VehicleVerdict

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other S-Class years?

S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted101 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 14 complaints1995: 32 complaints1996: 6 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 10 complaints2000: 101 complaints2001: 46 complaints2002: 56 complaints2003: 43 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 3 complaints2009: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints
S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Class years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1100%

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V496000Fuel SystemOctober 3, 2011 · 6,872 units

Defect

MERCEDES-BENZ USA (MBUSA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 VEHICLES INCLUDING E-CLASS (212 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 2010 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2011, R-CLASS (251 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2010 THROUGH APRIL 2011, ML-CLASS (W164 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2010 THROUGH MARCH 2011, GL-CLASS (X164 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2010 THROUGH MARCH 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 S-CLASS (221 PLATFORM) VEHICLES. THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER MAY LEAK FROM THE AREA AROUND THE HEATING COMPONENT.

Consequence

DIESEL FUEL MAY BE DEPOSITED ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Remedy

MBUSA WILL CONTACT OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ USA AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2012 MERCEDES S550. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SLID BACKWARDS IN PARKING LOT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SAFETY ISSUE WAS REGARDING THE VEHICLE BEING PUT IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION AFTER TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THREE WEEKS AGO, HE HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF PARKING HIS VEHICLE IN A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 2012 · crash

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — common questions

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S-Class years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1995. The cleanest record among S-Class years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.