RoadVitals

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-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.
2
Latest Apr 29, 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.
4
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and exterior lighting categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 7 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

  • Electrical125.0%
  • Engine125.0%
  • Exterior lighting125.0%
  • Powertrain (other)125.0%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
08V006000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Jan 9, 2008
9,004 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR COULD FAIL DUE TO SEPARATION OF BOND WIRES FROM THE LEAD FRAME IN THE SENSOR. THIS RESULTS IN AN INTERRUPTION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE CHIP HOUSING OF THE SENSOR.
The risk: WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER RATHER THAN ENTER A LIMP-HOME MODE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED AFTER FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2008010005View on NHTSA.gov
06V098000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Apr 3, 2006
7,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS MAY BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY. THIS ROUTING COULD LEAD TO CHAFING OF THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE COVERING THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS AT THE ENGINE MOUNT COVER.
The risk: OVER TIME, SUCH CHAFING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO WEAR THROUGH THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE AND MAY EXPOSE THE UNDERLYING STARTER WIRING HARNESS TO FURTHER CHAFING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, AND THE LOSS OF FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WHERE NECESSARY, CORRECT, THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING HARNESS. IN THE CASE OF WEAR, THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE, AND IF NECESSARY, THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS, WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 12, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2006040002View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Apr 29, 2014

WE THOUGHT THAT OUR CAR WAS BURNING OUT THE REAR BULBS REALLY FAST OR THAT THERE WAS A SHORT. TURNS OUT THAT WHEN WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS TO THE BALANCE SHAFT, WE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS INDEED A SHORT IN THE HARNESS. APPARENTLY, THE C-CLASS IS NOT THE ONLY MODEL HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *JS

NHTSA ID
10585474
Incident
Dec 3, 2012
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 11, 2011

2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350 3.5 272 ENGINE CONSTANT CEL FOR P0016 P0017 CAM BALANCE SHAFTS FOR LEFT SIDE INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAM BALANCERS WORN GEARS DUE TO INCORRECTLY HARDENED GEARS DURING MANUFACTURE. IF GEARS FAIL ENGINE WILL FAIL TIMING CHAIN MAY CAUSE ENGINE TO SEIZE OR SMASH VALVES POSSIBLY CAUSING A WRECK IF OCCURS AT HIGH SPEED. MB HAS KNOWN THAT THEIR ENGINES ARE UNSAFE SINCE 2007 ISSUING TSB'S BUT NOT RECALLING ENGINES EXPECTING CUSTOMERS TO PAY FROM $4000 TO $7500 FOR REPAIRS AFTER THEY HAVE DONE MINOR REPAIRS SUCH AS REPLACING THE SOLENOIDS FOR THE CAMSHAFT BALANCERS ( AS I HAVE ALREADY DONE ) DEALERS SAY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND PRETTY MUCH ALL 2006 2007 272 ENGINES HAVE THIS PROBLEM OVER THE WHOLE CLASSES OF MB VEHICLES NOT JUST R CLASS, BUT MBUSA IS DENYING THIS, SINCE A CLASS ACION SUIT WAS FILED AGAINST MBUSA THEY HAVE STARTED TO COVER REPAIRS TO SOME PEOPLE WHO'S WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED BUT NOT ALL....... A PROBLEM EXISTS DEALERS KNOW IT EXISTS AND NOW MBUSA IS STARTING TO ADMIT IT TO SOME PEOPLE A RECALL SHOULD BE DONE AND AN INVESTIGATION IN TO MBUSA AND THEIR PRACTICES IN COVERING UP A DEFECT OF MANUFACTURE AND SUBSEQUENT COVER UP OF THEIR PUTTING UNSAFE VEHICLES ON TO THE US AUTO MARKET , PLUS LEMON LAW VIOLATIONS AS THEY ARE TELLING OWNERS TO TRADE THEIR VEHILES OR SELL THEM ( DUMPING THEM ONTON THE OPEN MARKET FOR PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF TO PURCHASE THEM ).. *TR

NHTSA ID
10376250
Incident
Sep 18, 2010
Mileage
65,149 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

SB-59783

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

MERCEDES-BENZ: THERE ARE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTION QUALITY ISSUES THAT CAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *RM

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

SB-91-60-193

AIR BAGS

MERCEDES: AIRBAG DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY. AIR BAG SRS CONTROL MODULE (N2/2) DOES NOT HAVE A SET SHELF LIFE AND WILL NORMALLY BE RELIABLE FOR THE LIFE OF A VEHICLE. WITH 164, 216 221, 251 AND NEWER, THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT CAN BE RESET FIVE TIMES. WITH MODES 202, 210 AND NEWER, THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT CAN BE RESET THREE TIMES. EARLIER MODELS WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THEIR AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT AND TRIGGERED RESTRAIN COMPONENTS CHANGED ONLY AFTER AN ACCIDENT. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

SB-P-047231

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT; STEERING; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

MERCEDES: UNEVEN STEERING FORCES WHEN STEERING FROM LOCK TO LOCK. INCREASED STEERING FORCES IN CERTAIN POSITIONS. APPROXIMATELY EVERY 90 DEGREES A PRESSURE POINT CAN BE FELT WHICH MUST BE OVERCOME BY INCREASED FORCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. UNIVERSAL JOINT IN STEERING COUPLING, (STEER COUPLING) HAS EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE. REPLACE STEERING COUPLING (STEER COUPLING). NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

TSB-42-10-109

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AND OR HARDWARE CAN BEGIN TO CORRODE. INCLUDE ALL MODELS AND MODEL YEARS. *PE

TB-46-20-61

STEERING

RATTLING/THUMPING NOISE ON ROUGH ROADS AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE WHEN MOVING STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON ALL MODEL 164 AND 251 VEHICLES. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE

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 R-Class by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2007430—
2006Viewing240—

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.