The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 19 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 45, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 17 to 20 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 66 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz M/GLE 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 14K to 82K miles on the car (44 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 0K–86K 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 132 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road
- Xentry (mercedes): on some vehicles, whenever the reverse gear is engaged, the reverse camera…
- Xentry (mercedes): check engine light (cel) is activated; stored in engine control unit is…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
I stopped at a red light. The 2012 ml350 engine stalled. I could have been in a accident. Luckily, the car behind me did not hit me. I had to start the engine again.
2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE owner · NHTSA complaint 10548636
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 45; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (37%), fuel or ev drive system (16%) and steering (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
17 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 14,200 and 82,500 miles. The middle report was at 48,500 miles, from 44 complaints.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2011.
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