VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz R350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median R350 year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 7 R350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (25% of the total).

48

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other R350 years?

R350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted131 complaints2006: 131 complaints2007: 65 complaints2008: 48 complaints2009: 19 complaints2010: 14 complaints2011: 22 complaints2012: 8 complaints
R350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz R350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1225%
Steering1021%
Brakes613%
Electrical System613%
Engine510%
Other24%
Airbags24%
Transmission12%
Fuel System12%
Latches & Locks12%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2008 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY LEANED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE AIR SUSPENSIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 7, 2014

“DROVE CAR TO A STORE IN CITY AND IT WORKED FINE, CAME BACK OUTSIDE TO START THE CAR AND IT BECAME HARD TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. TOOK CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE POWER STEERING, HYDRAULICS, RACK AND PINION AND RESERVOIR (HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS OF A RECALL FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 1, 2019

“I SEE I HAVE RECALLS FOR THE BACK HATCH DOOR AND SOME SUSPENSION RECALLS ELECTRICAL ALSO AIR RISING SYSTEM FOR A 2008 ARE 350 MERCEDES I CALL THE SYRACUSE NEW YORK DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT UP FOR RECALLS BUT THIS IS HOW I FOUND OUT IT WAS UP FOR RECALLS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 3, 2020

“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 27, 2022

“THIS VEHICLE HAS A BALANCE SHAFT AND INTAKE MANIFOLD ISSUE AS WELL AS A AIR SUSPENSION PROBLEM. BOTH PROBLEMS ARE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT IS COMMON IN OTHER MB R350 VEHICLES. MB ACCEPTS THAT THIS VEHICLE MODEL HAVE A CONGLOMERATE OF PROBLEMS AND IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TO CREATE A RECALL.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 30, 2012

2008 Mercedes-Benz R350 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 7 R350 years. It is one of the R350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 R350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (12 complaints), steering (10 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 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.