RoadVitals

2006 Mercedes-Benz M Class

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Jun 4, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 7, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M Class, most frequently naming the engine, steering and transmission categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine423.5%
  • Steering317.6%
  • Transmission317.6%
  • Electrical211.8%
  • Driver assistance15.9%
  • Visibility15.9%
  • Interior & seats15.9%
  • Powertrain (other)15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08V303000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jul 7, 2008
404 units potentially affected
The defect: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2008 070001View on NHTSA.gov
05V224000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

May 16, 2005
7,191 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A HOSE CLAMP THAT SECURES THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION.
The risk: A LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER ASSIST FOR STEERING WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2005 050004View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 14
Suspension
Filed Jun 4, 2014

THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM BEGAN TO FAIL. THE FRONT LEFT STRUT QUIT WORKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. SINCE THAT TIME THE RIGHT STRUT HAS FAILED AND BOTH REAR AIRMATIC SPRINGS HAVE FAILED. ALL ITEMS HAD TO BE REPLACES AT GREAT COST. NOW THE AIRMATIC COMPRESSOR HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MILEAGE AT THIS TIME IS AROUND 72000. A DIFFERENCE OF JUST OVER 15000 MILES AND THE WHOLE SYSTEM HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DOWN. AFTER REVIEWING OTHER ONLINE POSTS ABOUT MERCEDES AIRMATIC SUSPENSION PROBLEMS THERE IS CLEARLY SUBSTANTIAL EXPOSURE TO DANGEROUS CONDITIONS WITH THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AS WELL AS GREAT COST TO THE OWNERS OF THESE AUTOMOBILES. THE FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM AT ANY TIME CAN MAKE THESE VEHICLES DRIVE ERRATICALLY AND MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS. THE FACT THAT THIS SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILS FOR THE MOST PART BEFORE 75000 MILES IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. MERCEDES SHOULD EITHER HAVE WARRANTY ON THIS BEYOND A CERTAIN MILEAGE OR AT LEAST INFORM BUYERS OF THE POTENTIAL FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM. THERE SHOULD ALSO BE A TEMPORARY SUSPENSION DEVICE INCORPORATED INTO THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10596036
Incident
Jul 25, 2012
Mileage
56,646 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 24, 2014

I HAVE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND MY MODEL IS NOT EFFECTED WITH THIS RECALL RECALL NUMBER: 05V224000 DATES MANUFACTURED: JAN 0001 TO JAN 0001 NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 7191 DATE OWNERS NOTIFIED ON: JAN 0001 ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A HOSE CLAMP THAT SECURES THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER ASSIST FOR STEERING WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367. *TR

NHTSA ID
10561315
Incident
Jan 9, 2014
Mileage
70,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed May 18, 2012

WHEN THE SEAT HEATER WAS ACTIVATED A BURNING SMELL FILLED THE CABIN. SOME SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE LOWER, LEFT SIDE OF THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE SWITCH TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN. THERE IS A HOLE, APPROXIMATELY 3/4 IN. IN DIAMETER ON THE SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10458972
Incident
May 15, 2012
Mileage
150,136 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 20, 2011

TWO PROBLEMS - FIRST, TRANSMISSION DO NOT SWITCH HIGHER THAN SECOND SPEED. UPON ENGINE RESTART, VEHICLE DROVE PROPERLY. SECOND, ON ANOTHER OCCASION, I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PULL OFF, THE VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING VERY SLOW AND ROUGH. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED FOR A FEW SECONDS. WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AWAY, THE VEHICLE DROVE PROPERLY. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THESE ISSUES, AND ALSO MANY OF PEOPLE I KNOW WHO HAVE MERCEDES WITH SAME TRANSMISSION TYPE - VALVE BODY/ELECTRIC PLATE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN AUTO TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10432214
Incident
Jul 13, 2011
Mileage
74,600 mi
Transmission
Filed Jun 6, 2011

