U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

99 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

80,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 88 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Suspension is the most frequently named component, appearing in 26 of 99 complaints (26.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	10	10.1%
Engine operation	8	8.1%
Electrical and battery issues	7	7.1%
Transmission and shifting	6	6.1%
Steering behavior	6	6.1%
Fuel system concerns	3	3.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Suspension

Engine

Electrical System

Engine And Engine Cooling

Power Train

Seats

Exterior Lighting

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Suspension: 26; Engine: 17; Electrical System: 13; Engine And Engine Cooling: 10; Power Train: 10; Seats: 8; Exterior Lighting: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 15; 50,000 to 74,999: 23; 75,000 to 99,999: 27; 100,000 to 149,999: 18; 150,000 and above: 2

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (27). 11 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2006

2007

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2022

2006: 3; 2007: 2; 2009: 2; 2010: 7; 2011: 19; 2012: 11; 2013: 18; 2014: 8; 2015: 11; 2016: 5; 2017: 4; 2018: 3; 2019: 3; 2020: 1; 2022: 2

Pattern summary

Suspension leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 10 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 7 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10155614 · 2006-04-18 (April 18, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THERE WAS A TAPPING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND THIS WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, BUT WAS NOT PLACED IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE BRAKES WERE NORMAL.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10155614 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10366845 · 2010-11-19 (November 19, 2010)

OUR 2006 R350 HAD ALL THE TAIL LIGHTS BURN OUT AT THE SAME TIME RESULTING IN A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR WITH A WIRE HARNESS THAT CONTROLS THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. WHEN THIS HARNESS FAILS THE TAIL LIGHTS STOP WORKING. MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE AND HAS A TSB ON IT, BUT WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON ONLINE MERCEDES FORUMS REGARDING THIS DEFECT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10366845 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10375206 · 2011-01-08 (January 8, 2011)

AFTER A NORMAL DAY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I STOPPED FOR A SMALL AMOUT OF TIME SWITCHED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I RETURNED THE CAR WOULD NOT START, AFTER 30 MINUTES OF THIS I HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALER. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS HE INFORMED ME THAT HE CHECKED THE FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION SYSTEM. EVERYTHING CHECKED OK. HE REINSTALLED THE PARTS AND THE CAR STARTED FINE FOR THREE DAYS. I PICKED UP THE CAR ONLY TO HAVE IT STALL AGAIN IN A MATTER OF HOURS, WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. *LN

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10375206 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10382027 · 2011-02-08 (February 8, 2011)

2006 MERCEDES BENZ R 350, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT APPROX 66,000 MILES; POSSIBLE BALANCE SHAFT WEAR INDICATIONS; MB DEALER CLEARED CEL AND PERFORMED TEST DRIVE WITHOUT IT REAPPEARING; CEL ILLUMINATED AGAIN WITHIN 50 MILES; SUBSEQUENT VISIT TO MB DEALER CONFIRMED EARLY WEAR ON BALANCE SHAFT GEAR AND TIMING CHAIN; MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS THAT THE MATERIALS USED WERE INSUFFICIENTLY HARDENED, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR AND POSSIBLE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER RESULTING IN NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING ,…

Owner-reported narrative. 66,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10382027 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10191576 · 2007-05-23 (May 23, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IDLER PULLEY, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE RUN FLAT INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE ELECTRICAL PANEL WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND THE POWER SUNROOF LID WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE DEALER ORDERED AN UNDISCLOSED PART FROM GERMANY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10191576 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10367058 · 2010-11-22 (November 22, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN ON. THERE WAS A WARNING LIGHT THAT INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A WIRING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 46,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10367058 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10181604 · 2007-01-26 (January 26, 2007)

2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350 PROBLEM WITH FAULTY TRANSMISSION **CC THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND STRUCK A PARKED CAR. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER, THE REASON WHY THE VEHICLE ROLLED, WAS BECAUSE HE LEFT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION. THE CONSUMER STATED A BUTTON MUST BE PUSHED TO PLACE IN TO PARK. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CONSUMER DIDN'T PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. IT WAS STATED THAT IF THE KEY IS LEFT IN THE IGNITION, AND NOT PLACED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO PARK BY ITSELF. THE CONCLUSION WAS USER ERROR. T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10181604 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10286609 · 2009-10-07 (October 7, 2009)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE HESITATED THEN ACCELERATED UP TO 20000 RPMS (TACHOMETER RED LINE). HE WAS ABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE RESURFACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AGAIN TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION'S ELECTRONIC DEVICE FAILED. HOWEVER HE SPECULATES THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS AP…

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10286609 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10157229 · 2006-05-11 (May 11, 2006)

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 OUTSIDE THE CAR. AS MY WIFE BEGAN TO MOVE THE SEAT FOR MY DAUGHTER THE CAR ROLLED DUE TO NOT BEING IN PARK, ROLLED PAST MY SON AND WENT THROUGH THE FRIENDS GARAGE DOOR. ALL CARS I KNOW OF THAT ARE AUTOMATICS REQUIRE THE VEHICLE BE IN PARK PRIOR TO…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10157229 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10160841 · 2006-06-27 (June 27, 2006)

MERCEDES R CLASS SPEED SENSITIVE STEERING HAS LITTLE PLAY AND ITS MEASUREMENT OF HARDENING AND SOFTENING THE STEERING IS UNPREDICTABLE. SOMETIME STEERING ITSELF BECOME VERY SOFT THAT VEHICLE IS HARD TO CONTROL AND SOMETIME IT BECOMES VERY HARD. TOTAL RANDOM BEHAVIOR, EFFECT DRIVING AND SAFETY. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10160841 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10811951 · 2015-12-23 (December 23, 2015)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 88,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10811951 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

99 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

88.9%Usable mileage88 / 99 records

100.0%Valid incident date99 / 99 records

100.0%Valid filing date99 / 99 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates99 / 99 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Suspension	2626.3% ODI 10468130 · 41,000 mi PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION. THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND CAUSES YOUR VEHICLE TO LEAN TO ONE SIDE AT THIS POINT YOUR TURN RADIUS IS HINDERED SEVERELY.YOU ALSO NOW ARE ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED,SO HOPEFULLY YOU ARE NOT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENS.I KNOW 3 DIFFERENT PERSONS BESIDES MYSELF WHO HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, AND THANKFULLY THIS MAJOR MALFUNCTION HAS NOT CAUSED ANY TRAFFIC/INJURY INCIDENTS.THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR FLAW IN WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS. *JS Look up ODI 10468130 at NHTSA ↗	1634.0% ODI 10491651 · 84,600 mi I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN OCTOBER, 2012. ONE MORNING I NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEANING ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS THE AIR BAGS??/SUSPENSION? THEIR MECHANIC SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT! ON 1/4/2013, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEANING AGAIN ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE CONTACTED A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THESE CARS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AIRMATIC AND SUSPENSION.WHY ARE THERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS? THE COST TO FIX AT MERCEDES DEALERSHIP IS OVER 1,500 DOLLARS! *TR Look up ODI 10491651 at NHTSA ↗	1234.3% ODI 10475739 · 107,000 mi 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. THIS VEHICLE IS ALWAYS MAINTAIN AND SERVICE BY AN AUTHORIZED MB DEALER AND THEY INSURE THAT IN ANY OF THE PREVIOUS SERVICES THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NEVER IDENTIFIED OR MENTION. THE LOW SUSPENSION IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY CAUSE THE WHEELS TO RUB AGAINST THE… Look up ODI 10475739 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.7% ODI 10648700 · 67,720 mi I HAD JUST ARRIVED AT CHURCH AND NOTICED THE CAR LEANING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. I IGNORED IT AT FIRST THINKING MAYBE THE DRIVEWAY WAS UNEVEN. WHEN I GOT READY TO LEAVE MY BOYFRIEND POINTED IT OUT TO ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS LEANING TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO BE CHECKED OUT AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT. THERE WAS NO MESSAGE REGARDING ANYTHING ON THE MESSAGE BOARD EXCEPT SERVICE C WAS SO MANY MILES OVERDUE. CALLED MERCEDES AND THEY TOLD ME REAR AIR BAG. COST WOULD BE AROUND $1600. CANT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEALER WOULD NOT PUT A RECALL FIR TH… Look up ODI 10648700 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	33.0% ODI 10561838 · 55,000 mi THE CAR RISES UP ON ONE SIDE WHEN PUT THRUST HE COMPUTER NO ERROR CODE COMES UP . AFTER A DAY OR SO SITTING IN THE GARAGE GETS BACK TO NORMAL. GOT IT CHECKED BY MECHANIC NO LEAKS . THEN HAPPENED AGAIN THEY RESET THE COMPUTER CHARGED ME . HAPPENED ONCE AGAIN THIS TIME THEY CHANGED THE COMPUTER AND THE CAR SHOWED AIRBAG LEAKING. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY . LOOKED UP ON LINE MOSTLY EVERYONE WHO OWNS THIS CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS LOT OF ISSUES. IT STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD ON HIGH WAY I WAS LUCKILY SAVED BUT THEY SAID A SHAFT RING BROKE IN T… Look up ODI 10561838 at NHTSA ↗	36.4% ODI 10491651 · 84,600 mi I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN OCTOBER, 2012. ONE MORNING I NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEANING ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS THE AIR BAGS??/SUSPENSION? THEIR MECHANIC SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT! ON 1/4/2013, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEANING AGAIN ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE CONTACTED A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THESE CARS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AIRMATIC AND SUSPENSION.WHY ARE THERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS? THE COST TO FIX AT MERCEDES DEALERSHIP IS OVER 1,500 DOLLARS! *TR Look up ODI 10491651 at NHTSA ↗	25.7% ODI 10524153 · 67,500 mi IT WAS DIAGNOSED BY MERCEDES MECHANIC THAT MY REAR SUSPENSION REAR AIR BAGS ARE LEAKING AIR. I HAVE PURCHASED COMPATIBLE PARTS FROM AIRBAGIT.COM IN MESA AZ. THE AIRBAGS FAILED AND THE COMPANY DID NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY OR RETURN AGREEMENTS. *TR Look up ODI 10524153 at NHTSA ↗	853.3% ODI 10648566 · 75,000 mi DRIVERS SIDE REAR AIR BAG CONSTANTLY LOSING AIR PRESSURE. NO WARNING LIGHT, BOTH WHILE PARKED AND WHILE DRIVING. FENDER NEARLY TOUCHES THE TIRE, VEHICLE LEANS AND BECOMES UNSTABLE. NO VISUAL EVIDENCE OF CRACKED OR DETERIORATION . *TR Look up ODI 10648566 at NHTSA ↗	753.8% ODI 10648700 · 67,720 mi I HAD JUST ARRIVED AT CHURCH AND NOTICED THE CAR LEANING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. I IGNORED IT AT FIRST THINKING MAYBE THE DRIVEWAY WAS UNEVEN. WHEN I GOT READY TO LEAVE MY BOYFRIEND POINTED IT OUT TO ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS LEANING TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO BE CHECKED OUT AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT. THERE WAS NO MESSAGE REGARDING ANYTHING ON THE MESSAGE BOARD EXCEPT SERVICE C WAS SO MANY MILES OVERDUE. CALLED MERCEDES AND THEY TOLD ME REAR AIR BAG. COST WOULD BE AROUND $1600. CANT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEALER WOULD NOT PUT A RECALL FIR TH… Look up ODI 10648700 at NHTSA ↗	1266.7% ODI 10934561 · 50,000 mi TAKATA RECALL #16V081 MFG RECALL #2016020003 RECALL DATE FEB 11,2016 MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, AND I HAVE GREAT FEAR FOR HER SAFETY EVERY TIME SHE GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL. PLEASE ADVISE WHEN THIS WILL BE REMEDIED. Look up ODI 10934561 at NHTSA ↗	562.5% ODI 11041900 TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A POST CARD IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS STATING TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR A FREE REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATE THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THE ISSUE IS NOT BEING RESOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER Look up ODI 11041900 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	1717.2% ODI 10459023 · 79,000 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CODES FOR BALANCE SHAFT AND INTAKE. DEALER QUOTES $7000 FOR WORK. *TR Look up ODI 10459023 at NHTSA ↗	612.8% ODI 10501824 · 51,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS OPERATING AT HALF POWER AND THAT THE DOWN SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,000. TR UPDATED 4/24/13 CN UPDATED 05/21/2013 *JS Look up ODI 10501824 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10475739 · 107,000 mi 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. THIS VEHICLE IS ALWAYS MAINTAIN AND SERVICE BY AN AUTHORIZED MB DEALER AND THEY INSURE THAT IN ANY OF THE PREVIOUS