2006 Mercedes Benz R500 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
26 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
91,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: . 22 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 26 complaints (19.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Steering behavior
6
23.1%
Transmission and shifting
5
19.2%
Braking behavior
5
19.2%
Electrical and battery issues
4
15.4%
Engine operation
1
3.8%
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.
Electrical System
5
Power Train
5
Steering
5
Seats
4
Suspension
4
Air Bags
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Component breakdown data
Category
Count
Electrical System
5
Power Train
5
Steering
5
Seats
4
Suspension
4
Air Bags
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Electrical System: 5; Power Train: 5; Steering: 5; Seats: 4; Suspension: 4; Air Bags: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
1
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 4 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.
Electrical System leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 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.
2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MOVES WITH ALL CONTROLS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND/OR USING THE TURN SIGNAL. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO HEAT EXPOSURE (I.E CAR PARKED ON THE STREET BEING EXPOSED TO THE SUN). REPORTED TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING TURNS, SHE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT LATER TOOK HER VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMA…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.
AT COMPLETE STOP AT STOP LIGHT WITH BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED THE TACHOMETER SHOWED SEVERAL REPEATED INCREASES IN RPM FROM 600-800 CAUSING THE CAR TO ROCK THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 2200 RPM ACTIVATING THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAS RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS FROM THE 6-1100. THIS IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR AT OTHER TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE ENGINE. MERCEDES LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND I ACCOMPANIED A TEST DRIVE AND ALL PROBLEMS OCCURRED FROM NO ACCELERATION SEVERAL SECONDS TO THE 6-800-RPM ACCELERATION …
AT TIMES THE SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT WORK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MERCEDES-BENZ CAMPAIGN #2006090001 WHICH HAS A NHTSA #10021242. AFTER FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CAMPAIGN MY VEHICLE WILL START IN PARK AND GO INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE BY ITSELF. THE INDICATER SAYS IT IS IN PARK WHEN IT STARTS BUT SHIFTS TO DRIVE OR REVERSE BY ITSELF EVEN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE CAR JUST TAKES OFF.
THE HEATED SEATS CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNED PASSENGER WHILE DRIVING. SEATS IN FLAMES, STARTED TO SMOKE BURNING PASSENGER CLOTHING. PASSENGER TURNED OFF HEATED SEATS AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FOR POTENTIAL DANGER TO OTHERS, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM MERCEDES IS ENGINEERING CARS THAN BURN WHILE DRIVING, THAT HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM ITS SISTER CAR MERCEDES M SERIES, WHICH ARE COMPRISED OF SAME COMPONENTS, DIFFERENT BODY STYLE, BUT OVERALL COMPONENTS ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND INTERIOR ARE BASICALLY SAME, BUT M SERIES IS BEING RECALLED BUT NOT THE LE…
AFTER DIAGNOSTICS FOUND THAT THE FRONT SAM HAD BEEN UNDER WATER SHORTING THE SAM AND ALMOST CAUSING VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. WOULD NEED THE FRONT SAM AND WIRING REPAIR ALONG WITH CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH DIAGNOSTIC. THE WATER IS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WAS AT WORK HAD TO LEAVE IT AT MY JOB BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T START SO THE NEXT DAY I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED.
HAVE COMPUTER ISSUES THAT ARE REPORTING AND SHUTTING DOWN BRAKING SYSTEMS, SPEED CONTROLS, EPS, ABS. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (MERCEDES SPECIALIST) REPORTS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM ON MODEL YEARS 2005 AND UP, HE HAS MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIRS TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS. I JUST SPENT 1,384.00 PLUS A WEEK LATER, MORE CODES MEANING ANOTHER 600+ TO REPAIR. HE SAYS THESE ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF HIS INCOME. THE RCLASS IS CAUSING ME BREAKDOWNS, IF I TURN OFF ENGINE WHEN IT IS HOT, I WILL BE STALLED AND UNABLE TO CRANK IT UNTI…
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
26 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
84.6%Usable mileage22 / 26 records
100.0%Valid incident date26 / 26 records
100.0%Valid filing date26 / 26 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates26 / 26 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.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2006
2007
2008
Steering
519.2%ODI 10352882
2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MOVES WITH ALL CONTROLS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND/OR USING THE TURN SIGNAL. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO HEAT EXPOSURE (I.E CAR PARKED ON THE STREET BEING EXPOSED TO THE SUN). REPORTED TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. *TR
COOLANT TANK AND PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER LEARNING THAT OIL WAS LEAKING INTO THE TANK. EUROFIX IN NASHVILLE TN STATED ITS GOING TO ALWAYS HAPPEN. I WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT FLUSHED EVERY 3,000 MILES DUE TO THE LEAKAGE IS NON REPAIRABLE. STEERING PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED JUST FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PART. AM I ABLE TO BE REIMBURSED VIA THE MERCEDES MANUFACTURER? THIS CAR SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH ALL THE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING WITH A BETTER MODEL.
AIR MATIC SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE WITH NO CODES. CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIP FOR PAST YEAR FOR THIS ISSUE. DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING CAR ISSUED WARNING THAT CAR HEIGHT WAS TOO LOW FOR DRIVING, MANUAL READ TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION. ONCE PARKED AND OFF, THE CAR COMPLETELY DROPPED TO THE GROUND CAUSING THE TIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. ANOTHER OCCURRENCE, WHEN PLACING MORE WEIGHT IN ADDITION TO THE DRIVER CAUSES THE MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE CAUSING A ROUGH RIDE AND THE SUSPENSION TO RAISE UNEVENLY. CAR HAS BEEN TO…
MY AIR SHOCKS KEEP GOING OUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MERCEDES IT HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. MY CAR IS NOW PARK SITTING SIDEWAYS.
COOLANT TANK AND PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER LEARNING THAT OIL WAS LEAKING INTO THE TANK. EUROFIX IN NASHVILLE TN STATED ITS GOING TO ALWAYS HAPPEN. I WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT FLUSHED EVERY 3,000 MILES DUE TO THE LEAKAGE IS NON REPAIRABLE. STEERING PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED JUST FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PART. AM I ABLE TO BE REIMBURSED VIA THE MERCEDES MANUFACTURER? THIS CAR SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH ALL THE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING WITH A BETTER MODEL.
AT TIMES THE SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT WORK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MERCEDES-BENZ CAMPAIGN #2006090001 WHICH HAS A NHTSA #10021242. AFTER FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CAMPAIGN MY VEHICLE WILL START IN PARK AND GO INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE BY ITSELF. THE INDICATER SAYS IT IS IN PARK WHEN IT STARTS BUT SHIFTS TO DRIVE OR REVERSE BY ITSELF EVEN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE CAR JUST TAKES OFF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. WHILE DRIVING AT 7 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON THE SNOWY ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT FOREARM, RIGHT SHOULDER, AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE NECK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
AT COMPLETE STOP AT STOP LIGHT WITH BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED THE TACHOMETER SHOWED SEVERAL REPEATED INCREASES IN RPM FROM 600-800 CAUSING THE CAR TO ROCK THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 2200 RPM ACTIVATING THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAS RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS FROM THE 6-1100. THIS IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR AT OTHER TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE ENGINE. MERCEDES LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND I ACCOMPANIED A TEST DRIVE AND ALL PROBLEMS OCCURRED FROM NO ACCELERATION SEVERAL SECONDS TO THE 6-800-RPM ACCELERATION …
AFTER DIAGNOSTICS FOUND THAT THE FRONT SAM HAD BEEN UNDER WATER SHORTING THE SAM AND ALMOST CAUSING VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. WOULD NEED THE FRONT SAM AND WIRING REPAIR ALONG WITH CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH DIAGNOSTIC. THE WATER IS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WAS AT WORK HAD TO LEAVE IT AT MY JOB BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T START SO THE NEXT DAY I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED.
AS PER RECALL#2006040002 IS THE EXACT PROBLEM I AM HAVING NOW. THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS IS DEFECTIVE AND EXPOSED, AND CAR IS DISABLED AT MERCEDES MECHANIC SITE. MBUSA SAYS IT IS ONLY TO CERTAIN R500S AND VIN SPECIFIC. I AM CONFUSED SINCE THIS IS LIMITED PRODUCTION.
AT TIMES THE SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT WORK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MERCEDES-BENZ CAMPAIGN #2006090001 WHICH HAS A NHTSA #10021242. AFTER FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CAMPAIGN MY VEHICLE WILL START IN PARK AND GO INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE BY ITSELF. THE INDICATER SAYS IT IS IN PARK WHEN IT STARTS BUT SHIFTS TO DRIVE OR REVERSE BY ITSELF EVEN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE CAR JUST TAKES OFF.
TRANSMISSION FAILED ON ON RAMP ROUTE 295 NJ EXIT 21 SOUTH. CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS AFTER ENTERING TRAFFIC LANES. NARROWLY MISSED BEING HIT BY LARGE TRUCK. VEHICLE MADE IT TO NEXT OFF RAMP AND WAS NURSED HOME IN 1ST GEAR. *TR
THE TRANSMISSION HAS A FAULTY SHIFT SOLENOID THAT CAN ONLY BE REPLACED BY A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER AND THEREFORE IS MANY TIMES MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER REPAIRS. ALSO THIS SOLENOID HAS A WELL ABOVE AVERAGE FAILURE RATE. MY CAR HAS 112,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY AND GOT STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. CAN BECAME VERY JERKY AND ONCE WENT INTO PARK WITHOUT ME SELECTING PARK, THIS HAPPENED AT A STOP LIGHT WITH CARS COMING UP BEHIND ME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING TURNS, SHE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT LATER TOOK HER VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMA…
HAVE COMPUTER ISSUES THAT ARE REPORTING AND SHUTTING DOWN BRAKING SYSTEMS, SPEED CONTROLS, EPS, ABS. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (MERCEDES SPECIALIST) REPORTS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM ON MODEL YEARS 2005 AND UP, HE HAS MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIRS TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS. I JUST SPENT 1,384.00 PLUS A WEEK LATER, MORE CODES MEANING ANOTHER 600+ TO REPAIR. HE SAYS THESE ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF HIS INCOME. THE RCLASS IS CAUSING ME BREAKDOWNS, IF I TURN OFF ENGINE WHEN IT IS HOT, I WILL BE STALLED AND UNABLE TO CRANK IT UNTI…
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure …
THE HEATED SEATS CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNED PASSENGER WHILE DRIVING. SEATS IN FLAMES, STARTED TO SMOKE BURNING PASSENGER CLOTHING. PASSENGER TURNED OFF HEATED SEATS AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FOR POTENTIAL DANGER TO OTHERS, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM MERCEDES IS ENGINEERING CARS THAN BURN WHILE DRIVING, THAT HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM ITS SISTER CAR MERCEDES M SERIES, WHICH ARE COMPRISED OF SAME COMPONENTS, DIFFERENT BODY STYLE, BUT OVERALL COMPONENTS ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND INTERIOR ARE BASICALLY SAME, BUT M SERIES IS BEING RECALLED BUT NOT THE LE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT FAILED AND OVERHEATED, BURNING A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT WITHIN THE HEATING UNIT AND THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. *TR
AIR MATIC SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE WITH NO CODES. CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIP FOR PAST YEAR FOR THIS ISSUE. DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING CAR ISSUED WARNING THAT CAR HEIGHT WAS TOO LOW FOR DRIVING, MANUAL READ TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION. ONCE PARKED AND OFF, THE CAR COMPLETELY DROPPED TO THE GROUND CAUSING THE TIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. ANOTHER OCCURRENCE, WHEN PLACING MORE WEIGHT IN ADDITION TO THE DRIVER CAUSES THE MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE CAUSING A ROUGH RIDE AND THE SUSPENSION TO RAISE UNEVENLY. CAR HAS BEEN TO…
AIRMATIC SUSPENSION HAS FAILED COUNTLESS TIMES...FIXED UNDER WARRANTY THEN FAILED AGAIN...SUSPENSION FAILS WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, THEN SLOWLY RAISES ITSELF WHEN THE VEHICLE IS UNLOCKED AND STARTED...DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY OLD DO SINCE THEY HAVE REPLACED PARTS ALREADY AND RECOMMENDED I JUST CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH THE LOWERING SUSPENSION ISSUE UNTIL IT JUST DOES NOT RAISE UP ANYMORE. NOT THE ANSWER I EXPECTED FROM A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEEL WELL WAS SITTING ON THE TIRE UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED IT WAS EITHER A AIR MATIC COMPRESSOR OR THE AIR MATIC STRUTS THAT WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. WHILE DRIVING AT 7 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON THE SNOWY ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT FOREARM, RIGHT SHOULDER, AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE NECK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
CONSISTENT ISSUES WITH DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG. SMS LIGHT COMES ON AFTER BEING REPAIRED SPORADICALLY. MULTIPLE REPAIRS DOCUMENTED VIA BOSCHE AND ASE MERCEDES BENZ REPAIR FACILITY. SPOKE WITH HENDRICK MERCEDES BENZ AND THEY ADVISED THAT A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG WAS ISSUED BUT IS NO LONGER HONORED. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE VOLUNTARY RECALL AND THE FACTORY MERCEDES BENZ DEALER IS NO LONGER HONORING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL. I WILL NEED TO GARNER THE PREVIOUS REPAIR INVOICES FROM THE CERTIFIED MERCEDES BENZ REPAIR SHOP.
AT COMPLETE STOP AT STOP LIGHT WITH BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED THE TACHOMETER SHOWED SEVERAL REPEATED INCREASES IN RPM FROM 600-800 CAUSING THE CAR TO ROCK THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 2200 RPM ACTIVATING THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAS RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS FROM THE 6-1100. THIS IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR AT OTHER TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE ENGINE. MERCEDES LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND I ACCOMPANIED A TEST DRIVE AND ALL PROBLEMS OCCURRED FROM NO ACCELERATION SEVERAL SECONDS TO THE 6-800-RPM ACCELERATION …
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a technician would arrive to his residence to inspect the brake booster and, if necessary, replace the brake booster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fa…
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)
0
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.
2007: 0 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2007
0
0
0
2008
0
0
0
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2007
2
0
0
2008
1
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
Electrical System
Power Train
Steering
Seats
Suspension
Air Bags
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Unknown Or Other
Electrical System
—
0
0
2ODI 10363056 · 43,358 mi
2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500 DRIVERS SEAT FIRE WHEN HEATED SEAT WAS TURNED ON. FLAMES AND FIRE MELTED SEAT AND DAMAGED DRIVERS DRESS. *TR
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJ…
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure …
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure …
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJ…
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
5 patterns with matching reports.
Steering assistance concerns
3 mentions · 11.5% of complaints
Median mileage: 96,500 mi (3 usable records).
ODI 10501151 · 48,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING TURNS, SHE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT LATER TOOK HER VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMA…
THE HEATED SEATS CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNED PASSENGER WHILE DRIVING. SEATS IN FLAMES, STARTED TO SMOKE BURNING PASSENGER CLOTHING. PASSENGER TURNED OFF HEATED SEATS AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FOR POTENTIAL DANGER TO OTHERS, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM MERCEDES IS ENGINEERING CARS THAN BURN WHILE DRIVING, THAT HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM ITS SISTER CAR MERCEDES M SERIES, WHICH ARE COMPRISED OF SAME COMPONENTS, DIFFERENT BODY STYLE, BUT OVERALL COMPONENTS ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND INTERIOR ARE BASICALLY SAME, BUT M SERIES IS BEING RECALLED BUT NOT THE LE…
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure …
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.
THE TRANSMISSION HAS A FAULTY SHIFT SOLENOID THAT CAN ONLY BE REPLACED BY A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER AND THEREFORE IS MANY TIMES MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER REPAIRS. ALSO THIS SOLENOID HAS A WELL ABOVE AVERAGE FAILURE RATE. MY CAR HAS 112,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY AND GOT STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. CAN BECAME VERY JERKY AND ONCE WENT INTO PARK WITHOUT ME SELECTING PARK, THIS HAPPENED AT A STOP LIGHT WITH CARS COMING UP BEHIND ME.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a technician would arrive to his residence to inspect the brake booster and, if necessary, replace the brake booster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fa…
HAVE COMPUTER ISSUES THAT ARE REPORTING AND SHUTTING DOWN BRAKING SYSTEMS, SPEED CONTROLS, EPS, ABS. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (MERCEDES SPECIALIST) REPORTS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM ON MODEL YEARS 2005 AND UP, HE HAS MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIRS TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS. I JUST SPENT 1,384.00 PLUS A WEEK LATER, MORE CODES MEANING ANOTHER 600+ TO REPAIR. HE SAYS THESE ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF HIS INCOME. THE RCLASS IS CAUSING ME BREAKDOWNS, IF I TURN OFF ENGINE WHEN IT IS HOT, I WILL BE STALLED AND UNABLE TO CRANK IT UNTI…
Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b
Warning lights and dashboard alerts
1 mentions · 3.8% of complaints
Median mileage: 140,000 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 11549204 · 140,000 mi
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure …