What 233 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-benz E-class

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the inside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745590

Brake failure due to leaking brake fluid after dealership conducted rear sub frame extended warranty coverage replacement and recent brake fluid services and after two (2) multi point inspections including video and reported “no items failed” and “no items cautioned.” Vehicle was released to me both times Vehicle was inspected and is available for further inspections. My safety was jeopardized due to brake system failure while traveling at high speed on public highway. The problem was confirmed by two (2) dealerships. “ Please see below for recommended repairs on your 2012 E350, VIN - [XXX] Inspection by a different Mercedes Benz dealership reported the following: [XXX] Concern – vehicle is leaking brake fluid from behind the drivers front wheel / tire Cause – Confirmed concern, installed vehicle on lift and found brake fluid dripping from plastic side panel under the drivers door. Brake fluid flush recently completed on vehicle by Portsmouth MB, verified bleeding valves on calipers are tight and not leakingRemoved paneling and found fluid is dripping from wheel well area. Removed left front wheel well cover, and found rear brake lines are leaking due to heavy corrosion and bubbling (see attached photo). Correction – Rear brake lines need to be replaced to repair. Due to corrosion, will require brake hoses due to rotted connections. Lines are formed, fitted and secured by technician during repair (they do not come pre-formed to vehicle). Repair Estimate – Labor ($199.88 / hr) 9 hours (includes diagnostic time), $1798.92 Parts, estimate $690 if no further connections are needed (tax included) Shop supplies, $26.95 Estimate $2520 total repair **Tech notes there is a fuel line running in an area of the brake lines that is showing bubbling in the metal, not yet leaking. Additional $375 parts and labor to replace if we replace with the brake lines. MB parts states there are only 2 of these lines remaining globally.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11741227

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes- Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the odor of fuel was present coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact indicated that the front driver seat heat element had overheated and cause melting to the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front driver seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11738080

The failed component is a fuel pump, and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to the following: 1) Sudden engine stalling 2) Dangerous power loss while accelerating 3) Potential fire risks; a damaged fuel pump assembley can cause fuel leaks and overheating due to insufficient fuel supply can increase the risk of explosion or fire. 4) Gas fumes from a fuel leak are highly harmful and dangerous. They are toxic to inhale causing dizziness, headaches, nausea or respitory issues.

NHTSA ODI 11735613

Rear camera fails unexpectedly when placing car in reverse

NHTSA ODI 11727005

The brake lines on my car rusted out from the brake booster all of way to the rear calipers. This is the third time it’s happened to me as I’ve owned multiple E classes. If Mercedes-Benz covers the subframe, why is the brake lines which are located right above said subframe not covered?

NHTSA ODI 11725790

The rear subframe got separated from chassis. I was driving to work and had to hard brake to void a collision with another vehicle all of a sudden vehicle shifted to the left and I ended up on a curb. Further inspection vehicle`s rear subframe rotted out due to rust. Also, both rear brake lines from abs module to calipers are damaged due to corrosion. I ended up replacing both brake lines and did not think too much of it and now I see a lot of people complaining about both brake line corrosion and subframe separation or excessive rust, casing rear subframe to fail. It is a very serios safety issue and Mercedes should hold accountable for these failures. My vehicle is 2012 Mercedes E350 and only has 118k miles on odometer. I have attached pictures for the rear subframe for your review, but I did not take any pictures of the brake lines due to limited space to get my camera between the body and the rear subframe.

NHTSA ODI 11702962

Brake line is thoroughly corroded, went to a repair shop, when they brought it back down, the Subframe collapsed. Mercedes has a 20 yr warranty on the subframe so they will cover that but want another $3K to fix the brake line that was obviously tied to the same mfr issue that the sub frame was in regards to rusting. Dealer won't take any responsibility for anything but the subframe.

NHTSA ODI 11683155

The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter detached from the steering column. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence by AAA. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 420,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682880

I recently took my 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership after experiencing corrosion of the rear subframe. The dealership confirmed and is servicing the vehicle under an active recall notice that extended the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty from 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years /unlimited miles. After removing the subframe for repair, they observed serious corrosion of the brake lines. There had been no warnings or symptoms to alert me to any corrosion problems with the brake line prior to this. Most likely, the issue would not have been discovered if the dealership had not removed the subframe. The dealership advised me that this issue requires immediate service due to safety concerns (potential failure) as the braking system could fail while driving the vehicle. The cost to have the work done is $5800. Beyond the dealership service center, I'm not aware if brake line has been inspected by others (engineers) in Mercedes-Benz. However, this issue appears to be frequently observed in vehicles experiencing the rear subframe corrosion issue.

NHTSA ODI 11679081

Gasoline Fuel System problem of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E350. Driver side fuel leak was excessive. Leak caused an excessive amount of gas to spill while driving on a 600 mile long round trip to St. Louis. The fuel filter sending unit had numerous stress cracks in the plastic. A massive failure was looming. I have pictures and have documented the failure. 2184700194 was the original part and now has changed too 2184700994. A component should be easily inspected to prevent such a dangerous situation. For the past 13 all services work was preformed by Mercedes.

NHTSA ODI 11678381

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated that while occupying the vehicle while the vehicle was parked, the ignition switch failed to detect the key fob. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electric steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced or reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the vehicle, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666601

Air bag notice on monitor, Passenger front seat locked in forward position up to the dashboard..

NHTSA ODI 11662796

Steering wheel lock module steering wheel was locked in place and vehicle wouldn’t do anything.

NHTSA ODI 11661609

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the contact smelled fuel on the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filter sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 124,900.

NHTSA ODI 11653552

I have a 2012 E350 with less than 95000 miles and I see these vehicles were recalled in the past for their fuel tank manufacturer malfunction but my VIN number was not included. This car went numerous times to the mechanics and the fuel components fixed but it still leak gas and smells even when I do not drive the car. I spent over $15000 on this matter. This is now becoming a safety issue for me and my neighbors. I don't know what to do. Here is what happened. All began February 2023, I towed the car to an approved MB mechanics who said fixed the car. 9 month later, I brought the car back for the same issue. Strong fuel smell. The attachments for repairs will show the work done. Some repeated and recharged to me. The following year April 2024, I woke up one day with a fas leak all over my drive way and a strong smell of gas. I had the car towed for a repair cost of $7754 total. I am constantly having the same problem with the car and wanted to alert here to bring Mercedes Benz awareness to their faulty parts putting consumer lives at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11648574

Recall exists related to a potential issue with the high-pressure fuel pump, which could lead to engine stalling and increase crash risk. My 2012 Mercedes E350 stops the engine in the middle of the road couple of times and for some reason, its stops or shut off the engine completely. The last time I was pulling out on the main road and stop right there. I made a big traffic, and I was scared because I cannot start the car. The guy stops and help me to push out of the road, but we cannot push the vehicle unless someone is inside the car. If I go out, it will automatically go on "park" and cannot push the car. When you check the dashboard the check engine light is not on. 2nd incident I bring this car to Mercedes Benz Dealership, and I told them that there is something wrong in my car, I explain what was wrong but, the guy I talk to, told me that if the check engine light is not coming on, my car is fine. I repeated that the car stops ones in a while when the temperature light is on inside the dashboard and the engine shuts off. He told me if the check engine light turns on then I bring it back. I show the code reading but the same thing he said. I left and went back home and suddenly I get stranded again; I got stock in the middle of the road for 3 to 4 minutes. I start the car and suddenly the car starts and find the nearest place to pull over. I let it call down for couple of hours and start again, the car starts and try to go back home. When I was in the interstate hwy. My car engine shut off, so I quickly pull over, but I was having a hard time to turn the wheel. I believe that this is very unsafe and should have Mercedes Dealer has to repair this issue. I research on the website that 2012 Mercedes Benz E350 have recall to a potential issue with the high- pressure pump and other things like Battery fuse relay box positive terminal and low fuel circuit.

NHTSA ODI 11647787

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated his wife had noticed that the steering wheel was off-center and turned to the left independently. Additionally, the contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle flipped sideways. The contact's wife was able to exit the highway and pull into a gas station. The contact met his wife at the gas station. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the failure recurred, with the front end shifted to the left and the rear end shifting to the right. The contact returned to the parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that as an independent mechanic, he inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear subframe was corroded severely inside out and a wheel had detached. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11647634

Rear Subframe is rusted through. My mechanic just pointed this out today, during regular maintenance, and provided photographs.

