2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Vehicle Speed Control (2) · Power Train (2) · Fuel/Propulsion System (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (70)
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.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Electrical System 2026-05-26 · LI82.85-P-080507 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint after successful commissioning of the hermes control unit (n112/9) with xentry diagnosis dvd 03/2026, the message "sos - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. in addition, the following two conditions are also met: • hermes (n112/9) control unit: event code b15ce00 is a
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Showing the 6 most recent of 70 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-11-21 · Engine · 70,000 mi“engine has oil leak similar to many 2011-2012 diesel model.…”
2016-11-28 · Power Train · 54,500 mi“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 oil and the seal as well as the oil cooler need to be replaced. it is such a common problem on the 3.0l diesel engines that when you call any repair shop the first thing they ask is if the car is a die…”
2016-11-16 · Vehicle Speed Control · 57,000 mi“"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. 11/16/2016. 57kmiles…”
2016-08-30 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 61,750 mi“vehicle entered limp home mode while entering intersection. dealership said codes did not indicate an issue and could not reproduce problem. only actions taken was a computer test and road test. after leaving the dealer, the vehicle entered the limp home mode again this time on the highway. dealer then replaced two sensors at the turbo. after retur…”
2016-03-30 · Power Train · 52,000 mi“while driving at freeway speeds car went into limp mode. engine rmp were limited to 1500rpm and speed dropped to 25mph.this happened 3 times during week of 3/14/16 and again on 3/22/16. had to make defensive emergency maneuver to steer the car away from the traffic lanes and stop on the side of the freeway. was almost rear ended by a semi. car had …”
2015-04-21 · Vehicle Speed Control · 50,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz s350. while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning. the contact then coasted over to the emergency lane and there were no warning lights illuminated. the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testin…”
2015-04-03 · Unknown Or Other · 25,000 mi“when i closed the hood, a section of the radiator grill broke. *tr…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.