Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that after lifting the rear seats, he became aware of a puddle of fuel near the housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter flange had failed, and the fuel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
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 owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the filter flange was cracked. There was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The vehicle was leaking fuel near the fuel tank onto the ground. After refueling and driving five miles, the fuel was depleted to half a tank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 143,459.
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 driving 5 MPH, the contact smelled fuel on the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filter sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 124,900.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 183,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was detected. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
[redacted].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 [redacted] & 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. …
I have a 2012 E350 with less than 95000 miles and I see these vehicles were recalled in the past for their fuel tank manufacturer malfunction but my VIN number was not included. This car went numerous times to the mechanics and the fuel components fixed but it still leak gas and smells even when I do not drive the car. I spent over $15000 on this matter. This is now becoming a safety issue for me and my neighbors. I don't know what to do. Here is what happened. All began February 2023, I towed the car to an approved MB mechanics who said fixed the car. 9 month later, I brought the car back for the same issue. Strong fuel smell. The attachments for repairs will show the work done. Some repeated and recharged to me. The following year April 2024, I woke up one day with a fas leak all over my drive way and a strong smell of gas. I had the car towed for a repair cost of $7754 total. …
Recently, I have noticed a strong gas smell emanating from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. Upon further research, I discovered that there was an open recall affecting Mercedes E-Class vehicles of the same year for a similar issue. However,my vehicle's VIN is not included in this recall. Given that my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described in the recall, I am concerned about the safety implications and believe this matter warrants immediate attention. I would like clarification on why my vehicle is excluded from the recall despite exhibiting the same issue. Additionally, I would like to know if I am expected to pay out of pocket for repairs related to what appears to be a manufacturing defect acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz for other vehicles of the same year and model. I kindly request that this matter be escalated for review, and I look forward to your prompt response. …
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Fuel System complaints in other E350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350, 16% of the model year's 217 complaints. The component named most often is fuel filter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-557 (fuel system, gasoline, Dec 3, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.