NHTSA ODI 11641934

[XXX].The engine intake manifold on our 2012 Mercedes E350 (64,000 miles) EXPLODED with enough force to bend the hood up 2 inches. It was a damp cold morning & the engine had not been started in 12 hours. The car was not locked & the key fob was nowhere close. The fuel level was under 3/4 full. This happened when wife went to get something out of the car and when she pulled the passenger door handle to open - B O O M !!!! If this happened 30 minutes later, I would have been under that hood checking the fluid levels for a trip to San Francisco. I WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED!. It was towed to Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad, Carlsbad California on [XXX] & they have not been able to identify the cause. They could replace the broken parts at the cost of $8,000 but that doesn’t fix the problem. And if it happens again & hurts or kills someone, they could be held liable. Similar intake explosions have occurred on these Mercedes engines but Mercedes is denying any knowledge even though it’s clearly a dangerous design flaw in this intake system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11641800

I am writing in regards to the 5 vehicle recalls that were for the make, and model of my car that is showing as having no recalls for. The recalls involved air bags, air bag software, fuel filter flange, and I am also wondering with the driver headrest deployment module if that is associated with an airbag module; as when I had purchased the vehicle I had found out that both my airbag modules had malfunctioned with showing the srs lights on the dash. I was told that Mercedes of Sarasota, FL had replaced the passenger airbag module by Mercedes of South Orlando. When asked for a printout verification of this repair showing to be completed; they said they couldn’t provide me with this information. As proof of the service to being completed could not be provided. I had tken my car to their to have them look into this, and the tpms sensors showing malfunctioned; communication error message, and they couldn’t figure out what the problem was causing this. I had to take my car to an auto electrician to find out the problem; that I had found out that a 100 amp fusible link had blown, causing all those problems with also the roof wasn’t working. Along with I was smelling fuel. I found out about the recall for these items after getting them repaired out of pocket by the auto electrician Mike from Peak Audio, and Electric, and as to the fuel filter flange I had to pay like $1,200 to replace as they had replaced the fuel level sending unit that include the fuel filter flange. I would like refun; still have the headrest driver side that needs to be replaced. I found out that their is an recall for this make, and model of car that had said the air bag deployment software was under recall for those vehicles; which I believe could have triggered the deployment of the head rest while I was driving; as if I had been near a car; I could have been involved in an accident. I think that this should have an open ticket for repair placed on all 2012 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet Blue Efficiency.

NHTSA ODI 11641248

2012 e350 both rear brake metal lines rusted out January 2025 brakes gave out. This is definitely connected to the rear subframe rusting too.

NHTSA ODI 11636765

Rear subframe corrosion and in addition, rear break line corrosion.

NHTSA ODI 11635072

Recently, I have noticed a strong gas smell emanating from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon further research, I discovered that there was an open recall affecting Mercedes E-Class vehicles of the same year for a similar issue. However,my vehicle’s VIN is not included in this recall. Given that my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described in the recall, I am concerned about the safety implications and believe this matter warrants immediate attention. I would like clarification on why my vehicle is excluded from the recall despite exhibiting the same issue. Additionally, I would like to know if I am expected to pay out of pocket for repairs related to what appears to be a manufacturing defect acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz for other vehicles of the same year and model. I kindly request that this matter be escalated for review, and I look forward to your prompt response. My goal is to ensure the safety of my vehicle without incurring unfair expenses for a known issue.

NHTSA ODI 11632789

The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated while her husband was driving 20-25 MPH and making a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's husband stood on the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into a small ditch. The contact was occupying the front passenger's side seat at the time of the incident. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The air bags deployed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the air bags. Both the contact and her husband immediately exited the vehicle. The contact's husband did not sustain any injuries. The contact stated that her left arm was deformed. The contact was transported to the Hospital by a family member. The Doctor diagnosed that the contact had sustained two broken bones on the left arm and two broken bones on the left foot. The contact underwent surgery and was scheduled for physical therapy. The contact was unsure whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a field inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11629095