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2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Car · 2010–2024

Which year to buy

Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.

2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.8× usual

13 serious complaints of 14, the most about engine (7) and fuel system (5); per car on the road, 0.8× this model's usual year.

What owners report

“Vehicle cut on fire while sitting lucky outside, the corner of engine passenger side bellow the headlight stores the suspension air pump and electric hydraulic steering pump.. Base on my inspection the ehps heated and set on fire.someone saw the car on fire and called fire dept.. Car was lock and store after hours”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Apr 2021

“There is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin. When I lifted up the rear seats, where the odor is coming from, I see a film of fuel around the fuel sending unit on the driver's side. I lift up the sound insulation and I see fuel that has leaked on total the top of the sending unit.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the fuel system, Jun 2022

14 owner complaints · 0 recalls · EPA combined: 14–21 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features

Every S-Class year's verdict →

Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.

Trims and features

2010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242027

Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid; 4.7L 8-cyl turbo; 5.5L 12-cyl turbo; 5.5L 8-cyl turbo; 6.0L 12-cyl turbo · Drive: 4WD, RWD

2012 S-Class trims

S350 BLUETEC 4-MATICS400 HybridS550S550 4-MATICS600 Bi-TS63 AMGS65 AMG

base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Mercedes-Benz reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Mercedes-Benz aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.

Year by year

YearEnginesDriveFuel economyCrash ratingRecalls Owner complaintsMost-reported problemCarPlay
2024 3.0L 6-cyl turbo + supercharged, 362–443 hp
4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 496–604 hp
6.0L 12-cyl turbo, 621 hp
AWD15–24 mpg Not rated 0 6 Electrical system (2) —
2023 3.0L 6-cyl, 362–429 hp
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 362–429 hp
4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 496–603 hp
6.0L 12-cyl turbo, 621 hp
AWD14–23 mpg Not rated 0 12 Forward collision avoidance (5) —
2022 3.0L 6-cyl, 362–429 hp
4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 463–603 hp
6.0L 12-cyl turbo, 621 hp
AWD15–24 mpg Not rated 0 48 Forward collision avoidance (17) —
2021 3.0L 6-cyl, 362–429 hp
4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 463–603 hp
4WD, RWD17–24 mpg Not rated 0 34 Electrical system (10) —
2020 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 362 hp
4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 463–603 hp
6.0L 12-cyl turbo, 621 hp
4WD, RWD16–23 mpg Not rated 1 8 Unknown or other (2) —
2019 3.0L 4-cyl turbo, 362 hp
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 362 hp
4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 463–603 hp
6.0L 12-cyl turbo, 621 hp
4WD, FWD, RWD16–23 mpg Not rated 1 18 Unknown or other (5) —
2018 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 362 hp
4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 463–603 hp
6.0L 12-cyl turbo, 621 hp
4WD, FWD, RWD16–22 mpg Not rated 1 33 Engine (7) —
2017 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 449 hp
5.5L 8-cyl turbo, 577 hp
6.0L 12-cyl turbo, 621 hp
4WD, RWD16–26 mpg Not rated 0 22 Unknown or other (4) —
2016 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
4.7L 8-cyl turbo
5.5L 8-cyl turbo
6.0L 12-cyl turbo
4WD, RWD15–26 mpg Not rated 0 29 Unknown or other (13) —
2015 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
4.7L 8-cyl turbo
5.5L 8-cyl turbo
6.0L 12-cyl turbo
4WD, RWD15–26 mpg Not rated 0 51 Unknown or other (10) —
2014 4.7L 8-cyl turbo
5.5L 8-cyl turbo
4WD, RWD18–20 mpg Not rated 0 25 Unknown or other (5) —
2013 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
4.7L 8-cyl turbo
5.5L 12-cyl turbo
5.5L 8-cyl turbo
6.0L 12-cyl turbo
4WD, RWD14–21 mpg Not rated 0 9 Electrical system (2) —
2012 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
4.7L 8-cyl turbo
5.5L 12-cyl turbo
5.5L 8-cyl turbo
6.0L 12-cyl turbo
4WD, RWD14–21 mpg Not rated 0 14 Engine (7) —
2011 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
5.5L 12-cyl turbo
5.5L 8-cyl
5.5L 8-cyl turbo
6.0L 12-cyl turbo
4WD, RWD14–21 mpg Not rated 0 19 Fuel/propulsion system (4) —
2010 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
5.5L 12-cyl turbo
5.5L 8-cyl
6.0L 12-cyl turbo
6.3L 8-cyl
4WD, RWD13–21 mpg Not rated 0 34 Electrical system (10) —

Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.

Which years have…

Wireless Apple CarPlayApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayPower liftgateLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
YearVersionStarsForward collision warning Lane departure warningRecallsComplaints
2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 36
2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardStandard 36
2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class PHEV 4 DR AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 26
2023 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 4 DR AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 911
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 1012
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 83
2022 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardNo 1047
2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardNo 1148
2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardNo 1148
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR RWDNot Rated StandardNo 1734
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardNo 1734
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated NoNo 1734
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C RWDNot Rated StandardNo 1734
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C 4WDNot Rated StandardNo 1734
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR 4WDNot Rated NoNo 77
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated NoNo 77
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR RWDNot Rated NoNo 77
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated NoNo 77
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C 4WDNot Rated NoNo 77
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C RWDNot Rated NoNo 77
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR RWDNot Rated NoNo 45
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardOptional 1416
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardOptional 1416
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 1416
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 1416
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C 4WDNot Rated StandardOptional 1416
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 1416
2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 109
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class C RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1529
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class C 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1529
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 1529
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardOptional 1529
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe 2 DR 2WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1529
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe 2 DR 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1529
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class C RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1022
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class C 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1022
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1022
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1022
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1022
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1022
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 729
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 729
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR FWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 729
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 729
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 729
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 729
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 951
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardOptional 951
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 511
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardOptional 511
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-CLASS 4 DR 4WDNot Rated StandardOptional 625
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-CLASS 4 DR RWDNot Rated StandardOptional 625
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WDNot Rated OptionalOptional 09
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 09
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR RWDNot Rated OptionalNo 09
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR AWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 314
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 314
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWDNot Rated NoNo 219
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-DR w/SABNot Rated OptionalOptional 034

Source: NHTSA.

Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
YearEPA modelEnginesCombined
2024Maybach S680 4maticAuto 9-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2024S500 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg 24
2024S580 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2024S580 4matic MaybachAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2023Maybach S680 4maticAuto 9-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 14
2023S500 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L 23
2023S580 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 19
2023S580 4matic MaybachAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 18
2023S580e 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 23
2022Maybach S680 4maticAuto 9-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2022S500 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L 24
2022S580 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 19
2022S580 4matic MaybachAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 18
2021AMG S63 4matic Plus ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 17
2021AMG S63 4matic Plus CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 19
2021S500 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L 24
2021S560 4matic CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2021S560 ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2021S580 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2021S580 4matic MaybachAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 19
2020AMG S63 4matic PlusAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2020AMG S63 4matic Plus ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 18
2020AMG S63 4matic Plus CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2020AMG S65Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2020Maybach S650Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2020S450Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 22
2020S450 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 22
2020S560Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2020S560 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2020S560 4matic CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2020S560 4matic MaybachAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 19
2020S560 ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2020S560eAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 23
2019AMG S63 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2019AMG S63 4matic ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 18
2019AMG S63 4matic CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2019AMG S65Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2019AMG S65 ConvertibleAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2019AMG S65 CoupeAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2019Maybach S560 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 19
2019Maybach S650Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2019S450Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 22
2019S450 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 22
2019S560Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2019S560 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2019S560 4matic CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2019S560 ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2019S560eAuto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 23
2018AMG S63 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2018AMG S63 4matic ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 18
2018AMG S63 4matic CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2018AMG S65Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2018AMG S65 ConvertibleAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2018AMG S65 CoupeAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2018Maybach S560 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 19
2018Maybach S650Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2018S450Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 22
2018S450 4maticAuto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 22
2018S560Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2018S560 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2018S560 4matic CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 21
2018S560 ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo 20
2017AMG S63 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2017AMG S63 4matic ConvertibleAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 17
2017AMG S63 4matic CoupeAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2017AMG S65Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2017Maybach S550 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2017Maybach S600Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2017Maybach S650 ConvertibleAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2017S550Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 21
2017S550 4maticAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 20
2017S550 4matic CoupeAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 20
2017S550 ConvertibleAuto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 20
2017S550eAuto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 26
2017S600Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2017S65 AMG ConvertibleAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2017S65 AMG CoupeAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2016AMG S63 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2016AMG S63 4matic CoupeAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2016AMG S65Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2016AMG S65 CoupeAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2016Maybach S 600Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2016S550Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 20
2016S550 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2016S550 4matic CoupeAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2016S550eAuto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 26
2016S600Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2015S550Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 20
2015S550 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2015S550 4matic CoupeAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2015S550eAuto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo 26
2015S600Auto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 16
2015S63 AMG 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2015S63 AMG 4matic CoupeAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2015S65 AMGAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2015S65 AMG CoupeAuto 7-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2014S550Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 20
2014S550 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2014S63 AMG 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2013S400 HybridAuto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L 21
2013S550Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2013S550 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 18
2013S600Auto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 14
2013S63 AMGAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2013S65 AMGAuto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2012S400 HybridAuto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L 21
2012S550Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 19
2012S550 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo 18
2012S600Auto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 14
2012S63 AMGAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2012S65 AMGAuto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 15
2011S400 HybridAuto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L 21
2011S550Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L 18
2011S550 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L 17
2011S600Auto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 14
2011S63 AMGAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 18
2011S65 AMGAuto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 14
2010S400 HybridAuto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L 21
2010S550Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L 18
2010S550 4maticAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L 17
2010S600Auto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 5.5 L, Turbo 13
2010S63 AMGAuto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 6.3 L 14
2010S65 AMGAuto 5-spd, 12 cyl, 6.0 L, Turbo 13

Source: fueleconomy.gov.

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