NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
99 reports80,000 miles · Dec 23, 2015
Electrical System
REAR LIGHT MODULES (TAIL, REVERSE, BRAKE, SIGNAL) KEEPS ON FAILING. DEALER QUOTES INITIALLY $250 TO FIX/REWIRE BUT THEN GOES UP TO $950 TO REPLACE ECU. THIS IS FRUSTRATING AS THIS IS DRIVING HAZARD, OWNERS ARE LEFT WITHOUT MUCH CHOICE. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE SO MB SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THAT THIS PROBLEM …
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REAR LIGHT MODULES (TAIL, REVERSE, BRAKE, SIGNAL) KEEPS ON FAILING. DEALER QUOTES INITIALLY $250 TO FIX/REWIRE BUT THEN GOES UP TO $950 TO REPLACE ECU. THIS IS FRUSTRATING AS THIS IS DRIVING HAZARD, OWNERS ARE LEFT WITHOUT MUCH CHOICE. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE SO MB SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS AND BE HONEST UPFRONT ABOUT IT. I HOPE NOBODY GETS HURT IF THE LIGHTS FAIL WHILE DRIVING THIS MODEL/BRAND.
NHTSA ODI #10811954
88,000 miles · Dec 23, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire
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.
NHTSA ODI #10811951
126,000 miles · Nov 20, 2015
Electrical SystemSeatsFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. WHEN THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME HOT AND BURNED THROUGH, CREATING A HOLE ON THE SEAT. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. WHEN THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME HOT AND BURNED THROUGH, CREATING A HOLE ON THE SEAT. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA ODI #10795069
130,000 miles · Aug 6, 2015
EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP, SERPENTINE BELT AND IDLER PULLEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10746864
44,000 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Power TrainSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
NHTSA ODI #10730167
92,105 miles · May 13, 2015
EngineSteering
WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I LOST POWER STEERING. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND SAW THAT MY ENGINE BELT WAS OFF MY ENGINE AND A PULLEY CAME OFF MY ENGINE. THIS IS AFTER THE DEALERSHIP HAD ALREADY REPLACED MY BELT JUST LESS THAN 10,000 BEFORE. IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT NO ONE WAS HURT. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE AND MERCEDES BENZ…
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WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I LOST POWER STEERING. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND SAW THAT MY ENGINE BELT WAS OFF MY ENGINE AND A PULLEY CAME OFF MY ENGINE. THIS IS AFTER THE DEALERSHIP HAD ALREADY REPLACED MY BELT JUST LESS THAN 10,000 BEFORE. IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT NO ONE WAS HURT. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE AND MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID THAT SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WILL BE IN A FATAL ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10716162
91,000 miles · May 6, 2015
Engine
MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK THE CAR FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD P CODES 0016 AND 0017 WERE COMING ON MEANING THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE GEAR IN THE BALANCE SHAFT WHICH MB KNOWS ABOUT AND REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. IT WOULD COST $6000 TO FIX. I BEGAN TO LOOK ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS OR ISSUES LIKE MINE HAVE OCCU…
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MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK THE CAR FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD P CODES 0016 AND 0017 WERE COMING ON MEANING THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE GEAR IN THE BALANCE SHAFT WHICH MB KNOWS ABOUT AND REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. IT WOULD COST $6000 TO FIX. I BEGAN TO LOOK ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS OR ISSUES LIKE MINE HAVE OCCURRED WITH OTHERS AND I FOUND I WAS NOT ALONE AND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAD BEEN FILED. I WANT TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AS MB SHOULD BE HELP ACCOUNTABLE FOR KNOWINGLY PROVIDING FAULTY PRODUCTS TO CUSTOMERS - THEY NEED TO BE LIABLE TO RECALL AND FIX EVERY ENGINE AFFECTED BY THIS!! THE US GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS BETTER THAN THIS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10714952
40,000 miles · Apr 19, 2015
Unknown Or Other
I DON'T KNOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10706573
60,000 miles · Apr 13, 2015
Suspension
WE HAVE HAD A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM REGARDING REAR SUSPENSION, RIGHT SIDE STARTED FIRST, THE REAR WOULD DROP DOWN BUT YET THE LEFT SIDE WOULD BE UP. THIS CREATED A HORRIFIC UNSTEADY DRIVE. WE HAD A SUSPENSION AIR BAG REPLACED. NOW THE LEFT SIDE IS DOING IT. CAR CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. FROM ALL THAT I HAVE READ AND FROM DEALERS, THIS IS …
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WE HAVE HAD A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM REGARDING REAR SUSPENSION, RIGHT SIDE STARTED FIRST, THE REAR WOULD DROP DOWN BUT YET THE LEFT SIDE WOULD BE UP. THIS CREATED A HORRIFIC UNSTEADY DRIVE. WE HAD A SUSPENSION AIR BAG REPLACED. NOW THE LEFT SIDE IS DOING IT. CAR CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. FROM ALL THAT I HAVE READ AND FROM DEALERS, THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES. WHY HAS MERCEDES NOT ISSUED A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM? THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND DEFINITELY NOT AT A VEHICLE THAT HAS LOW MILES. NOW THIS ISSUE IS ALSO CAUSING UNEVEN WEAR ON TIRES, 2YEARS LATER WE ARE STILL DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10705453
95,000 miles · Dec 24, 2014
Suspension
2006 MERCEDES R-350 SUSPENSION DEFECT I AGREE THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THE REAR SUSPENSION DEFECT ON THE 2006 R-CLASS MERCEDES. I ALSO OWN A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THIS VEHICLE KEPT LEANING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION ON THE VEHICLE WAS UNEVEN. THE RED LIGHT ASKED ME TO STOP?CAR TOO LOW. I ST…
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2006 MERCEDES R-350 SUSPENSION DEFECT I AGREE THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THE REAR SUSPENSION DEFECT ON THE 2006 R-CLASS MERCEDES. I ALSO OWN A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THIS VEHICLE KEPT LEANING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION ON THE VEHICLE WAS UNEVEN. THE RED LIGHT ASKED ME TO STOP?CAR TOO LOW. I STOPPED AND IT PUMPED UP AGAIN. DROVE A COUPLE OF MILES AND IT DID SAME THING. TOOK TO MB DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS THE SUSPENSION THIS PASSENGER?S SIDE ISSUE OF THE VEHICLE BEING NOTABLY HIGHER THAN THE DRIVER?S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. LEANING TO ONE SIDE HAS OCCURRED TWICE. THE REAR AIR SPRING SUSPENSION HAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT TWO TIMES IN THE LAST FIVE MONTHS (7/1/2013 & 11/28/2013): - BOTH SIDES IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED. - EACH REAR SUSPENSION REPAIR HAS COST ME $1200.00 EACH TIME (TOTALING $2400 FOR REAR AIR SUSPENSION REPLACEMENT). - BOTH REPAIRS OCCURRED BY AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES DEALER (SMYTH EUROPEAN MERCEDES DEALER IN SANTA CLARA CA). THE MERCEDES BENZ MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT HAVE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TO CREATE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668207
Official recalls
2Apr 26, 2024
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 & remedy
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.
May 9, 2022
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