Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E550

○ Not enough data

2012 Mercedes-Benz E550
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:04:15.304Z

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 17
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2012: 17 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	0
2006	2
2007	37
2008	15
2009	4
2010	68
2011	61
2012	17
2013	16
2014	16
2015	2
2016	1
2017	2

Known problem areas

Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

8 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V017000 (Air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-10

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V017000 (Air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-13

Takata recall I have received a recall notice jan 2017 still no date on parts and repair the can not be re sold by a mercedes dealer with open recall car has lost approx 10,000 dollar in value or this issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-31

Steering

4 of 17 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

The Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) will fail and cause the vehicle to become disabled. The failure of this part will leave the owner strained and unable to use any functions of the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-08

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

4 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550. While attempting to put on the driver's side seat belt, the seat belt fractured. There were also electrical failures in the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-12-12

Also filed under Seat belts

Seat belts

2 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts.

Wheels

1 of 17 total reports mentions: wheels.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2012-12-21Air bags12V492000 Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2012 E350 and E550 Coupe vehicles, manufactured April 2, 2012, through June 29, 2012. Improper stitching of the right side window curtain air bag may…

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right side window curtain air bag. The recall began on December 21, 2012. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-12-06Air bags17V627000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-10-31Air bags17V017000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG...

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-29Air bags19V010000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250...

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2020-04-24Defect petitionClosed 2020-10-09 Rear brake line failure

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V492000 · Air bags
Recall 17V627000 · Air bags
Recall 17V017000 · Air bags
Recall 19V010000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.