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Campaign 12V557 Posted December 3, 2012 5,800 units

2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz C/E/S/CL/GLK Recall 12V557: Fuel

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 12V557 covers 5,800 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S63, S550, S400, E350, CL550, C300, GLK350, and CL63 vehicles for fuel-filter-flange cracks. Dealer repair is free.

Mercedes-Benz recalled 5,800 2011-2012 S63, S550, S400, E350, CL550, C300, GLK350, and CL63 vehicles because the fuel filter flange can crack in high temperatures. If the flange cracks, fuel can leak and lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The fuel filter flange on these 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S63, S550, S400, E350, CL550, C300, GLK350, and CL63 vehicles is the molded sealing area on the fuel filter assembly. It holds the fuel line connection tight so gasoline stays contained as the fuel system feeds the engine. That seal has to handle heat, vibration, and fuel pressure without cracking.

In the recalled vehicles, an irregularity in the molding process left the flange vulnerable to cracking when the vehicle is operated in high temperatures. A crack in that molded flange breaks the seal around the filter connection. Once the seal is broken, gasoline can escape from the fuel filter area instead of staying inside the fuel system.

There is no warning sign before failure. If the flange cracks while the vehicle is in use, the first sign an owner notices can be fuel odor or visible fuel near the filter area.

Who's affected?

Spans 8 Mercedes-Benz model lines across the 2011 and 2012 model years, all involving the fuel system.

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 fuel system
2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 fuel system
2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 fuel system
2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 fuel system
2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 fuel system
Units affected5,800

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the fuel filter flange cracks, fuel can leak. When leaked fuel meets an external ignition source, the vehicle faces a fire risk. Keep ignition sources away from any suspected fuel leak and schedule the recall repair when it opens. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S63, S550, S400, E350, CL550, C300, GLK350, or CL63 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to ask whether the free fuel-filter replacement is open for recall number 12V557.
  3. Ask about the fuel-filter replacement that fixes the cracking flange and fuel leak risk.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 12V557 when you call.
  5. Avoid driving if you smell fuel or see fuel leaking near the vehicle, and ask the dealer what to do before moving it.

What happens at the repair

When the dealer repair is available, a Mercedes-Benz technician will replace the fuel filter covered by the recall, free of charge. Mercedes-Benz said the campaign was expected to begin in February 2013. The work focuses on the fuel filter flange, which was recalled because a molding irregularity allowed the flange to crack under high temperatures. Parts and labor are covered once the repair opens for your VIN.

Timeline

December 3, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
February 15, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V557?

Recall 12V557 covers 5,800 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S63, S550, S400, E350, CL550, C300, GLK350, and CL63 vehicles with a fuel filter flange that can crack in high temperatures. A cracked flange can leak fuel and raise fire risk if an external ignition source is present.

What should I do if my 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V557. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the fuel filter replacement. Reference recall 12V557 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the fuel filter free of charge for vehicles included in recall 12V557.

What is the safety risk?

The risk is a fuel leak that can lead to a fire. Mercedes-Benz reported that the fuel filter flange can crack when the vehicle operates in high temperatures. If fuel leaks and an external ignition source is present, the vehicle has an increased fire risk.

What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz is included, then give recall 12V557 to the dealer service desk when scheduling the fuel filter replacement.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V557000
Mercedes-Benz customer service1-800-367-6372
NHTSA recall #12V557
NHTSA recall # (full)12V557000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →