RoadVitals

2013 Mercedes-Benz R320

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
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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 Apr 11, 2017
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.
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Overview

Our database contains no NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz R320. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 33 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.

Safety recalls

1 campaign 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE

Apr 11, 2017
1 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2013 R320 4MATIC CDI vehicle equipped with a six-cylinder diesel engine. In the event of a crash where the primary communication pathway between the air bag control unit and the engine control unit is damaged, the supplementary communication pathway may not shut off the engine or fuel pump.
The risk: If the engine and fuel pump after not shut off after a crash, there would be an increased risk of a fire.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will update the engine control unit with new software, free of charge. The recall began by early June 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

No owner complaints recorded for this model year

Either none have been filed with NHTSA, or this vehicle is too new for reports to have accumulated.

Manufacturer communications

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

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

LI82.10-P-078301

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

LI82.10-P-078301

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

LI27.19-P-072588

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54.15-P-057373 is performed before replacing any component parts. After processing and complying with the above document(s): 1. Perform an ignition reset on Y3/8n4 (VGS) 2. Inspect transmission connector for loose connections, damaged wiring or pins and any other concerns If communication with the VGS cannot be established, the complete valve body ('electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)') must be replaced. Installation of a VGS repair kit is not permitted in this case as it is not possible to transfer the necessary valve characteristics without communication with the original control unit.

LI27.19-P-074985

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Commissioning not possible after replacement of TRANSMISSION 722.9 or of electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS) or of repair kit controller unit (VGS). Cause The wrong older A-code ("Generation EHS") is documented in VeDoc for the newly installed transmission or the newly installed electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)/repair kit controller unit (VGS). Old VGS2 hardware A0335457332 (from quick test) New VGS3 hardware A0034460310 or A0009018008 (from quick test) Remedy Delete the old A-code and redocument the new A-code in VeDoc, then perform commissioning. A. If Diagnosis at the vehicle is possible: To determine the correct EHS item number, the currently installed EHS/VGS hardware should be read out first: In XENTRY Diagnostics via the tab "Control unit view" - "Current quick test" - "Fully integrated transmission control" - "EHS part number". Order the new EHS with this read-off item number. DAS: "Quick test" - "EGS - Electronic transmission control serial number". Order the new EHS with this read-off serial number. B. If Diagnosis at the vehicle is no longer possible, The number must be read off directly from the EHS, and the ordering process must be initiated using this number. Exception: For engine 629 with transmission 722.9, EHS A220 270 24 06 must be installed. Read-off part number is A 220 270 12 06 In this case, the following must be observed for making a correct order: Exclusively for model 219.356, 171.456 with transmission 722.906 up to and including model year 2005 (code 805) A 220 270 12 06 is no longer available --> Please install EHS A220 270 27 06 and document A92 in Vedoc If this does not work, please open a TIPS case and provide both the original EHS part number/A code and new EHS part number/A code Read-off part number + old A-code in VeDoc --> EHS item number and new A-code ("Generation EHS") J valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A28/A29: A2202701306 + code A28/A29 --> A2202702706, delete code A28/A29 and document A92 in VeDoc A2202701406 + code A28/A29 --> A2202702706, delete code A28/A29 and document A92 in VeDoc A2202701206 + code A28/A29 --> A2202702706 delete code A28/A29 and document A92 in VeDoc O valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A45: A2202701206 + code A45 --> A2202702906, delete code A45 and document A94 in VeDoc A2202701406 + code A45 --> A2202702906, delete code A45 and document A94 in VeDoc A2202702106 + code A45 --> A2202702906, delete code A45 and document A94 in VeDoc P valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A46: A2202701906 + code A46 --> A2202703006, delete code A46 and document A97 in VeDoc A2202702206 + code A46 --> A2202703006, delete code A46 and document A97 in VeDoc N valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A39: A2202701206 + code A39 --> A2202703106, delete code A39 and document A95 in VeDoc A2202701406 + code A39 --> A2202703106, delete code A39 and document A95 in VeDoc A2202701806 + code A39 --> A2202703106, delete code A39 and document A95 in VeDoc M valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A38: A2202701406 + code A38 --> A2202703206, delete code A38 and document A96 in VeDoc A2202701906 + code A38 --> A2202703206, delete code A38 and document A96 in VeDoc K valve body plate VGS3 with old A-code A30: Old A-code A30 --> delete code A30 and document A93 in VeDoc N valve body plate VGS3 with old A-code A27: Old A-code A27 --> delete code A27 and document A95 in VeDoc

LI33.30-P-056665

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to micromovement in the connection between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened and must be tightened to the specified torque. Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove outboard side shafts (extract outer joint gearing from wheel hub) 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") using Molykote and leave to dry for one hour in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts

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 R320 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013Viewing010
2010011
2009231
2008220
2007142051.5
2006100
2005000

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.