2012 Mercedes Benz S Class problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz S Class model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Fuel System, Diesel 2011-10-03 · campaign 11V496000 · 6,872 vehicles
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
Risk: DIESEL FUEL MAY BE DEPOSITED ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (7)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer 2014-06-23 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers 2014-02-28 · LI54-15-P057373 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
xentry (mercedes): the fuse and relay boxes (srb) in engine compartment or rear compartment has a malfunction and disruptions to communication paths causing a no start in vehicle. model 2012-2013 204, 207, 212, 218, 231, 246, 176, 117, 172. *pe
Engine 2013-08-13 · LI-47-40-P053871 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
xentry (mercedes): check engine light (cel) is activated; stored in engine control unit is very fine leak. automatic fuel tank leak test software is sensitive and can produces an erroneous diagnosis. models 204, 212, 218, 221, 216,and 166 with no model years listed. *pe update 11/22/1
Structure:body:door 2012-06-27 · LI-72-10-P053599 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
xentry(mercedes): on some vehicles, can not engage or close front door properly. models 197.377. no model years listed. *pe
Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 2012-02-01 · SB-2012010006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes: tire pressure monitoring coding needs to be checked and updated if necessary. *kb
Electrical System:software 2011-12-01 · SB-2011110013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes: update high voltage battery software. model 221 model years 2010-2012. *kb
Showing the 6 most recent of 7 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2012-04-11 · Power Train · 💥 crash“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 parking lot. without opening the door, he turned off the…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.