2006 ML350 TRANSMISSION FAILURE: WHILE EXITING FROM INTERSTATE, I NOTICE THAT THE CAR WAS JERKING/KNOCKING WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN. A COUPLE OF MILES ON THE SURFACE STREETS AT 30-40 MPH I NOTICED THAT THE JERKING BECAME WORSE AND FINALLY THE CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR WITHOUT ANY POWER DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE. THE CAR STOPPED ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LATER THAT EVENING I GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BLOWN OUT AND NEED TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED WITH AN ~$8000 BILL. THE CAR HAS 58K MILES WITH ALL SERVICE RECORDS AND NOT MISSING A SINGLE SERVICE. I AM TOLD THAT THIS IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY ZONE. I FOUND THAT THERE IS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE IN MOST OF ML3500 FOR 2006 MODELS. I THINK THAT I AM BEING RIPPED OFF AND THE MERCEDES SHOULD FIX THIS VIA RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10405339
Incident
Jun 2, 2011
Mileage
58,400 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 12, 2009

THE STEERING PUMP WAS DAMAGED BY A LEAK. I PREVIOUSLY BROUGHT THE CAR IN COMPLAINING THERE WAS A LOUD WHIRRING NOISE. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. THEN THIS PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN, I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS DENIED REPAIR OR THAT THERE WAS ANY RECALL THAT EXISTED. THE RECALL NUMBER IS 05V224000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10295444
Incident
Nov 26, 2009
Engine
Filed Dec 2, 2005

AFTER DRIVEN THE NEW 2006 ML350 FOR 3500 MILES, THE LOW ENGINE OIL INDICATOR COME UP. TOOK THE CAR TO SERVICE, AND FOUND THE CAR IS LEAKING ENGINE OIL IN MULTIPLE PLACES. IT TOOK 1 WEEK TO FIX THE LEAK BETWEEN TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE. THEN THEY NEED TO ORDER PARTS TO FIX SECOND LEAK IN OIL PAN. AFTER THE PART ARRIVED, I TOOK THE CAR TO BE FIXED. AFTER 3 DAYS WITHOUT ANY CALL, I CALLED TO FIND OUT THE STATUS. NOW, THEY SAID ONE OF THE ENGINE CYLINDER IS LEAKING ENGINE OIL AND NEED SEVERAL MORE DAYS TO FIX. IT IS UNKNOWN TO ME IF THIS ENGINE WILL HAVE OTHER ISSUES OR NOT AFTER FIXING ALL THOSE OIL LEAKS. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SOMETIME SUDDENLY DOWN-SHIFT AT LOW SPEED. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS IS FIXED BY REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER/FLASH. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT HAVE CHANCE/TIME TO TEST IT OUT TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM IS REALLY FIXED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10144352
Incident
Dec 2, 2005
Mileage
3,500 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 30, 2005

WHILE DRIVING A BRAND NEW 2006 ML-350, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. IT DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: ESP MALFUNCTION, HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION, SPEEDTRONIC INOPERATIVE. TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR, WITH NO LUCK. HAD TO WAIT FOR 20 - 25 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES TO ME. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT A MB DEALERSHIP FOR 2 DAYS, AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OIUT THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THAT ESP MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE NEW ML-350 TO STOP WHILE DRIVING, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS IS BRAND NEW CAR WITH ONLY 500 MILES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10143990
Incident
Nov 27, 2005
Mileage
502 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SB-32-25-82

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER; SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM; SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER; SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

MERCEDES-BENZ: SHOCK ABSORBER PROCEDURE. *RM

424563

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS/BAS/ESP, TIRE PRESSURE, AND/OR BRAKE WEAR VISIT WORKSHOP DISPLAYED IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL 164 AND 186 MODEL YEAR 2006. *TT

424562

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ESP LAMP ILLUMINATED. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz M Class by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009110—
2008120—
2007220—
2006Viewing142042.8
2004010—
2003103159.1
2002553—
2001544—
2000255554.7
1999184353.3
1998542—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.