2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Problems

Air bag notice on monitor, Passenger front seat locked in forward position up to the dashboard..

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side air bags warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headrest deployed inadvertently. No further information was provided. The message "Pre-safe Inoperable - Check Owner's Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of an unknown passenger's side air bag recall repair that was previously performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the inside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes- Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the odor of fuel was present coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact indicated that the front driver seat heat element had overheated and cause melting to the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front driver seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Recall exists related to a potential issue with the high-pressure fuel pump, which could lead to engine stalling and increase crash risk. My 2012 Mercedes E350 stops the engine in the middle of the road couple of times and for some reason, its stops or shut off the engine completely. The last time I was pulling out on the main road and stop right there. I made a big traffic, and I was scared because I cannot start the car. The guy stops and help me to push out of the road, but we cannot push the vehicle unless someone is inside the car. If I go out, it will automatically go on "park" and cannot push the car. When you check the dashboard the check engine light is not on. 2nd incident I bring this car to Mercedes Benz Dealership, and I told them that there is something wrong in my car, I explain what was wrong but, the guy I talk to, told me that if the check engine light is not coming on, my car is fine. I repeated that the car stops ones in a while when the temperature light is on inside the dashboard and the engine shuts off. He told me if the check engine light turns on then I bring it back. I show the code reading but the same thing he said. I left and went back home and suddenly I get stranded again; I got stock in the middle of the road for 3 to 4 minutes. I start the car and suddenly the car starts and find the nearest place to pull over. I let it call down for couple of hours and start again, the car starts and try to go back home. When I was in the interstate hwy. My car engine shut off, so I quickly pull over, but I was having a hard time to turn the wheel. I believe that this is very unsafe and should have Mercedes Dealer has to repair this issue. I research on the website that 2012 Mercedes Benz E350 have recall to a potential issue with the high- pressure pump and other things like Battery fuse relay box positive terminal and low fuel circuit.

[XXX].The engine intake manifold on our 2012 Mercedes E350 (64,000 miles) EXPLODED with enough force to bend the hood up 2 inches. It was a damp cold morning & the engine had not been started in 12 hours. The car was not locked & the key fob was nowhere close. The fuel level was under 3/4 full. This happened when wife went to get something out of the car and when she pulled the passenger door handle to open - B O O M !!!! If this happened 30 minutes later, I would have been under that hood checking the fluid levels for a trip to San Francisco. I WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED!. It was towed to Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad, Carlsbad California on [XXX] & they have not been able to identify the cause. They could replace the broken parts at the cost of $8,000 but that doesn’t fix the problem. And if it happens again & hurts or kills someone, they could be held liable. Similar intake explosions have occurred on these Mercedes engines but Mercedes is denying any knowledge even though it’s clearly a dangerous design flaw in this intake system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Brake failure due to leaking brake fluid after dealership conducted rear sub frame extended warranty coverage replacement and recent brake fluid services and after two (2) multi point inspections including video and reported “no items failed” and “no items cautioned.” Vehicle was released to me both times Vehicle was inspected and is available for further inspections. My safety was jeopardized due to brake system failure while traveling at high speed on public highway. The problem was confirmed by two (2) dealerships. “ Please see below for recommended repairs on your 2012 E350, VIN - [XXX] Inspection by a different Mercedes Benz dealership reported the following: [XXX] Concern – vehicle is leaking brake fluid from behind the drivers front wheel / tire Cause – Confirmed concern, installed vehicle on lift and found brake fluid dripping from plastic side panel under the drivers door. Brake fluid flush recently completed on vehicle by Portsmouth MB, verified bleeding valves on calipers are tight and not leakingRemoved paneling and found fluid is dripping from wheel well area. Removed left front wheel well cover, and found rear brake lines are leaking due to heavy corrosion and bubbling (see attached photo). Correction – Rear brake lines need to be replaced to repair. Due to corrosion, will require brake hoses due to rotted connections. Lines are formed, fitted and secured by technician during repair (they do not come pre-formed to vehicle). Repair Estimate – Labor ($199.88 / hr) 9 hours (includes diagnostic time), $1798.92 Parts, estimate $690 if no further connections are needed (tax included) Shop supplies, $26.95 Estimate $2520 total repair **Tech notes there is a fuel line running in an area of the brake lines that is showing bubbling in the metal, not yet leaking. Additional $375 parts and labor to replace if we replace with the brake lines. MB parts states there are only 2 of these lines remaining globally.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

The brake lines on my car rusted out from the brake booster all of way to the rear calipers. This is the third time it’s happened to me as I’ve owned multiple E classes. If Mercedes-Benz covers the subframe, why is the brake lines which are located right above said subframe not covered?

Steering wheel lock module steering wheel was locked in place and vehicle wouldn’t do anything.

Camshaft sensors and solenoid leak oil internally which then gets into the sensors electrical connector. From the the oil enters the engine wire harness through capillary action maki g it’s way to other sensors and ultimately the DME (Digital Motor Electronics). This can cause February DME to fail which in turn can make the engine stop running.

The failed component is a fuel pump, and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to the following: 1) Sudden engine stalling 2) Dangerous power loss while accelerating 3) Potential fire risks; a damaged fuel pump assembley can cause fuel leaks and overheating due to insufficient fuel supply can increase the risk of explosion or fire. 4) Gas fumes from a fuel leak are highly harmful and dangerous. They are toxic to inhale causing dizziness, headaches, nausea or respitory issues.

Brake line is thoroughly corroded, went to a repair shop, when they brought it back down, the Subframe collapsed. Mercedes has a 20 yr warranty on the subframe so they will cover that but want another $3K to fix the brake line that was obviously tied to the same mfr issue that the sub frame was in regards to rusting. Dealer won't take any responsibility for anything but the subframe.

Car won't go forward or reverse smoothly. It acts like a dead pedal then lurches. I traded pain with a safety barrier backing up when it suddenly went backwards. Also sometimes when entering the highway or passing a car it will go into limp mode. Can only be cleared by restarting car. Very dangerous.

The camshaft position sensors leak oil into wiring harness. The oil circulates to other engine sensors and the ECU(engine control computer). Oil in the other sensors and the ECU causes the car to stop operating or operate erratically while driving. a real problem. This is a safety issue there should not be oil leaking into the ECU! The mercedes dealer replaced the leaking camshaft position sensors and confirmed oil had leaked into the ECU and wiring harness on december 13,2021. They recommended replacing the wiring harness and ECU at cost of $6500. I have the replaced bad sensors. Mercedes says they have no culpability in this or a fix. The mercedes complaint number is #23264730932. The previous mercedes engine generation had the same problem and mercedes did a recall on that engine.

The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter detached from the steering column. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence by AAA. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 420,000.

Steering wheel lock module steering wheel was locked in place and vehicle wouldn’t do anything.

Rear Subframe is rusted through. My mechanic just pointed this out today, during regular maintenance, and provided photographs.

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds; when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that upon inspection, the brake pedal felt abnormally loose and there was a brake fluid leak present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was lifted and was noticed that the sub-frame was rusted. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle as a second opinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Air bag notice on monitor, Passenger front seat locked in forward position up to the dashboard..

I am writing in regards to the 5 vehicle recalls that were for the make, and model of my car that is showing as having no recalls for. The recalls involved air bags, air bag software, fuel filter flange, and I am also wondering with the driver headrest deployment module if that is associated with an airbag module; as when I had purchased the vehicle I had found out that both my airbag modules had malfunctioned with showing the srs lights on the dash. I was told that Mercedes of Sarasota, FL had replaced the passenger airbag module by Mercedes of South Orlando. When asked for a printout verification of this repair showing to be completed; they said they couldn’t provide me with this information. As proof of the service to being completed could not be provided. I had tken my car to their to have them look into this, and the tpms sensors showing malfunctioned; communication error message, and they couldn’t figure out what the problem was causing this. I had to take my car to an auto electrician to find out the problem; that I had found out that a 100 amp fusible link had blown, causing all those problems with also the roof wasn’t working. Along with I was smelling fuel. I found out about the recall for these items after getting them repaired out of pocket by the auto electrician Mike from Peak Audio, and Electric, and as to the fuel filter flange I had to pay like $1,200 to replace as they had replaced the fuel level sending unit that include the fuel filter flange. I would like refun; still have the headrest driver side that needs to be replaced. I found out that their is an recall for this make, and model of car that had said the air bag deployment software was under recall for those vehicles; which I believe could have triggered the deployment of the head rest while I was driving; as if I had been near a car; I could have been involved in an accident. I think that this should have an open ticket for repair placed on all 2012 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet Blue Efficiency.

Rear camera fails unexpectedly when placing car in reverse

I am writing in regards to the 5 vehicle recalls that were for the make, and model of my car that is showing as having no recalls for. The recalls involved air bags, air bag software, fuel filter flange, and I am also wondering with the driver headrest deployment module if that is associated with an airbag module; as when I had purchased the vehicle I had found out that both my airbag modules had malfunctioned with showing the srs lights on the dash. I was told that Mercedes of Sarasota, FL had replaced the passenger airbag module by Mercedes of South Orlando. When asked for a printout verification of this repair showing to be completed; they said they couldn’t provide me with this information. As proof of the service to being completed could not be provided. I had tken my car to their to have them look into this, and the tpms sensors showing malfunctioned; communication error message, and they couldn’t figure out what the problem was causing this. I had to take my car to an auto electrician to find out the problem; that I had found out that a 100 amp fusible link had blown, causing all those problems with also the roof wasn’t working. Along with I was smelling fuel. I found out about the recall for these items after getting them repaired out of pocket by the auto electrician Mike from Peak Audio, and Electric, and as to the fuel filter flange I had to pay like $1,200 to replace as they had replaced the fuel level sending unit that include the fuel filter flange. I would like refun; still have the headrest driver side that needs to be replaced. I found out that their is an recall for this make, and model of car that had said the air bag deployment software was under recall for those vehicles; which I believe could have triggered the deployment of the head rest while I was driving; as if I had been near a car; I could have been involved in an accident. I think that this should have an open ticket for repair placed on all 2012 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet Blue Efficiency.

I HAVE HAD 3 IRREPARABLE TIRE BLOWOUTS IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS: APPROXIMATE DATES APRIL 21, 2014, MAY 12, 2014, AND FEBRUARY 2, 2015. ALL 3 WERE THE RESULT OF HITTING POTHOLES. OKAY, THAT HAPPENS TO OTHER CARS ON OCCASION. BUT I CONSIDER THE RESULT TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT IN EITHER THE WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION, WHICH WOULD BE THE FAULT OF MERCEDES, OR A DEFECT IN THE CONTINENTAL TIRES ALONE. THE CAR IS A 2012 MERCEDES E350 WITH SPORT SUSPENSION. AS A RESULT, THE STIFF SUSPENSION COMBINED WITH THE LOW PROFILE CONTINENTAL OEM TIRES (DOT HW2P-N1H6) IS A POTENTIAL COMBINATION THAT IS POTENTIALLY LETHAL, NOT TO SAY EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN AT APPROX. $300 PER TIRE REPLACEMENT. *TR

I HAVE A 2012 MERCEDES E350 WITH 15000 MILES. IT HAS OEM TIRES MADE BY CONTINENTAL. CONTI PRO 245/40 R18 97V. I INCIDENTALLY NOTICED ON 7/23/14 THAT ONE OF THE TIRES HAD A BUBBLE WHERE THE WALL WAS BULGING AND TIRE WAS SOFT. ON EXAMINATION OF THE OTHER TIRES, I SAW THAT 3 OF THE 4 TIRES WERE WEAK AND BUBBLES HAD FORMED. I TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE SEEN AT LEAST 300 SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS. THEY ASCRIBED IT TO THE FACT THAT MERCEDES HAS A "LOW PROFILE HIGH PERFORMANCE" TIRE. IF IT HITS A POTHOLE, THE TIRE WALL WEAKENS AND A BULGE CAN FORM. HE TOLD ME NOT TO USE THE CAR BUT INSTEAD GET ALL THE TIRES CHANGED. HE MENTIONED THAT SINCE A LOT OF OEM TIRES ON MERCEDES ARE CONTINENTAL CONTI, IT IS ONE OF THE COMMON ONES BUT IT HAPPENS ON OTHER LOW PROFILE TIRES TOO. I HAVE NOT CHANGED THE TIRES AND I AM KEEPING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, AND USING MY SECOND CAR INSTEAD. IF THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON, I BELIEVE THAT OWNERS OF SUCH VEHICLES AND TIRES SHOULD BE ASKED TO CHECK THEIR TIRES REGULARLY AS A BLOWOUT ON A HIGHWAY CAN EASILY BE FATAL. *TR

TL*LN CONSUMER STATED SEAT BELT SUDDENLY FAILED TO RETRACT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALER BUT MANUFACTERER DECLINED TO REPLACE OR REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER.*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRESET SEAT BELT FUNCTION WAS INOPERABLE AND THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GEORGETOWN (7401 I-35, GEORGETOWN, TX 78626, (512) 930-6150) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A 30 PERCENT DISCOUNT TOWARDS THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

Recently, I took my 2012 Mercedes E350 4Matic for an oil change and after inspecting the vehicle, I was informed by my mechanic that the car had a rusted sub-frame, with visible holes near the right rear wheel. I was told this needed to be immediately addressed as it was a safety issue. He explained that if not fixed, the wheel could detach from the vehicle while driving and could result in a crash or serious injury/death. My mechanic indicated that Mercedes Benz of America is aware of this issue and they do not offer any assistance with the necessary repair. However, I did some research online and learned that if you own a Mercedes, have this same issue and also live in Germany, you can take it to a dealer for a free repair. I find it outrageous that this is not a valid safety recall and even more so, having to pay nearly 3K for the repair in order to make the car safe to drive.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FUMES COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V557000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes- Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the odor of fuel was present coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact indicated that the front driver seat heat element had overheated and cause melting to the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front driver seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter detached from the steering column. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence by AAA. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 420,000.

THE INTERIOR DASH VENTS (SHINY ITEMS) ARE REFLECTED UNTO THE SIDE MIRRORS MAKING IT DANGEROUS WHEN CHANGING LANES BECAUSE ONE CANNOT BE SURE WHAT ONE IS SEEING IN THOSE LANES BECAUSE THE REFLECTION IS VERY PRONOUNCE. THESE VENTS AND OTHER DASH ITEMS ARE ALSO REFLECTED ON THE WINDSHIELD, ALMOST LIKE AN OBSTRUCTION WHEN ONE IS DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE ADJUSTABLE FRONT SEATS, ARE SO UNCOMFORTABLE THAT ONE IS CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING THE SEAT SETTING WHILE DRIVING. THESE ISSUES CAN CAUSE QUITE A DISTRACTION AND ARE OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS. WHEN WE REPORTED THESE ITEMS TO THE DEALERSHIP, MBCHARLOTTE, AND MBUSA, THEY TOOK NO ACTION. IF THERE WAS EVER AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THE CAUSE AND EFFECT WAS RELATED TO THESE ISSUES AS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS, HOW CAN ONE EVER PROVE THAT THEY CAUSED THE ACCIDENT OR CONTRIBUTED TO THE CAUSE. ONE WOULD NEED A WHOLE LOT OF EXPERTS TO SHOW THAT THE MANUFACTURER BUILD IN THE PROBLEM BY NOT ADDRESSING IT, OR TESTING FOR THE EFFECT THAT THESE ISSUES CAUSE THE DRIVER('S). ONE OF THE DEALERS PRODUCT EXPERT, SOLUTION TO THE REFLECTION PROBLEM WAS TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS WHEN DRIVING TO GET RID OF THE REFLECTIONS. THE INDIVIDUAL WHO SOLD US THE CAR, [XXX], TELLS ME, NOW, THAT HE NOTICES THIS REFLECTION ON ALL THESE CARS. THE DEALERSHIP IS INDIFFERENT ABOUT THESE ITEMS BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. EVEN THOUGH THEY, IN OUR EYES, ARE SAFETY ISSUES. HOPEFULLY NHTSA CAN LOOK INTO THIS AND CAN DO SOMETHING TO RESOLVE IT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR