2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 1, 2026NHBrakes

   Brake failure due to leaking brake fluid after dealership conducted rear sub frame extended warranty coverage replacement and recent brake fluid services and after two (2) multi point inspections including video and reported “no items failed” and “no items cautioned.” Vehicle was released to me both times Vehicle was inspected and is available for further inspections. My safety was jeopardized due to brake system failure while traveling at high speed on public highway. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11741227 · source
2. Filed Mar 20, 2026NJBrakes

   The brake lines on my car rusted out from the brake booster all of way to the rear calipers. This is the third time it’s happened to me as I’ve owned multiple E classes. If Mercedes-Benz covers the subframe, why is the brake lines which are located right above said subframe not covered?

   NHTSA complaint #11725790 · source
3. Filed Dec 4, 2025OHBrakesOther / Unknown

   The rear subframe got separated from chassis. I was driving to work and had to hard brake to void a collision with another vehicle all of a sudden vehicle shifted to the left and I ended up on a curb. Further inspection vehicle`s rear subframe rotted out due to rust. Also, both rear brake lines from abs module to calipers are damaged due to corrosion. I ended up replacing both brake lines and did not think too much of it and now I see a lot of people complaining about both…

   NHTSA complaint #11702962 · source
4. Filed Aug 26, 2025CTBrakesSuspension

   Brake line is thoroughly corroded, went to a repair shop, when they brought it back down, the Subframe collapsed. Mercedes has a 20 yr warranty on the subframe so they will cover that but want another $3K to fix the brake line that was obviously tied to the same mfr issue that the sub frame was in regards to rusting. Dealer won't take any responsibility for anything but the subframe.

   NHTSA complaint #11683155 · source
5. Filed Aug 7, 2025NJBrakes

   I recently took my 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership after experiencing corrosion of the rear subframe. The dealership confirmed and is servicing the vehicle under an active recall notice that extended the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty from 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years /unlimited miles. After removing the subframe for repair, they observed serious corrosion of the brake lines. There had been no warnings or symptoms to alert me to…

   NHTSA complaint #11679081 · source
6. Filed Jan 18, 2025FLBrakes

   2012 e350 both rear brake metal lines rusted out January 2025 brakes gave out. This is definitely connected to the rear subframe rusting too.

   NHTSA complaint #11636765 · source
7. Filed Sep 4, 2024160,000 miNYBody & StructureBrakes

   The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds; when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that upon inspection, the brake pedal felt abnormally loose and there was a brake fluid leak present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was lifted and was noticed that the sub-frame was rusted. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to…

   NHTSA complaint #11612577 · source
8. Filed Jul 14, 2024CTBrakes

   The rear brake lines on my 2012 Benz E350 has a lot of corrosion and one of the blowout while stopping from 25mph to a complete stop. Upon further inspection, it was completely rusty in many places. Mercedes needs to address this issue because its unsafe rather danger to drive.

   NHTSA complaint #11602001 · source
9. Filed Jun 20, 2024MABody & StructureBrakes

   The rear subframe is corroded and needs to be replaces - there was no prior warning and the Benz dealer stated this is something that only is evident to even the most highly trained mechanics once it is at the point of total failure. The rear brake lines are also corroded and the Benz dealer will only pay for the subframe and not the very expensive rear brake line replacement which seems to be entirely related.

   NHTSA complaint #11595448 · source
10. Filed Jun 18, 2024WABrakesOther / Unknown

    I purchased the car late April. I drove the car for three or four days and started noticing a rattling coming the front right part of the car (passenger side.). I chatted with the warranty company (SilverRock.). They asked me to take it to a Meineke auto repair facility in Olympia, WA. Meinke’s mechanic diagnosed it as a loose component involving the brake caliper. He informed me they were covering it under the warranty, & asked me to bring the car back on Wednesday as he…

    NHTSA complaint #11595153 · source
11. Filed May 3, 2024PABrakesSuspension

    On April 29, 2024, I was driving my 2012 E350 Mercedes and the brakes failed upon leaving an appointment. There was less than 10% stopping ability. Fortunately, I was able to use my transmission toggles and Emergency brake as back up, if needed. I immediately stopped to pick up brake fluid and filled the reservoir which was virtually empty. Drove the vehicle home, left it parked for two hours and then tried to then drive it again but to no avail. The system had "bled" all…

    NHTSA complaint #11586710 · source
12. Filed Apr 30, 2024CTBrakesSuspension

    On my recent visit to my trusted independent service center, which specializes in Mercedes-Benz, they noticed serious corrosion problems. There were no symptoms to alert me to any problem. Also, I never received the notice from MB so how would I know? My mechanic asked me to sign a waiver (which I never have had to do before) that stated the rear subframe was rotted completely through; needs to be replaced ASAP; and is unsafe to drive. The rear brakes lines also had…

    NHTSA complaint #11586178 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology