RoadVitals

2007 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.
4
Latest Dec 4, 2011
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.
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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.
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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 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, most frequently naming the electrical, interior & seats and airbags categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 6 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

  • Electrical222.2%
  • Interior & seats222.2%
  • Airbags111.1%
  • Seat belts111.1%
  • Transmission111.1%
  • Engine111.1%
  • Brakes111.1%

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

3 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
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
06V495000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Dec 29, 2006
1,570 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY FASTENED TO ITS MOUNTING STUDS.
The risk: OVER TIME, THE PEDAL MAY NOT MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT PEDAL POSITION, WHICH COULD MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE ACCELERATOR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE MOUNTING NUTS OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2006120008View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2011

WHILE DRIVING CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED RUNNING VERY ROUGH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY TOLD ME IT WAS SOME SORT OF BALANCE SHAFT/CAM GEAR PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT WAS A TERRIBLE DESIGN FLAW THAT AFFECTED MANY, MANY CARS. THEY SAID DRIVING IT WAS RISKY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10438495
Incident
Apr 5, 2011
Mileage
54,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Sep 26, 2011
Fire reported

WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A BUG BITING MY REAR SIDE, ENDING UP BEING THE SEAT ON FIRE! I HAD TURNED ON THE SEAT WARMER AND NOT EVEN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, THE WIRE IN THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE WHEN I PULLED OVER AND LEFT A HOLE IN MY SEAT. CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE AND I FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. IT COULD'VE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, HAD I BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY OR ON A ROAD THAT I COULDN'T PULL OVER ON. CHILDREN IN THE CAR VERY WORRIED. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM OF MERCEDES OWNER, ALL HAPPENING ON THE LOWER LEFT SIDE. ANY RECALLS? NOT WEAR AND TEAR! *TR

NHTSA ID
10427224
Incident
Sep 24, 2011
Seat belts
Filed May 13, 2011

RADIAN XTSL BY SUNSHINE KIDS....SUPER LATCH MECHANISM COMING LOOSE VERY EASILY BY 2 1/2 YEAR OLD. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2007, MAKE=MERCEDES, MODEL=R CLASS). *TR

NHTSA ID
10400825
Incident
May 13, 2011
AirbagsBrakesElectrical+2 more
Filed Mar 16, 2007

A 2 MONTH OLD 2007 MERCEDES R320 CDI REAR TIRE EXPLODES IN PRIVATE DRIVEWAY ON JANUARY 20, 2007 DURING A COLORADO BLIZZARD. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM MERCEDES OF COLORADO SPRINGS. WE HAVE FOUND OUT BY A FORENSIC EXPERT THAT A DEFECT IN THE CAR CAUSED THE EXPLOSION. A DEFECTIVE MERCEDES "4MATIC" SYSTEM CAUSED THE REAR TIRE TO EXPLODE CAUSING $25,000 IN CAR DAMAGE AND $1500 DAMAGE TO HOME. THE MERCEDES DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS OUR FAULT, BUT THE FORENSIC TIRE EXPERT WE HIRED HAS FOUND THAT THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE. PICTURES AND COMPLETE FORENSIC EXPERT REPORT AT: HTTP://WWW.LANDXML.ORG/R320 AND HTTP://WWW.LANDXML.ORG/R320/MERCEDES R320 TIRE EXPLOSION ROBSON FORENSICREPORT.PDF

NHTSA ID
10185334
Incident
Jan 20, 2007
Mileage
7,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

LI27-20-P-051537

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

MERCEDES: VEHICLE JERKS DURING GEARCHANGE, HARD 1-2 AND 2-3 SHIFTS, TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKUP CLUTCH NOT ENGAGEABLE. MODELS 212, 216, 218, 221, 251, AND 164. MODEL YEARS NOT GIVEN. *KB UPDATED 10/11/12. *PE

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-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

LI-46-10P047231

STEERING

XENTRY (MERCEDES): DUE TO EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE IN UNIVERSAL JOINT OF STEERING COUPLING, EVERY 90 DEGREES, PRESSURE POINT IS FELT AND AN INCREASE FORCE, ON STEERING WHEEL, WOULD OVER COME UNEVEN STEERING FORCES. MODEL 164, 251. 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
2007Viewing430—
2006240—

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.