2012 Model Year

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Severe
2

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 2024

I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get...

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 2022

There is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin. When I lifted up the rear seats, where the odor is coming from, I see a film of fuel around the fuel sen...

STEERING,ENGINE Fire
Apr 2021

VEHICLE CUT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING LUCKY OUTSIDE, THE CORNER OF ENGINE PASSENGER SIDE BELLOW THE HEADLIGHT STORES THE SUSPENSION AIR PUMP AND ELECTRIC...

Engine
Nov 2019

ENGINE HAS OIL LEAK SIMILAR TO MANY 2011-2012 DIESEL MODEL.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHIC...

Engine
Sep 2019

THERE IS AN PLASTIC PLUG IN THE OIL SYSTEM THAT LEAKS OIL FROM THE ENGINE ON TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS WAS REPORTED BECAUSE OF INCREASED OIL CONSU...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Aug 2019

VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED...

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Nov 2016

I DID SOME RESEARCH ON MERCEDES 3.0L DIESEL MOTORS AND THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAL FAILING ABOUT 50,000 MILES CAUSING THE MOTOR TO LEAK O...

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 2016

"TAKATA RECALL" THE VEHICLE SLIPS INTO A LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAVE HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I'M TAKING IT TO THE MB DEALER THIS WEEKEND. 11/16...

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 2016

VEHICLE ENTERED LIMP HOME MODE WHILE ENTERING INTERSECTION. DEALERSHIP SAID CODES DID NOT INDICATE AN ISSUE AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM. ONLY ACTI...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 5, 2026

Summary

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 14 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. 1 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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