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2012 Mercedes-Benz S400Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 11V-493 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 30%Owner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage65kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 8, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 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
Electrical system10
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
Engine10

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

2 recalls

2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 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.

–no report yet

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 12V-557 · Dec 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles

Risk. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

30%repaired · 2015 Q4

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Recall 11V-493 · Oct 3, 2011 · 158 vehicles · 48 repaired

Risk. If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 S400 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 S400 median. How we score

'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What S400 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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 [PHONE]. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY…
Complaint 11165146 · Jan 8, 2019 · 65,000 miles

Own a 2012 S400?

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