VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other R320 years?

R320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted18 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 18 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints
R320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Engine150%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 have recalls?

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

24V298000BrakesApril 26, 2024 · 15,604 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

22V315000BrakesMay 9, 2022 · 350,294 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I THANKFULLY TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE REGULAR MAINTENANCE (SERVICE B) COMPLETED AND UNFORTUNATELY DURING THAT INSPECTION, THEY FOUND THAT THE RUBBER CYLINDER ON THE HARMONIC BALANCER WAS HANGING OUT. THEY AND I LOOKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL (SURLY, THIS WOULD WARRANT A RECALL). THE CAR IS WELL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 4, 2015

“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 26, 2022

2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz R320 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the R320 years to avoid are 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among R320 years belongs to 2013.

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.