Esl sudden failure, apparently this is a very common failure for this vehicle for years now with no action to recall or address the design of this part. Car is immobilized and must be towed, but only to dealer who must program the part but not sell it to customer or other service center to repair or replace.
The worst 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204 59
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Various fault codes present in TPM Control Unit, vehicles with code 475 and code B03
- Seat cushion fore/aft adjuster seat cushion cover becomes detached
- Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- Tire pressure loss detection system inoperative" message in instrument cluster in yellow.
- Road test cannot be started after exchanging the ESP control unit or after successfully updating the software.
- Noise in area of steering column after conducting service measure 1709P46C60 "Check mechanical steering...
- Oil in engine wiring harness
- Comand
- Replace Driver-Side and (if applicable) Front Passenger Air Bag
- During long drives in humid states, the Check Engine Light may illuminate with DTCs for misfire on...
What 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
There's been several complaints on the electronic steering lock (esl) going bad. I experienced this danger exact failure. The car just hit 80,000 miles and this failure happened. When there esl locks, you cannot turn on the car to do anything. I happened to be out of town and I had to get my car towed home which costed me over $400 and diver the steering was locked they had to use special dollies to tow my car. The dealership was going to charge me $2200 to do the repair which is unheard of and it's ridiculous. The vehicle was parked and stationarity. Put the key in the ignition and nothing happens. I thought the issue was with the ignition but it's the steering lock since it will not unlock. The issue appears to be with the motor inside of the unit failing.
There are small cracks that have developed in the top of the fuel sending unit. This allows fuel to leak out of the top of the fuel pump and pool in the center of the pump where there are a number of electrical wires that are submerged in fuel. This is a potentially deadly problem as there is a real potential for ignition of the leaked fuel which is right underneath the drivers side passenger seat where my 5 year old's child seat is located. There is also an extremely strong odor of gas inside the car which is strong enough to cause light headedness and possible syncope. This is an extremely dangerous situation. The ntsb opened up an investigation of this issue the federal safety agency opened a probe in january 2012 after receiving 20 reports in 2003-2006 e55 amg vehicles and expanded the probe last year into all 2003-2008 e-class vehicles. Owners said they reported a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank. Many complaints said the odor subsided after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank. Other owners reported they would only fill the gas tank to about three-quarters full to avoid the odor. Some owners said fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank. This is a known issue but there are other models and year models that are affected and did not fall under the mercedes recall campaign.
I have received a letter from takata recall for my mercedes-benz's airbag replacement.
Compare the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204
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Questions about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204 reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204, close to a typical C204 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C204 have?
No recalls on record.
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