2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 has 259 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 229. The most common issue is air bags problems (32% of all complaints), specifically: tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2012 mercedes-benz e350. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v017000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. th. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
259
Total Complaints
7
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
84 complaints- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TH
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TH
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFAC
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TH”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
Based on 84 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 66K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
STEERING
AIR BAGS
OTHER
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (7)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mercedes-Benz E350 Service Intervals
Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles
These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2012 E350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 259 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: TAKATA RECALL: DEALERS INDICATE THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS. I WANT TO SELL MY CAR BUT CAN NOT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING ON AN EXPRESS WAY IN DALLAS, TEXAS MY GPS MADE AN ERROR CONCERNING AN EXIT AND I WAS REQUIRED TO DIVERT QUICKLY TO THE LEFT TO MAKE EXIT LANE .TIME WAS 6:00 PM ,HEAVY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE EXCELLENT AND DRY. MY MERCEDES PRE ACTIVATED A SKID MODE AND T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: RUSTED BRAKE LINES CAUSING BRAKE FLUID LEAKING AND LOOSE BREAK PEDAL. THIS IS SEVERELY AFFECTING BREAK SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND VEHICLE SAFETY. MB DEALER QUOTED $2910.00 PLUS TAX FOR REPLACEMENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz E350 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 259
- Recalls
- 7
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 5
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 229
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350