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2012 Mercedes Benz E Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Mercedes Benz E Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel filter and fuel tank leaks excluded from recall.” Mercedes-Benz alternates two service events: Service A (oil, filter, inspection) at roughly 10,000 miles or 1 year, then Service B (Service A plus brake fluid, cabin filter, and deeper checks) at roughly 20,000 miles or 2 years — the ASSYST Plus counter in the cluster tells you which is due. Oil must carry the MB-Approval number your engine specifies (commonly 229.5, or 229.71 for newer 0W-20 engines); 'meets or exceeds' marketing language is not an approval. Electric EQB and EQS models keep the A/B rhythm for inspections, brake fluid, and cabin filters — just without oil.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Mercedes Benz E Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel filter and fuel tank leaks excluded from recall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

28 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2026-06

“Everytime I fill up gas tank and park car in garage. Strong gas smell fumes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482805
“GASOLINE SMELL IN CABIN AS WELL AS GARAGE WHEN REFUELING WITH VISIBLE GASOLINE ON TOP OF TANK. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11324526
“The contact stated that there was a fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that after lifting the rear seats, he became aware of a puddle of fuel near the housing. There was no warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540032

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear subframe and brake line corrosion

SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES

31 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-06

“Rear subframe has rust perforation causing instability and stopping issues with the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11599557
“2012 e350 both rear brake metal lines rusted out January 2025 brakes gave out. This is definitely connected to the rear subframe rusting too”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636765
“Rear subframe corrosion and in addition, rear break line corrosion”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11635072

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall repair parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

74 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2021-10

“I HAVE BEEN WAITING THREE YEARS FOR REPAIR OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG, TAKATA, THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED. PASSENGERS ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IN THE VEHICLE, RIGHTFULLY SO. I THINK THREE YEARS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO ACCOMPLISH A REPAIR. I WOULD LIKE A REPAIR. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11323656
“RECALL DATE WAS CLOSE TO (2 YR) YEAR AGO . RECALL DATE WAS 1/18/2017 AND IT IS NOW 1/10/2019 AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT STILL DOES NOT HAVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS. PASSENGERS REFUSE TO SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. USE OF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN COMPROMISED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11166312
“MY LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES BENZ OF FORT MYERS) HAS NOT HAD THE PARTS TO FIX THIS RECALL, AND HAS NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THEM. IT'S BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, WITH NO RESOLUTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11101792

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Camshaft solenoid oil leaking into engine wiring harness

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2024-06

“2012 E350 COUPE. CAR WAS MAKING AN ODD "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STARTED, BUT WOULD FADE OR IDLE OUT AFTER A COUPLE OF SECONDS. TOOK IT INTO MB SERVICE TODAY AND WAS JUST INFORMED THAT MY CAR HAS A CAMSHAFT PROBLEM AND IT'S WEARING ON THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11010739
“Cam adjustment solenoids leak oil into the engine wiring harness causing component failures, rough running and stalling. This problem was diagnosed and replaced by the dealer at 48k miles and has returned at 116k miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439339
“Camshaft sensors and solenoid leak oil internally which then gets into the sensors electrical connector. From the the oil enters the engine wire harness through capillary action maki g it’s way to other sensors and ultimately the DME (Digital Motor Electronics)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487171

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic steering lock and ignition key failures

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2025-06

“Steering wheel lock module steering wheel was locked in place and vehicle wouldn’t do anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661609
“My car will not start and I get a message stating "Remove key from ignition" every time I insert the key to try to start the car. It appears that the ESL has failed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11521883
“CAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTS TO PARK WHEN GOING BELOW 10MPH OR WHEN BRAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340752

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Service A — Oil & Filter + Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter with MB-Approved oil, fluid top-offs, tire check, and inspection. AMG models driven hard: many owners service at 5,000-7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Service B — Major Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A: everything in A plus brake-fluid replacement, cabin filter, and a deeper multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and driveline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every Service A where the tire sizes allow. Many AMG and 4MATIC+ models run staggered widths that can't rotate front-to-rear — check your spec before paying for a rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Checked at every A/B service via electronic pad-wear sensors. Replace sensors with pads. Heavy EQS models wear pads slowly (regen braking) but rotors can corrode from disuse — an inspection catches that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced every 2 years as part of Service B — Mercedes schedules it on time, not miles, because DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture regardless of driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7G / 9G-Tronic)

Every 70,000 mi

Mercedes specifies fluid and filter service around 70,000 miles on most 7G- and 9G-Tronic gearboxes — check your year's sheet. Use only the MB-spec fluid for your transmission code; independent specialists often service at 60,000 on hard-driven cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Most modern MB gas engines: plugs around 60,000 miles — AMG engines often sooner. Check your engine's sheet; twin-turbo V8 plug jobs are labor-heavy, so pair with other scheduled work.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace around every 40,000 miles (twin-filter setups on V6/V8 engines double the parts bill). Inspected at every Service B.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Combination / Dust Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced with every Service B. Models with the ENERGIZING air package use a higher-grade filter — priced accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

MB-spec coolant is long-life (typically ~10 years / 150,000 miles on the sheet). Refresh only with MB 325/326-spec coolant — the wrong chemistry attacks aluminum and head gaskets.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V & Auxiliary Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Most modern Mercedes carry a second auxiliary battery; a weak one triggers cascading warning messages long before a no-start. EQ models also depend on the 12V system to boot.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

15 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Mercedes Benz E Class reflects Mercedes-Benz's published service intervals and the ASSYST Plus (Service A / Service B) system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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