SERVICES THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NEVER IDENTIFIED OR MENTION. THE LOW SUSPENSION IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY CAUSE THE WHEELS TO RUB AGAINST THE… Look up ODI 10475739 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	215.4% ODI 10823136 · 72,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A VALVE IN THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. Look up ODI 10823136 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 11067164 · 89,547 mi TAKATA RECALL THIS VEHICLE HAS AIRBAGS SAFETY RECALL BY TAKATA, THE DEFECTED AIRBAGS ON THIS CAR WAS DISCOVERED 2015, THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I EVEN WENT ON A TEST DRIVE, THIS CAR SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SOLD AT ALL UNTIL THE AIRBAGS ARE REPLACED THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF,MY INSURANCE IS HIGH BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE AGAIN THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD TO ME NOR SOLD AT ALL UNTIL THE AIRBAGS ARE RE… Look up ODI 11067164 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10579554 · 34,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT DETECTED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPORADICALLY STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000. Look up ODI 10579554 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	1313.1% ODI 10191576 · 15,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IDLER PULLEY, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE RUN FLAT INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE ELECTRICAL PANEL WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND THE POWER SUNROOF LID WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE DEALER ORDERED AN UNDISCLOSED PART FROM GERMANY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. Look up ODI 10191576 at NHTSA ↗	48.5% ODI 10349689 · 47,729 mi 2007 MERCEDES BENZ R350 4 MATIC/WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, VEHICLES JERKS ABRUPTLY AND HARD. ESP WARNING LIGHT(SIGN) SUDDENLY APPEARS IN DASH AS A MALFUNCTION (INOPERABLE). AS A RESULT, ALL WARNING LIGHTS STARTS FLASHING, INCLUDING BRAKE LIGHT. VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT IN ANY GEAR INCLUDING PARK. WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO FUNCTION IN DRIVE @ 40MPH OR LOWER. INFORMATION WINDOW SAYS "VISIT MB WORKSHOP IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT SHIFTING GEARS". ONCE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, VEHICLE WILL NOT START. REPLACED ESP/SCM FOR STEERING ANGLE SENSOR.(PART AVAI… Look up ODI 10349689 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10475739 · 107,000 mi 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. THIS VEHICLE IS ALWAYS MAINTAIN AND SERVICE BY AN AUTHORIZED MB DEALER AND THEY INSURE THAT IN ANY OF THE PREVIOUS SERVICES THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NEVER IDENTIFIED OR MENTION. THE LOW SUSPENSION IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY CAUSE THE WHEELS TO RUB AGAINST THE… Look up ODI 10475739 at NHTSA ↗	16.7% ODI 10347761 · 3,000 mi WIFE IS DISABLED WITH A BACK INJURY LUMBAR SUPPORT HAS FAILED 4 TIMES IN 7 MONTHS PART WAS FINALLY ORDERED FROM GERMANY AND THE ITEM SEEMS FIXED WHINING NOISE COMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MERCEDES ENGINEER SAYS IT IS A AC PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE...AND REFUSES TO FIX IT AGAIN.....CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR THIS. *TR Look up ODI 10347761 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.1% ODI 10559859 · 27,366 mi I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UNDER THE COVERED PORTICO AND PLACED MY CAR IN "PARK" WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPEN.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WENT TO CHECK SOMETHING AT MY FRONT DOOR WHICH WAS FORWARD AND TO THE LEFT OF THE PARKED CAR BEFORE PROCEEDING TO OPEN THE GATE ACROSS OUR DRIVEWAY.THE GATE IS AT THE END OF AN 11 FOOT LONG BRICK EXTERIOR HOUSE WALL ON THE LEFT OF THE DRIVEWAY.I NOTICED THE CAR MOVING AND ON IMPULSE TRIED TO ENTER THE CAR TO STOP IT.I GOT MY RIGHT LEG IN THE DOOR JUST BEFORE THE DOOR HIT A CONCRETE … Look up ODI 10559859 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 11082046 · 65,000 mi "TAKATA RECALL" - WHILE DRIVING ALONG A COUNTY STREET MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. I PUT IN PARK AND IT STARTED AND WENT APPROXIMATELY A 1/2 OF A MILE AND STALLED AGAIN. IT DID THIS TWICE MORE BEFORE I GOT HOME WHERE I SHUT IT OFF AND CALLED A TOW COMPANY TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP. MY SERVICE ADVISOR CALL AND TOLD ME THAT THE WIRING HONES TO THE ENGINE BURNED UP. Look up ODI 11082046 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	88.1% ODI 10442288 · 55,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH WITH THE DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT WARMER ACTIVATED, THE SEAT STARTED TO BURN AND SMOKE WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BY TURNING OFF THE SEAT WARMER. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR BURNS TO THE HIP AND FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HER AT A LATER DAT… Look up ODI 10442288 at NHTSA ↗	714.9% ODI 10317962 · 41,110 mi DRIVERS SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. IT IS BELIEVED THE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED. *TR Look up ODI 10317962 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	16.7% ODI 10347761 · 3,000 mi WIFE IS DISABLED WITH A BACK INJURY LUMBAR SUPPORT HAS FAILED 4 TIMES IN 7 MONTHS PART WAS FINALLY ORDERED FROM GERMANY AND THE ITEM SEEMS FIXED WHINING NOISE COMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MERCEDES ENGINEER SAYS IT IS A AC PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE...AND REFUSES TO FIX IT AGAIN.....CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR THIS. *TR Look up ODI 10347761 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Steering	55.1% ODI 10160841 MERCEDES R CLASS SPEED SENSITIVE STEERING HAS LITTLE PLAY AND ITS MEASUREMENT OF HARDENING AND SOFTENING THE STEERING IS UNPREDICTABLE. SOMETIME STEERING ITSELF BECOME VERY SOFT THAT VEHICLE IS HARD TO CONTROL AND SOMETIME IT BECOMES VERY HARD. TOTAL RANDOM BEHAVIOR, EFFECT DRIVING AND SAFETY. *NM Look up ODI 10160841 at NHTSA ↗	12.1% ODI 10515397 · 98,000 mi STEERING IS DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE AT LOW RPM OR AT STANDSTILL. STEERING TURNS EASILY WHILE RPM IS >800. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES R-CLASS AND M-CLASS. POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10515397 at NHTSA ↗	1028.6% ODI 10475739 · 107,000 mi 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. THIS VEHICLE IS ALWAYS MAINTAIN AND SERVICE BY AN AUTHORIZED MB DEALER AND THEY INSURE THAT IN ANY OF THE PREVIOUS SERVICES THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NEVER IDENTIFIED OR MENTION. THE LOW SUSPENSION IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY CAUSE THE WHEELS TO RUB AGAINST THE… Look up ODI 10475739 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	1010.1% ODI 10334087 · 55,600 mi FRONT DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT ONLY 55,600 MILES. COST IS $3,000 DOLLARS AND VEHICLE IS ONLY 5,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. THERE ARE MANY OTHER MERCEDES 4MATIC WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, THIS IS AN MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT MERCEDES IS NOT CORRECTING. DO NOT BUY A MERCEDES. *TR Look up ODI 10334087 at NHTSA ↗	48.5% ODI 10713541 · 18,013 mi REPLACE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, 3 SUSPENSIONS IS 3 YEARS-TWICE ON THE RIGHT SIDE MERCEDES AND INTERCAR CLAIMED THAT RIGHT REAR AIR SPRING HAD A LEAK LEFT REAR SHOCK LEAKING AND CLAIMED NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AT 71725 MILES-SO WAS THE PAGES AND PAGES OF THE LINK BELOW AT 71000 MILES, POWER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING, POWER DRIVERS MIRROR STOPPED WORKING, SAFETY LOCK FOR BACK WINDOWS STOP WORKING, BURNS 2 QUARTS OF OIL A MONTH, SUNROOF LEAKS, AND DOESN'T ALWAYS CLOSE ALL THE WAY, ABS SPEED SENSORS DEFECTIVE, REAR MAIN RADIAL SEAL IN TRANSMISSION DEF… Look up ODI 10713541 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 10559859 · 27,366 mi I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UNDER THE COVERED PORTICO AND PLACED MY CAR IN "PARK" WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPEN.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WENT TO CHECK SOMETHING AT MY FRONT DOOR WHICH WAS FORWARD AND TO THE LEFT OF THE PARKED CAR BEFORE PROCEEDING TO OPEN THE GATE ACROSS OUR DRIVEWAY.THE GATE IS AT THE END OF AN 11 FOOT LONG BRICK EXTERIOR HOUSE WALL ON THE LEFT OF THE DRIVEWAY.I NOTICED THE CAR MOVING AND ON IMPULSE TRIED TO ENTER THE CAR TO STOP IT.I GOT MY RIGHT LEG IN THE DOOR JUST BEFORE THE DOOR HIT A CONCRETE … Look up ODI 10559859 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	1010.1% ODI 10362659 · 54,000 mi ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 I STARTED UP MY VEHICLE AND NOTICE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS ON MY DASHBOARD. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR TWO MORE DAYS AND THE LIGHT DISAPPEARED. AND THEN ON THE FOURTH DAY THE LIGHT APPEAR AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE AND ASKED THE ABOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS INFORMED NOT TO PANIC IT'S PROBABLY THE GAS CAP NOT PROPERLY ON OR SINCE I WAS AWAY FOR ONE WEEK AND MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE MAYBE THAT IS WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I THEN DECIDE TO TAKE MY VEHICLE RIGHT TO … Look up ODI 10362659 at NHTSA ↗	36.4% ODI 10434300 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SOON THE CAR BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE STARTING. I THEN BEGAN SPUTTERING WHILE DRIVING. MERCEDES DEALER INFORMED US THAT THE BALANCE SHAFT HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR WOULD COST CLOSE TO $6,000. I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT, ALMOST AS IF IT IS TO BE EXPECTED. I ALSO SEE THAT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT WAS FILED IN 2010. THIS POSES A SAFETY PROBLEM WHEN I DRIVE MY CHILDREN, AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE REPAIR BILL. *TR Look up ODI 10434300 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	16.7% ODI 10347761 · 3,000 mi WIFE IS DISABLED WITH A BACK INJURY LUMBAR SUPPORT HAS FAILED 4 TIMES IN 7 MONTHS PART WAS FINALLY ORDERED FROM GERMANY AND THE ITEM SEEMS FIXED WHINING NOISE COMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MERCEDES ENGINEER SAYS IT IS A AC PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE...AND REFUSES TO FIX IT AGAIN.....CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR THIS. *TR Look up ODI 10347761 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Suspension	60,500–86,889 mi	81,000 mi	26	ODI 10468130 · 41,000 mi PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION. THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND CAUSES YOUR VEHICLE TO LEAN TO ONE SIDE AT THIS POINT YOUR TURN RADIUS IS HINDERED SEVERELY.YOU ALSO NOW ARE ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED,SO HOPEFULLY YOU ARE NOT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENS.I KNOW 3 DIFFERENT PERSONS BESIDES MYSELF WHO HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, AND THANKFULLY THIS MAJOR MALFUNCTION HAS NOT CAUSED ANY TRAFFIC/INJURY INCIDENTS.THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR FLAW IN WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS. JS Look up ODI 10468130 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10485921 · 103,468 mi MY WIFE CAME OUT TO START THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS LEANING SEVERELY TO ONE SIDE. THE DRIVER FRONT AND REAR WAS TILTED, SOMETHING I NEVER WITNESSED BEFORE ON ANY VEHICLE I ONCE OWNED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A SENSOR THAT CONTROLLED THE BALANCE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SENSOR WAS CHANGED AND A FEW DAYS LATER IT STARTED LEANING AGAIN. I NOTICED WHEN THE VEHICLE SITS IT WILL BEGIN TO LEAN, BUT ONCE IT IS DRIVEN FOR 10 MILES IT BEGINS TO BALANCE ITSELF. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT YOU ALL ABOUT THIS SITUATION, HOWEVE… Look up ODI 10485921 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10486094 · 80,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH OR HIGHER, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD LOWER TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10486094 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	83,500–100,867 mi	92,105 mi	15	ODI 10459023 · 79,000 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CODES FOR BALANCE SHAFT AND INTAKE. DEALER QUOTES $7000 FOR WORK. TR Look up ODI 10459023 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10459741 · 101,733 mi THE CAR IS IN TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE BALANCE SHAFT. AFTER CHECKING THE INTERNET TO DETERMINE IF THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE IT HAD BECOME APPARENT THIS EXACT REPAIR IS VERY COMMON FOR THE 2006 R350. THE TOTAL EXPENSE WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $6,500-7,000 USD. THERE HAS BEEN A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE FILED IN THE STATE OF NJ AGAINST MERCEDES FOR THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. TR Look up ODI 10459741 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10467056 · 77,330 mi BALANCE SHAFT,,,,COAD 1200&1208. *TR Look up ODI 10467056 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	72,500–107,000 mi	84,000 mi	11	ODI 10191576 · 15,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IDLER PULLEY, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE RUN FLAT INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE ELECTRICAL PANEL WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND THE POWER SUNROOF LID WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE DEALER ORDERED AN UNDISCLOSED PART FROM GERMANY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. Look up ODI 10191576 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10372335 · 65,000 mi ON MY 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350, THE REAR BRAKELIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS REGULARLY FAIL TO ELIMINATE. THE LIGHTS ARE VERY INCONSISTENT AND WHEN THEY FAIL A BACK-UP SUBSTITUTE LIGHT COMES ON. A MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE SUBSTITUTE LIGHTS ARE ON. AFTER CHANGING THE BULBS NUMEROUS TIMES, I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC AT MERCEDES THAT THE CONTACT MAY BE WORN OUT. TR Look up ODI 10372335 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10384216 · 35,000 mi TAIL LIGHTS DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, JUST THE SUBSTITUTE BULBS. I CHANGED OUT ALL THE BULBS BUT STILL NO STOP, TAIL LIGHTS. FUSES ALL GOOD. *TR Look up ODI 10384216 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	52,500–67,240 mi	62,000 mi	7	ODI 10362659 · 54,000 mi ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 I STARTED UP MY VEHICLE AND NOTICE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS ON MY DASHBOARD. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR TWO MORE DAYS AND THE LIGHT DISAPPEARED. AND THEN ON THE FOURTH DAY THE LIGHT APPEAR AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE AND ASKED THE ABOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS INFORMED NOT TO PANIC IT'S PROBABLY THE GAS CAP NOT PROPERLY ON OR SINCE I WAS AWAY FOR ONE WEEK AND MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE MAYBE THAT IS WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I THEN DECIDE TO TAKE MY VEHICLE RIGHT TO … Look up ODI 10362659 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10376334 · 39,000 mi MERCEDES-BENZ BALANCE SHAFT ISSUES THAT EFFECT 2006 PLUS YEARS, R350 AND OTHER MODELS THAT HAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON, GIVING A FAULT CODE, BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE. THE FIX IS VERY EXPENSIVE, RANGING FROM $4,000 TO $7,500. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN 2007. HOWEVER, CURRENTLY MB IS NOT NOTIFYING CONSUMERS OR PAYING FOR THE TOTAL REPAIR OF THE BALANCE SHAFT. *TR Look up ODI 10376334 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10382027 · 66,400 mi 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R 350, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT APPROX 66,000 MILES; POSSIBLE BALANCE SHAFT WEAR INDICATIONS; MB DEALER CLEARED CEL AND PERFORMED TEST DRIVE WITHOUT IT REAPPEARING; CEL ILLUMINATED AGAIN WITHIN 50 MILES; SUBSEQUENT VISIT TO MB DEALER CONFIRMED EARLY WEAR ON BALANCE SHAFT GEAR AND TIMING CHAIN; MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS THAT THE MATERIALS USED WERE INSUFFICIENTLY HARDENED, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR AND POSSIBLE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER RESULTING IN NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING ,… Look up ODI 10382027 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	58,720–100,315 mi	72,122 mi	10	ODI 10334087 · 55,600 mi FRONT DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT ONLY 55,600 MILES. COST IS $3,000 DOLLARS AND VEHICLE IS ONLY 5,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. THERE ARE MANY OTHER MERCEDES 4MATIC WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, THIS IS AN MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT MERCEDES IS NOT CORRECTING. DO NOT BUY A MERCEDES. *TR Look up ODI 10334087 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10395375 · 51,560 mi I HAVE A 2006 MERCEDES R350 THAT WE BOUGHT USED IN 2009. THE CAR NOW HAS 51,560 MILES AND THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL IS OUT AND NEEDS REPLACED AT A COST OF 3500.00. I HAVE READ OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MILEAGE ON THE CAR. MERCEDES IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. I AM FIGHTING WITH THEM NOW TO JUST GET THEM TO COVER HALF THE COST. EVEN THOUGH IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE PROBLEM STARTED BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS OUT AND I CALLED THE DEALER. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE WARRANTY RAN OUT ON FRIDAY … Look up ODI 10395375 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10411070 · 68,080 mi THE VEHICLE INDICATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ERROR CODE SHOWS P0016 WHICH IS SHAFT BALANCE ISSUE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ATTEND TO IT DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT A KNOWN ERROR FROM FACTORY. THE ISSUE WOULD REOCCUR BECAUSE OF POOR MATERIAL AND COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL WHILE IN TRAVEL. Look up ODI 10411070 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	69,500–138,000 mi	126,000 mi	7	ODI 10442288 · 55,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH WITH THE DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT WARMER ACTIVATED, THE SEAT STARTED TO BURN AND SMOKE WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BY TURNING OFF THE SEAT WARMER. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR BURNS TO THE HIP AND FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HER AT A LATER DAT… Look up ODI 10442288 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10502419 · 45,317 mi I STARTED MY 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R350 AND ACTIVATED THE DRIVER SEAT WARMER ON HIGH. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2.2 MILES INTO MY DRIVE (SPEED 30-45 MPH) MY SEAT FELT VERY HOT ON MY LOWER LEFT SIDE NEAR MY WAIST LINE. I REACHED BACK WHILE DRIVING TO FEEL HOW HOT THE SEAT WAS AND WAS SURPRISED BY A VERY HOT SENSATION AS THOUGH I HAD TOUCHED A HOT NEEDLE. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND PULL MY BODY FORWARD I NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM BEHIND MY LEFT SHOULDER. I IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER ONTO A LEFT SIDE STREET AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK LEAVING IT RUNNING AND JU… Look up ODI 10502419 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10505737 · 84,000 mi WHILE DRIVING, SMELLED BURNING ODOR BUT SAW NO SMOKE OR FIRE. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS ON AT TIME ODOR WAS NOTICED. TURNED IT OFF IMMEDIATELY AND STOPPED VEHICLE. ODOR WENT AWAY BUT NOTICED UPPER LEFT OF SEAT BACK HAD TWO BURN HOLES. MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE. *TR Look up ODI 10505737 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	35,000–43,725 mi	35,950 mi	6	ODI 10292127 · 36,900 mi HEADLAMPS SHINE TOO CLOSE TO CAR. ONLY SHINE 40-50 FEET OUT TO THE FRONT AND AT NIGHT, ESPECIALLY IN RAIN, YOU ABSOLUTELY CANNOT SEE THE ROAD OR HAZARDS IN IT, SUCH AS DEER. TR Look up ODI 10292127 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10366845 · 35,000 mi OUR 2006 R350 HAD ALL THE TAIL LIGHTS BURN OUT AT THE SAME TIME RESULTING IN A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR WITH A WIRE HARNESS THAT CONTROLS THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. WHEN THIS HARNESS FAILS THE TAIL LIGHTS STOP WORKING. MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE AND HAS A TSB ON IT, BUT WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON ONLINE MERCEDES FORUMS REGARDING THIS DEFECT. TR Look up ODI 10366845 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10367058 · 46,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN ON. THERE WAS A WARNING LIGHT THAT INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A WIRING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. Look up ODI 10367058 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	48,200–80,000 mi	55,000 mi	5	ODI 10376792 · 42,500 mi MERCEDES BENZ R 350, EARLY WEAR ON BALANCED GEAR AND TIMING CHAIN,LESS THAT 40,000 MILES,CODE1200 AND 1208,MERCEDES BENZ COMPANY KNOW THAT THE MATERIALS USED ON THAT PARTS AREN'T STRONG ENOUGH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GO ON AND FUEL ECONOMY IS VERY LOW,THE COMPANY KNOW THE CAUSE AND MAKE CHANGE ON NEW PARTS MATERIALS,BUT NO SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN POSTED TO CUSTOMERS WITH THAT PROBLEMS. TR Look up ODI 10376792 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10380855 · 85,000 mi 2006 MERCEDES R350, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. REPLACED MAGNETS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RETURNED. DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE BALANCE SHAFT & GEAR. MERCEDES SAYS MOTOR HAS TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE BALANCE SHAFT, GEAR, TIMING CHAIN, OIL PUMP AND RELATED TENSIONERS AND GUIDES. THIS IS A DEFECT THAT MB HAS BEEN AWARE OF SINCE 2007. CAR IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE DRIVING IT RISKS SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO POSSIBLY JUMPING TIME. TR Look up ODI 10380855 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10384247 · 48,200 mi DETAILED VEHICLE INFORMATION: VIN: [XXX] MODEL YEAR: 2006 MODEL: R350 (MODEL CODE 251.156/165) ENGINE: 3.5L 90 V6 (M272) CURRENT MILEAGE: APPROXIMATELY 48,500 MILES REFERENCE: MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE BULLETIN S-B-03.30/08J: MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT 70 MILES PER HOUR AND ENGINE LOST POWER AND DEVELOPED STRONG VIBRATIONS, FORCING ME TO SLOW DOWN AND LIMP HOME. MERCEDES MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS BROKEN BALANCE SHAFT GEAR. DUE TO WEAK MATERIALS USED IN THE EARLY M272 ENGINE PRODUCTION, THE BALANCE SHAFT SPROCKET AND OTHER ENGI… Look up ODI 10384247 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2011: 1 complaints · 2012: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2011	0	0	1
2012	0	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2011	18	0	0
2012	8	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Suspension	Engine	Electrical System	Engine And Engine Cooling	Power Train	Seats	Exterior Lighting	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Suspension	—	1 ODI 10561838 · 55,000 mi THE CAR RISES UP ON ONE SIDE WHEN PUT THRUST HE COMPUTER NO ERROR CODE COMES UP . AFTER A DAY OR SO SITTING IN THE GARAGE GETS BACK TO NORMAL. GOT IT CHECKED BY MECHANIC NO LEAKS . THEN HAPPENED AGAIN THEY RESET THE COMPUTER CHARGED ME . HAPPENED ONCE AGAIN THIS TIME THEY CHANGED THE COMPUTER AND THE CAR SHOWED AIRBAG LEAKING. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY . LOOKED UP ON LINE MOSTLY EVERYONE WHO OWNS THIS CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS LOT OF ISSUES. IT STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD ON HIGH WAY I WAS LUCKILY SAVED BUT THEY SAID A SHAFT RING BROKE IN T… Look up ODI 10561838 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10494987 · 85,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM CAUSED THE FRONT END TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHAT CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS… Look up ODI 10494987 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0
Engine	1 ODI 10561838 · 55,000 mi THE CAR RISES UP ON ONE SIDE WHEN PUT THRUST HE COMPUTER NO ERROR CODE COMES UP . AFTER A DAY OR SO SITTING IN THE GARAGE GETS BACK TO NORMAL. GOT IT CHECKED BY MECHANIC NO LEAKS . THEN HAPPENED AGAIN THEY RESET THE COMPUTER CHARGED ME . HAPPENED ONCE AGAIN THIS TIME THEY CHANGED THE COMPUTER AND THE CAR SHOWED AIRBAG LEAKING. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY . LOOKED UP ON LINE MOSTLY EVERYONE WHO OWNS THIS CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS LOT OF ISSUES. IT STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD ON HIGH WAY I WAS LUCKILY SAVED BUT THEY SAID A SHAFT RING BROKE IN T… Look up ODI 10561838 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10811951 · 88,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10811951 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10513342 · 72,243 mi THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. REGULAR SERVICE AND MAINTENAINCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED BY THE DEALER ONLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALANCE SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DTB-S-B-03.30/08I WAS SENT TO DEALERS FOR THIS KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART AND CORRECTIVE MEASURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO COVER HALF OF THE 7K REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPA… Look up ODI 10513342 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10494987 · 85,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM CAUSED THE FRONT END TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHAT CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS… Look up ODI 10494987 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10811951 · 88,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10811951 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10444995 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350 STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER GETTING THE CAR, WE ALSO FELT A STRONG JERKING THEN SHIFTING GEARS, BUT IT WAS DOING IT ON ITS OWN. WE TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT'S JUST LOUD. THEN WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO FIX IT BUT IT NEVER STOPPED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON. OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO THE ENGINE HAD TO BE FIXED RATHER QUICKLY. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN THE END OF 2005, AND HAS … Look up ODI 10444995 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10949628 · 128,000 mi CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE CANT DRIVE FASTER THAN 20MPH ON FREEWAY VERY DANGEROUS. HAVE TO PULL OVER TURN OFF ENGINE AND RESTART CAR TO RESET. CAR JUST RANDOMLY SHUT OFF ALL ELECTRONICS DIED ON STREET. TOWED CAR TO DEALERSHIP SAYS NEEDS NEW VALVE BODY OF TRANSMISSION. RESEARCHED ONLINE VERY COMMON PROBLEM. DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND PARTS. Look up ODI 10949628 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10505737 · 84,000 mi WHILE DRIVING, SMELLED BURNING ODOR BUT SAW NO SMOKE OR FIRE. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS ON AT TIME ODOR WAS NOTICED. TURNED IT OFF IMMEDIATELY AND STOPPED VEHICLE. ODOR WENT AWAY BUT NOTICED UPPER LEFT OF SEAT BACK HAD TWO BURN HOLES. MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE. TR Look up ODI 10505737 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10795069 · 126,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10795069 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10817006 · 130,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BACK AND CUSHION HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. A BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SEAT HEATER WAS IMMEDIATELY DEACTIVATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS TO THE BACK AREA AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SEAT AND HEATING ELEMENT WERE BOTH … Look up ODI 10817006 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10372335 · 65,000 mi ON MY 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350, THE REAR BRAKELIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS REGULARLY FAIL TO ELIMINATE. THE LIGHTS ARE VERY INCONSISTENT AND WHEN THEY FAIL A BACK-UP SUBSTITUTE LIGHT COMES ON. A MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE SUBSTITUTE LIGHTS ARE ON. AFTER CHANGING THE BULBS NUMEROUS TIMES, I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC AT MERCEDES THAT THE CONTACT MAY BE WORN OUT. TR Look up ODI 10372335 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10384216 · 35,000 mi TAIL LIGHTS DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, JUST THE SUBSTITUTE BULBS. I CHANGED OUT ALL THE BULBS BUT STILL NO STOP, TAIL LIGHTS. FUSES ALL GOOD. TR Look up ODI 10384216 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10440585 REAR LIGHT MODULES (TAIL, REVERSE, BRAKE, SIGNAL) KEEPS ON FAILING. DEALER QUOTES INITIALLY $200 TO FIX/REWIRE BUT THEN GOES UP TO $800 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. *TR Look up ODI 10440585 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	1 ODI 10444995 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350 STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER GETTING THE CAR, WE ALSO FELT A STRONG JERKING THEN SHIFTING GEARS, BUT IT WAS DOING IT ON ITS OWN. WE TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT'S JUST LOUD. THEN WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO FIX IT BUT IT NEVER STOPPED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON. OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO THE ENGINE HAD TO BE FIXED RATHER QUICKLY. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN THE END OF 2005, AND HAS … Look up ODI 10444995 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 ODI 10411070 · 68,080 mi THE VEHICLE INDICATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ERROR CODE SHOWS P0016 WHICH IS SHAFT BALANCE ISSUE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ATTEND TO IT DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT A KNOWN ERROR FROM FACTORY. THE ISSUE WOULD REOCCUR BECAUSE OF POOR MATERIAL AND COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL WHILE IN TRAVEL. Look up ODI 10411070 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10450538 · 92,261 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC THAT WORKS ON FOREIGN CARS, HE INFORMED ME THAT MY DRIVE CAM SHAFT IS "RETARDED" BASICALLY STATING THAT MY SPROCKETS THAT HOLD THE TIMING BELT ARE WORN DOWN, I AM ALSO LOOSING COMPRESSION. I TOOK IT TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL GOODWILL THE REPAIR IF THAT IS REALLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY HOWEVER PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT YOUR CAR HAS ALMOST 100,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT MAY JUST BE THE TIMING BELT IS WORN DOWN.(THEY WILL TRY ANYTHING TO GET OUT OF THE REPAIR). TH… Look up ODI 10450538 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Power Train	0	1 ODI 10513342 · 72,243 mi THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. REGULAR SERVICE AND MAINTENAINCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED BY THE DEALER ONLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALANCE SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DTB-S-B-03.30/08I WAS SENT TO DEALERS FOR THIS KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART AND CORRECTIVE MEASURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO COVER HALF OF THE 7K REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPA… Look up ODI 10513342 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10949628 · 128,000 mi CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE CANT DRIVE FASTER THAN 20MPH ON FREEWAY VERY DANGEROUS. HAVE TO PULL OVER TURN OFF ENGINE AND RESTART CAR TO RESET. CAR JUST RANDOMLY SHUT OFF ALL ELECTRONICS DIED ON STREET. TOWED CAR TO DEALERSHIP SAYS NEEDS NEW VALVE BODY OF TRANSMISSION. RESEARCHED ONLINE VERY COMMON PROBLEM. DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND PARTS. Look up ODI 10949628 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10411070 · 68,080 mi THE VEHICLE INDICATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ERROR CODE SHOWS P0016 WHICH IS SHAFT BALANCE ISSUE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ATTEND TO IT DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT A KNOWN ERROR FROM FACTORY. THE ISSUE WOULD REOCCUR BECAUSE OF POOR MATERIAL AND COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL WHILE IN TRAVEL. Look up ODI 10411070 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10450538 · 92,261 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC THAT WORKS ON FOREIGN CARS, HE INFORMED ME THAT MY DRIVE CAM SHAFT IS "RETARDED" BASICALLY STATING THAT MY SPROCKETS THAT HOLD THE TIMING BELT ARE WORN DOWN, I AM ALSO LOOSING COMPRESSION. I TOOK IT TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL GOODWILL THE REPAIR IF THAT IS REALLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY HOWEVER PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT YOUR CAR HAS ALMOST 100,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT MAY JUST BE THE TIMING BELT IS WORN DOWN.(THEY WILL TRY ANYTHING TO GET OUT OF THE REPAIR). TH… Look up ODI 10450538 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Seats	0	0	3 ODI 10505737 · 84,000 mi WHILE DRIVING, SMELLED BURNING ODOR BUT SAW NO SMOKE OR FIRE. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS ON AT TIME ODOR WAS NOTICED. TURNED IT OFF IMMEDIATELY AND STOPPED VEHICLE. ODOR WENT AWAY BUT NOTICED UPPER LEFT OF SEAT BACK HAD TWO BURN HOLES. MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE. TR Look up ODI 10505737 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10795069 · 126,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10795069 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10817006 · 130,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BACK AND CUSHION HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. A BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SEAT HEATER WAS IMMEDIATELY DEACTIVATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS TO THE BACK AREA AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SEAT AND HEATING ELEMENT WERE BOTH … Look up ODI 10817006 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	3 ODI 10372335 · 65,000 mi ON MY 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350, THE REAR BRAKELIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS REGULARLY FAIL TO ELIMINATE. THE LIGHTS ARE VERY INCONSISTENT AND WHEN THEY FAIL A BACK-UP SUBSTITUTE LIGHT COMES ON. A MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE SUBSTITUTE LIGHTS ARE ON. AFTER CHANGING THE BULBS NUMEROUS TIMES, I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC AT MERCEDES THAT THE CONTACT MAY BE WORN OUT. TR Look up ODI 10372335 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10384216 · 35,000 mi TAIL LIGHTS DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, JUST THE SUBSTITUTE BULBS. I CHANGED OUT ALL THE BULBS BUT STILL NO STOP, TAIL LIGHTS. FUSES ALL GOOD. TR Look up ODI 10384216 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10440585 REAR LIGHT MODULES (TAIL, REVERSE, BRAKE, SIGNAL) KEEPS ON FAILING. DEALER QUOTES INITIALLY $200 TO FIX/REWIRE BUT THEN GOES UP TO $800 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. *TR Look up ODI 10440585 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

26 mentions · 26.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,240 mi (24 usable records).

ODI 10191576 · 15,000 mi

Look up ODI 10191576 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10362659 · 54,000 mi

ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 I STARTED UP MY VEHICLE AND NOTICE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS ON MY DASHBOARD. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR TWO MORE DAYS AND THE LIGHT DISAPPEARED. AND THEN ON THE FOURTH DAY THE LIGHT APPEAR AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE AND ASKED THE ABOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS INFORMED NOT TO PANIC IT'S PROBABLY THE GAS CAP NOT PROPERLY ON OR SINCE I WAS AWAY FOR ONE WEEK AND MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE MAYBE THAT IS WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I THEN DECIDE TO TAKE MY VEHICLE RIGHT TO …

Look up ODI 10362659 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10367058 · 46,000 mi

Look up ODI 10367058 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

9 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 78,040 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10375206

Look up ODI 10375206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10382027 · 66,400 mi

Look up ODI 10382027 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10384247 · 48,200 mi

DETAILED VEHICLE INFORMATION: VIN: [XXX] MODEL YEAR: 2006 MODEL: R350 (MODEL CODE 251.156/165) ENGINE: 3.5L 90 V6 (M272) CURRENT MILEAGE: APPROXIMATELY 48,500 MILES REFERENCE: MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE BULLETIN S-B-03.30/08J: MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT 70 MILES PER HOUR AND ENGINE LOST POWER AND DEVELOPED STRONG VIBRATIONS, FORCING ME TO SLOW DOWN AND LIMP HOME. MERCEDES MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS BROKEN BALANCE SHAFT GEAR. DUE TO WEAK MATERIALS USED IN THE EARLY M272 ENGINE PRODUCTION, THE BALANCE SHAFT SPROCKET AND OTHER ENGI…

Look up ODI 10384247 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 92,105 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10382027 · 66,400 mi

Look up ODI 10382027 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10716162 · 92,105 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10716162 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10746864 · 130,000 mi

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 M…

Look up ODI 10746864 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 88,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10375206

Look up ODI 10375206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10811956 · 88,000 mi

VEHICLE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START, DEALER FIRST REPLACED FUEL PUMP ($1500),THEN WHEN CAME TO PICKUP VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT DEALER, REPLACED STARTER(NO CHARGE), DROVE FOR 2 WEEKS ISSUE CAME BACK, TOOK TO DEALER , THEY KEPT IT FOR 20 DAYS AND SAID SOME SORT OF CONTROL MODULE, BUT WHO KNOWS. ITS BEEN 15 MONTHS AND CAR JUST STOPPED SMACK IN MIDDLE OF FREEWAY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR AND WOULD NOT START. CURRENTLY AT DEALER.

Look up ODI 10811956 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10444995

2006 MERCEDES BENZ R350 STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER GETTING THE CAR, WE ALSO FELT A STRONG JERKING THEN SHIFTING GEARS, BUT IT WAS DOING IT ON ITS OWN. WE TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT'S JUST LOUD. THEN WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO FIX IT BUT IT NEVER STOPPED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON. OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO THE ENGINE HAD TO BE FIXED RATHER QUICKLY. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN THE END OF 2005, AND HAS …

Look up ODI 10444995 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10444995

Look up ODI 10444995 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule