VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other R-Class years?

R-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted10 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 10 complaints
R-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine240%
Electrical System120%
Lighting120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V303000Electrical SystemJuly 7, 2008 · 404 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

08V006000EngineJanuary 9, 2008 · 9,004 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

06V101000Seat BeltsApril 3, 2006 · 2,500 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, THE THREADS IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN A LIMITED NUMBER OF SECOND ROW SEATS MAY BE MISSING. THE ABSENCE OF THE SCREW THREADS RESULTS IN AN INCOMPLETE CONNECTION OF THE BUCKLE TO THE SEAT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE NUT IS MISSING AND REPLACE THE SEAT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

06V098000Electrical SystemApril 3, 2006 · 7,000 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 18, 2010

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 18, 2010

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 3, 2012

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 3, 2012

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.