2012 Mercedes-Benz R350
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 14. The most common issue is air bags problems (63% of all complaints), specifically: takata recall i received a post card in the mail from tk holdings stating to contact the dealer for a free repair. i have contacted the dealer and they state that the airbags are on back order. the issue is not being resolved in a timely manner. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.
8
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 4 of 4)
AIR BAGS
5 complaints- • TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A POST CARD IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS STATING TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR A FREE REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATE THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THE ISSUE IS NOT BEING RESOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER
- • TAKATA RECALL - AIRBAG FIX HAS YET NOT BEEN MADE AVAILABLE AND THE COMPANY HAS DECLARED BANKRUPTCY, I'M CLUELESS ON WHO IS GOING TO FIX THE AIRBAGS.
- • TAKATA RECALL MANUFACTURER ADVISED ME OF THE DEFECT IN MAY 2016. THE LETTER ADVISED IT WOULD TAKE SOME TIME TO DESIGN AND ULTIMATELY REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. NO FURTHER NOTICES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED WITH A SOLUTION AFTER MORE THAN 18-MONTHS. NO ACCIDENTS OR COLLISIONS HAVE OCCURRED TO TEST THE B
“TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A POST CARD IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS STATING TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR A FREE REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATE THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THE ISSUE IS NOT BEING RESOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (2)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350
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 R350
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 R350 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 R350, 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 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A POST CARD IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS STATING TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR A FREE REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATE THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THE ISSUE IS NOT BEING RESOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT DETECTED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: "TAKATA RECALL" - WHILE DRIVING ALONG A COUNTY STREET MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. I PUT IN PARK AND IT STARTED AND WENT APPROXIMATELY A 1/2 OF A MILE AND STALLED AGAIN. IT DID THIS TWICE MORE BEFORE I GOT HOME WHERE I SHUT IT OFF AND CALLED A TOW COMPANY TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP. MY SERVICE ADVISOR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall re
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz R350 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 14
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350