbors are close: 2013 has 565 complaints and 2011 has 507[3]. The 2014 model year drops to 271[3].

On recalls, 2012 has 7[3]. That is the same as 2013, one fewer than 2008 and 2009 (8 each), and one more than 2010 and 2011 (6 each)[3]. Some later model years have more recalls, for example 14 for 2015 and 19 for 2018[3]. Complaint and recall counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show what was reported and not how likely a problem is for one car.

Should you buy a used 2012 C-Class?

This model year has a high complaint count for the C-Class, with 579 complaints and 7 recalls[3]. Most of the recalls involve air bags or air bag software, so ask for proof that every recall on the specific car was done before you buy[4][5][6][7][8][9]. For the 17V017 passenger inflator recall, the fact says second notices began in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available[9]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe rear subframe corrosion and camshaft adjuster failures, with repair bills in the thousands[11][12]. A pre-purchase inspection that looks at the rear subframe and the engine start-up sound is a reasonable step.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Air bags are the biggest complaint group with 310 of 579 complaints[1][2]. In the samples we read, owners also describe rear subframe corrosion and camshaft adjuster failures[11][12].
How many recalls does the 2012 C-Class have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls, and most involve air bags or air bag software[3][4][5][6][7][8][9].
What is the gas mileage of a 2012 C-Class?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the C63 AMG to 25 MPG for the C250[24][10].
How much horsepower does a 2012 C-Class have?
The EPA Test Car List shows 201 hp for the 1.8L, 228 hp for the 3.0L, 302 hp for the 3.5L and 510 hp for the 6.2L[28][29][30][31].
Is 2012 a bad year for the C-Class?
It has the third most complaints of any C-Class year, 579, after 2008 and 2009[3]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 579 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (8 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 9 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 310 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,785). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz C-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 21V638, filed August 13, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 20V298, filed May 22, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 19V010, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 17V627, filed October 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 17V177, filed March 14, 2017: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 17V017, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  10. EPA rating for C250, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. 74 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 120,609). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 70 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,642). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 62 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 35 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 29 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,490). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 27 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 98,413). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 23 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. Recall 12V557, filed December 3, 2012: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
  19. EPA rating for C250 Coupe, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for C350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for C350 Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for C350 4matic Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for C300 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for C63 AMG, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for C63 AMG Black Series Coupe, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for C300 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for C350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 228 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 302 hp. www.epa.gov
  31. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 510 hp. www.epa.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C250 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,726 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C350 COUPE 2DR: length 181 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,560 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C250 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,505 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C250 COUPE 2DR: length 181 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,417 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C300 / C350 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,737 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C350 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,527 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.