2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 power train problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 25, 2025
“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…”
filed Feb 13, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause…
LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 14, 2026
Power Train problems in other E350 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 E350 | 5 | 10% |
| 2015 E350 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 E350 | 15 | 5% |
| 2013 E350 | 7 | 4% |
| 2011 E350 | 6 | 3% |
| 2010 E350 | 14 | 8% |
| 2009 E350 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 E350 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 E350 | 21 | 6% |
| 2006 E350 | 37 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.