What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Air bags have the most complaints at 92 of the 234 on file. In the sample we read, owners describe waiting for a recall part, engine oil reaching the wiring, and fuel smells.

Are there recalls on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering air bags, air bag software and the fuel filter. Each covers only certain models or build dates, so check the VIN.

What MPG does a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?

EPA combined ratings run from 18 MPG for the E63 AMG wagon to 23 MPG for the E350.

How much horsepower does the 2012 E-Class have?

EPA lists 210 hp for the 3.0L 6-cylinder, 302 hp for the 3.5L, 402 hp for the 4.7L 8-cylinder and 518 hp for the 5.5L.

Is 2012 a good year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

It has 234 complaints and 7 recalls, against 182 and 7 for 2013 and 295 and 8 for 2014. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems, Recalls, MPG

The 2012 E-Class has 7 recalls on file, and air bags are the largest group of owner complaints^[1]^[2]. NHTSA lists 234 complaints in total, and none of them report a death^[3].

234owner complaints^[3]

7recalls^[2]

18–23MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 234 owner complaints for the 2012 E-Class^[3]. Seven mention a crash, 1 a fire and 6 an injury^[3]. No deaths are reported^[3]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Here are the biggest component groups:

Air bags: 92 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 injuries, median mileage 49,000^[1].
Fuel/propulsion system: 27 complaints, no crashes or injuries, median mileage 74,500^[5].
Electrical system: 23 complaints, no crashes or injuries, median mileage 69,000^[6].
Engine: 21 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury, median mileage 71,890^[7].
Brakes: 21 complaints, 1 crash, 1 injury^[8].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the top groups. That sample is not the whole picture, but it shows what owners describe.

Air bags. In the 12 air bag complaints we read, 9 are owners who got a notice for recall 17V017 and were told the repair part was not available^[1]. These 9 had not had a failure^[1]. Two more mention a recall that had been outstanding for a long time, with no repair parts available^[1]. One complaint describes the passenger air bag off light coming on with the seat occupied^[1]. The recall itself is covered below.

Engine. In the 12 engine complaints we read, 3 describe oil from the cam adjuster solenoids reaching the wiring harness and sensors, with rough running or stalling^[7]. Five describe rattling, ticking, clunking or grinding noises, and in some of them the dealer pointed to chain tensioners or camshaft wear^[7]. Owners describe repair bills that were costly^[7].

Fuel. In the 12 fuel complaints we read, 9 describe a fuel smell or a visible leak^[5]. Several traced it to the fuel filter, and others to the fuel pump housing or the tank area^[5]. One of these owners pointed to recall 12V557, which is about the fuel filter^[9].

Electrical. In the 12 electrical complaints we read, 4 describe no-start or warning messages, 2 a blank backup camera screen, and 2 the car shifting into park at low speed, with the key not being recognized given as the cause^[6]. Each of these shows up in only a few texts, so treat them as things to ask about, not as known patterns.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 model year^[2]. Newest first.

Passenger air bag installed wrongly (21V638). Filed 2021-08-13 for 205 vehicles^[10]. The wrong air bag for the front passenger seat may have been fitted during an earlier repair, so it may not work properly in a crash. The 2012 models listed are the E350 Coupe and E350 Cabrio^[10]. Dealers replace the air bag for free^[10].
Passenger air bag inflator (19V010). Filed 2019-01-09 for 288,779 vehicles^[11]. The inflator can explode as its propellant breaks down after long exposure to humidity and heat. Metal fragments could cause serious injury or death. The 2012 models listed include the E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E550 Cabrio and E550 Coupe, depending on the state where the car was registered^[11]. Dealers replace the air bag module for free, and the recall began March 29, 2019^[11].
Driver air bag may deploy by itself (17V627). Filed 2017-10-06 for 495,290 vehicles^[12]. Static electricity can break the air bag clockspring because the steering parts are not grounded well enough. The driver air bag could then go off without warning, which raises the risk of injury and a crash. Dealers add grounding to the steering parts for free. The list includes 2012 E350, E350 4Matic, E550 4Matic and E63 AMG^[12].
Control unit software (17V177). Filed 2017-03-14 for 51 vehicles^[13]. Some control units may have the wrong software, which could keep air bags from deploying as intended. Dealers update the software for free. The list includes 2012 to 2016 E350^[13].
Remedy pending
Passenger air bag inflator (17V017). Filed 2017-01-10 for 104,119 vehicles^[14]. Same kind of inflator problem as 19V010, with a risk of serious injury or death. The 2012 models listed are the E350 Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E550 Coupe and E550 Cabrio, in certain states^[14]. Dealers replace the passenger air bag module for free. Second notices began in October 2018 and continue as parts become available, so the remedy may not be available yet for every car^[14].
Fuel filter flange (12V557). Filed 2012-12-03 for 5,800 vehicles^[9]. The flange can crack in high heat and leak fuel, which may cause a fire if something ignites it. It covers 2011 to 2012 E350 models built from April 18 to July 12, 2011^[9]. The fix is a new fuel filter, and the campaign was expected to begin in February 2013^[9].
Side curtain air bag stitching (12V492). Filed 2012-10-09 for 499 vehicles^[15]. Poor stitching on the right window curtain air bag could make it deflate too fast. It covers 2012 E350 and E550 Coupes built April 2 to June 29, 2012^[15]. Dealers replace the air bag, and the recall began December 21, 2012^[15].

