Complaints by model year
* Complaints compared with the median R-Class year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz R-Class problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz R-Class recalls
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with diesel engines, the crankshaft sensor could fail due to separation of bond wires from the lead frame in the sensor. This results in an interruption in the electrical connection in the chip housing of the sensor.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor. The recall began on February 4, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal might not have been fully fastened to its mounting studs.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the mounting nuts of the accelerator pedal. The recall began on January 16, 2007. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Electrical system › Starter assembly
On certain passenger vehicles, the starter wiring harness May be routed incorrectly. This routing could lead to chafing of the protective sleeve covering the starter wiring harness at the engine mount cover.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and where necessary, correct, the routing of the wiring harness. In the case of wear, the protective sleeve, and if necessary, the starter wiring harness, will be replaced.
Seat belts › Rear/other › Buckle assembly
On certain passenger vehicles, during the production process, the threads in the nut used to secure the seat belt buckle in a limited number of second row seats May be missing. The absence of the screw threads results in an incomplete connection of the buckle to the seat.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect to see if the nut is missing and replace the seat if necessary free of charge. The recall began on May 3, 2006. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz R-Class problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (3), engine & cooling (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2). Electrical complaints peak in the 2007 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz R-Class had?
5 recalls across 2006–2007. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Mercedes-Benz R-Class recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.