2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 Problems & Complaints

Average60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S400 at the same age

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the S400 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the stability & traction control (1 complaint, typically around 65,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

1complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 problems

  • Stability & traction control~65,000 miles
    1100%
  • Electrical system~65,000 miles
    1100%
  • Engine & cooling~65,000 miles
    1100%

Share of the 1 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz S400 complaints by model year

2010201120121651
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz S400. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best S400 years: 2012, 2011. Compare all years →

2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 recalls (2)

Fuel system, gasoline

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

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.

Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA recall 11V-493 · Oct 3, 2011 · 158 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard…

Remedy: Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.5L 6-cyl hybrid7-speed automaticRWD19 / 25 / 21

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 a good car?

Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the 2012 S400 rates average: 60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S400 at the same age. It is one of the best S400 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400?

The stability & traction control — 1 complaint, 100% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (1) and engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400, the most recent from December 3, 2012 (fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S400?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012 and 2011. See the full Mercedes-Benz S400 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.