VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 131 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median R350 year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 7 R350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 34 reports (26% of the total).

131

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other R350 years?

R350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted131 complaints2006: 131 complaints2007: 65 complaints2008: 48 complaints2009: 19 complaints2010: 14 complaints2011: 22 complaints2012: 8 complaints
R350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3426%
Suspension2620%
Electrical System1612%
Transmission1310%
Seats97%
Lighting75%
Steering54%
Other43%
Fuel System43%
Body & Structure32%
Airbags32%
Brakes32%
Tires & Wheels22%
Speed Control22%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 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.

“WIRING FROM ENGINE HARNESS TO FUEL PUMP BURNT ON FREEWAY , ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN, COULD NOT START BACK UP IN MIDDLE OF I5 FREEWAY. REPAIRS ARE AMOUNTING TO $4000. COULD HAVE BURNT ENTIRE VEHICLE AND AFTER READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION ON THE VEHICLE WAS UNEVEN. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS HIGHER THAN THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 19, 2014

“WIRING FROM ENGINE HARNESS TO FUEL PUMP BURNT ON FREEWAY , ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN, COULD NOT START BACK UP IN MIDDLE OF I5 FREEWAY. REPAIRS ARE AMOUNTING TO $4000. COULD HAVE BURNT ENTIRE VEHICLE AND AFTER READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2015 · fire

“MY WIFE DROVE OUR MERCEDES BENZ R350 TO A FRIENDS HOUSE TO DROP OFF THE KIDS. UPON STOPPING ON THE DRIVEWAY MY WIFE SHUT THE CAR OFF (KEY IN OFF POSITION) GOT OUT AND WENT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO HELP MY DAUGHTER OUT OF THE THIRD ROW. AT THAT SAME TIME MY SON EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WAS STANDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2006 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR HOME FROM CHURCH, WHILE PULLING UP AT WALGREENS I SAW SMOKE AND FELT A BURN ON MY SKIN...LOOK DOWN AND THERE WE'RE SMOKE COMING OUT MY SEAT THROUGH THE LEATHER. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND IT COOLED THE SMOKE.. WAITED A WHILE AND TURNED CAR ON AGAIN BUT THE SMOKE DIDN'T RETURN.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · May 4, 2014 · fire

2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 131 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 7 R350 years. It is one of the R350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 R350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (34 complaints), suspension (26 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz R350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the R350 years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2010, 2012.

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.