Problem Lookup › Mercedes-Benz › S-Class › 2012
Car problem report
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 14owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 23%fail the UK MOT
14 complaints, against an average of 23 for the other 13 Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The components named most often in the 14 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a…On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Risk: On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Check the front fixed element of the panoramic sliding sunroof and replace if necessary.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSATo achieve an improvement in the emissions
Risk: Daimler AG has come to an understanding with the (KBA) to achieve an improvement in the emissions.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software.
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSATo achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSAStop start engine may not restart
Risk: The excess length of the wiring harness to the engine control unit could result in a faulty camshaft signal. This faulty camshaft signal may lead to an unintentional cancellation of the automatic starting procedure after automatic engine stop of the automatic start/stop system. In the event of a faulty camshaft signal the engine would not restart as expected following the stop procedure but can be manually restarted immediately by engaging the transmission selector lever position N or D and by operating the ignition key or the start button (with keyless go). Depending on the traffic situation however an increased accident hazard could result.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and rework the wiring harness to the engine control unit on the affected vehicles as a precautionary measure.
UK DVSASeat belts have not been installed correctlyYears estimated
Risk: In rare individual cases the connections of the belts to the front seats may not be installed correctly. As a result on a small batch of vehicles it cannot be completely ruled out that the restraint effect could be impaired with extremely high loads.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary correct the belt end fitting.
UK DVSAFuel may leakYears estimated
Risk: The flange of the fuel filter may leak due to a non-compliance in the supplier's production process. Should this occur a fuel odour may arise or fuel escape.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel filter.
UK DVSAFuel may leak
Risk: Fuel leaks in the plug area of the drain opening may occur at the fuel filter with integrated fuel heaters. Fuel can escape and is noticeable to the customer due to a corresponding diesel odour. The diesel can reach the road and as a result friction between the tyres and road surface may be decreased.
Fix: Check filter and replace as necessary.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe aluminium bolts of the steering box may break.This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe power-assisted steering control units may have been fitted with defectively welded contacts.As a result, a permanent electrical connection between the contacts cannot be guaranteed, which could lead to loss of support to the power-assisted steering and thus an increased risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that the seat belt end mount connection has not been fitted correctly to the front seats.As a result, the restraining effect may be compromised under heavy stress.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners report?
12 of the 14 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an "electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1. I replaced the wiring harness on that sensor as well as the sensor. From then until now the car would code weekly about the same issue. Eventually I started using a catalytic converter cleaner (it cleans off sulfur deposits) in an attempt to solve the issue. It would work for a couple of tanks of gas and then…
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 sending unit on the driver's side. I lift up the sound insulation and I see fuel that has leaked on total the top of the sending unit.
VEHICLE CUT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING LUCKY OUTSIDE, THE CORNER OF ENGINE PASSENGER SIDE BELLOW THE HEADLIGHT STORES THE SUSPENSION AIR PUMP AND ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC STEERING PUMP.. BASE ON MY INSPECTION THE EHPS HEATED AND SET ON FIRE.SOMEONE SAW THE CAR ON FIRE AND CALLED FIRE DEPT.. CAR WAS LOCK AND STORE AFTER HOURS
ENGINE HAS OIL LEAK SIMILAR TO MANY 2011-2012 DIESEL MODEL.
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 VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2019, THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE OF A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V557000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF ARROWHEAD (LOCATED AT 9260 W BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ 85382, (623) 815-3900) AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…
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 CONSUMPTION, VAPOR IN THE ENGINE SPACE AND A SMELL OF BURNED OIL. THE PLASTIC PLUG IS KNOWN TO LEAK AND MERCEDES DOES NOTHING ABOUT THIS DURING WARRANTY AND INSTEAD WAITS UNTIL THE VEHICULAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY CAUSING AN INCREASED TIME FOR A FIRE POTENTIAL. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS WITH THIS FIRE POTENTIAL.
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDES BENZ MANUFACTURER REFUSING TO HONOR KNOWN DEFECT…
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 DIESEL. ALSO THE SEAL REPLACEMENT IS ALL OVER THE MERCEDES BLOGS SAYING THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 3.0L DIESELS. THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE SOMETHING TO LOOK INTO AS IT IS AN ENGINE SEAL PROBLEM AND IS OCCURRING CONSISTENTLY IN ALL THE 3.0L DIESELS IN THE S CLASS…
"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
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 RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO ME, IT ENTERED THE LIMP HOME MODE AGAIN, ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS TIME, DEALER REPLACED THE TURBO WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT BACK IN FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE STILL ENTERED THE LIMP HOME MODE AFTER THIS REPAIR. SO THE DEALER…
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 TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO COME BACK TO NORMAL DRIVING MODE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO BE A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSING THIS LIMP MODE. DEALER REPAIRED THE CAR BY REPLACING THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THERE WAS NO…
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 TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SIDE CHARGE AIR HOSE INTO THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR WAS TORN AND CAUSED THE LOSS OF HOSE PRESSURE. BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…
Mercedes-Benz guides on CarHooq
- Mercedes Regenerative Braking - How It WorksGuide · 11 min read
- Mercedes Brake Dust Problem - How to Remove Brake Dust from the Inside Wheel and Between Wheel NutsGuide · 13 min read
- Mercedes Sprinter Cabin Air Filter ReplacementGuide · 14 min read
- A Detailed Guide on Mercedes BlueTec CoolantGuide · 11 min read
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class; the most common categories were engine (7, 50%), fuel/propulsion system (5, 35.7%), power train (3, 21.4%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Across 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (50% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (35.7% of complaints), power train (21.4% of complaints), electrical system (14.3% of complaints), vehicle speed control (14.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own S-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.