How common are engine problems in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350?

NHTSA lists 21 engine-area complaints for the 2012 E350, accounting for 10% of the 217 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 engine?

No related recalls are listed for this issue on the 2012 model year, though several owners state that a similar oil-contamination recall applied to earlier model years.

At what mileage do these engine problems usually appear?

NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 71,890 for engine-related complaints on the 2012 E350.

What is the main engine complaint for the 2012 E350?

The most frequent pattern is oil leaking from camshaft adjustment solenoids into the engine wiring harness, which contaminates sensors and the DME and can cause stalling.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?

NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury reported.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 21 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350, 10% of that year's 217 total complaints. Owners commonly report camshaft solenoid oil leaks contaminating the wiring harness, camshaft/cylinder head wear, and stalling, with a median failure mileage of 71,890. No related recall covers this model year.

Engine complaints: 21; 10% of 217
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 71,891 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Cold-start clunking or grinding noise from the engine that fades after a few seconds, later diagnosed as camshaft wear on the cylinder head.
Cam adjustment solenoids leak oil into the engine wiring harness, contaminating O2 sensors, connectors, and the DME computer.
Check engine light comes on with rough running, full-rich operation, or random stalling at stops and low speeds.
Some owners report the engine cuts off or dies unexpectedly while driving or idling, creating a safety hazard.
Ticking or tapping noise from the engine bay during acceleration, especially uphill.
Multiple owners note a recall exists for pre-2012 model years with the same oil-contamination issue but say it was not extended to the 2012 E350.

When 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 26, 2014, latest Aug 31, 2026.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2014 to Aug 2026; peak Nov 2021 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by E350 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201018 (10%)
201117 (8%)
201221 (10%)
201324 (15%)
201425 (9%)
20152 (6%)
201610 (20%)
20173 (43%)
20203 (38%)
20214 (31%)
20221 (13%)
20230 (0%)
20242 (40%)
20251 (50%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350?: NHTSA lists 21 engine-area complaints for the 2012 E350, accounting for 10% of the 217 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 engine?: No related recalls are listed for this issue on the 2012 model year, though several owners state that a similar oil-contamination recall applied to earlier model years.
At what mileage do these engine problems usually appear?: NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 71,890 for engine-related complaints on the 2012 E350.
What is the main engine complaint for the 2012 E350?: The most frequent pattern is oil leaking from camshaft adjustment solenoids into the engine wiring harness, which contaminates sensors and the DME and can cause stalling.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?: NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury reported.