The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 22, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 19 to 23 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 235 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz E-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 35K to 99K miles on the car (76 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 7
- airbags 2021
An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Show all 7 recalls
- electrical 2017
If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- fuel system, gasoline 2012
Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
- airbags 2012
Improper stitching of the right side window curtain air bag may cause it to not deploy as intended in the affected vehicles.
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 160 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
- Xentry (mercedes): with steering at full lock, noise can be heard, like knocking and/or creaking
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
- ClosedRear brake line failure2020
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 E-Class 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 22; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (31%), tires (25%) and engine (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
7 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 35,200 and 99,900 miles. The middle report was at 69,400 miles, from 76 complaints.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 31% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2013.
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