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2012 Mercedes-Benz S ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints11 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 11, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other S Class year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S Class median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'09'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What S Class owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

2012 MERCEDES S550. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SLID BACKWARDS IN PARKING LOT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SAFETY ISSUE WAS REGARDING THE VEHICLE BEING PUT IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION AFTER TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THREE WEEKS AGO, HE HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF PARKING HIS VEHICLE IN A…
Complaint 10454119 · Apr 11, 2012

Own a 2012 S Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.