The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 17 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 19, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 20 to 25 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 579 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 47K to 96K miles on the car (167 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 35K–65K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 79K–141K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 49K–90K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 129 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Xentry (mercedes): check engine light (cel) is activated; stored in engine control unit is…
- M271.8 evo engine has poor accelerator response- lack of power under full load and high rpm
- The software for engine control module fails to correspond to current production configuration
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Camshaft intake adjuster replaced thermostat seals replaced chain tensioner replaced.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10676804
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 19; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (24%), body structure (12%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
20 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 47,600 and 96,000 miles. The middle report was at 68,000 miles, from 167 complaints.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works