Most of these recalls cover only certain body styles, states or build dates. Check the VIN at NHTSA to see if a given car is included.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings vary by version. All of them use premium fuel^[4], and some can also run on E85^[16]. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2012.

Version	City / Highway / Combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
E350, 3.5L 6-cyl, rear-wheel drive^[4]	20 / 30 / 23	$3,550
E350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl^[17]	19 / 28 / 22	$3,750
E550 Coupe, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo^[18]	17 / 27 / 21	$3,900
E550 Convertible, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo^[19]	16 / 25 / 19	$4,350
E63 AMG, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo^[20]	16 / 24 / 19	$4,350
E63 AMG (wagon), 5.5L 8-cyl turbo^[21]	15 / 23 / 18	$4,550

The best combined figure in our data is 23 MPG for the E350 and the E350 Coupe^[4]^[22]. The lowest is 18 MPG for the E63 AMG wagon^[21]. Some versions have two listings, such as the E350 Coupe at 19 / 28 / 22^[23] and at 20 / 28 / 23 with premium or E85^[22].

Engine power

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for 2012 E-Class test vehicles:

3.0L 6-cylinder: 210 hp^[24]
3.5L 6-cylinder: 302 hp^[25]
4.7L 8-cylinder: 402 hp^[26]
5.5L 8-cylinder: 518 hp^[27]

How 2012 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each E-Class model year. The 2012 is highlighted^[2].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	123	1
1996	62	1
1997	114	1
1998	78	0
1999	130	1
2000	97	0
2001	74	0
2002	36	0
2003	391	7
2004	370	7
2005	395	6
2006	503	5
2007	405	5
2008	204	4
2009	79	4
2010	252	5
2011	284	5
2012	234	7
2013	182	7
2014	295	8
2015	48	8
2016	87	9
2017	161	20
2018	58	15
2019	34	9
2020	11	9
2021	13	12
2022	9	3
2023	6	3
2024	10	5
2025	6	2
2026	6	1

NHTSA counts for neighboring E-Class model years^[2]:

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2011	284	5
2012	234	7
2013	182	7
2014	295	8

The 2012 year has fewer complaints than 2011 and 2014, and more than 2013. Across all years in the list, 8 model years have more complaints than 2012^[2]. The counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they are a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2012 E-Class?

The records show 7 recalls and 234 complaints, with air bags the biggest area^[1]^[2]. Before buying, run the VIN at NHTSA and ask whether recall 17V017 was completed, since the notice for that recall says second notices continue as parts become available^[14]. In the complaints we read, owners describe fuel smells and oil reaching the engine wiring, so ask for service records on both^[5]^[7]. Fuel economy runs from 18 to 23 combined MPG depending on version^[4]^[21]. Our data does not cover reliability scores, safety ratings or repair costs, so a pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: Air bags have the most complaints at 92 of the 234 on file^[3]^[1]. In the sample we read, owners describe waiting for a recall part, engine oil reaching the wiring, and fuel smells^[1]^[7]^[5].
Are there recalls on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering air bags, air bag software and the fuel filter^[2]^[10]^[9]. Each covers only certain models or build dates, so check the VIN.
What MPG does a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?: EPA combined ratings run from 18 MPG for the E63 AMG wagon to 23 MPG for the E350^[21]^[4].
How much horsepower does the 2012 E-Class have?: EPA lists 210 hp for the 3.0L 6-cylinder, 302 hp for the 3.5L, 402 hp for the 4.7L 8-cylinder and 518 hp for the 5.5L^[24]^[25]^[26]^[27].
Is 2012 a good year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: It has 234 complaints and 7 recalls, against 182 and 7 for 2013 and 295 and 8 for 2014^[2]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

92 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz E-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
NHTSA has 234 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (7 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
EPA rating for E350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
27 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,500). NHTSA vehicle records
23 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,000). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,890). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 12V557, filed December 3, 2012: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V638, filed August 13, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V010, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V627, filed October 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V177, filed March 14, 2017: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V017, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 12V492, filed October 9, 2012: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for E350 Convertible, 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
EPA rating for E350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for E550 Coupe, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for E550 Convertible, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for E63 AMG, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for E63 AMG (wagon), 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for E350 Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for E350 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
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 210 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 302 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 4.7L 8-cylinder: rated 402 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 5.5L 8-cylinder: rated 518 hp. www.epa.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.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy