Mercedes-Benz R320 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz R320 model year from 2007–2009 using 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. No R320 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2008 and 2009.

3model years
18complaints
3recalls
—worst years
2008, 2009best years

Complaints by model year

2007200820091422
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz R320. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20092−43%3EngineAverage
20082−60%2EngineAverage
2007143.1×2EngineAverage

* Complaints compared with the median R320 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz R320 problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 2007
    528%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2007
    317%
  • Suspensionworst: 2007
    211%
  • Body & structureworst: 2007
    211%
  • Brakesworst: 2007
    211%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2007
    16%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2007
    16%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2007
    16%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2007
    16%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2007
    16%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2007
    16%
  • Lightsworst: 2007
    16%
  • Air bagsworst: 2009
    16%

Latest Mercedes-Benz R320 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 24V-298 · Apr 26, 2024 · 15,604 vehiclesDo not drive

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 22V-315 · May 9, 2022 · 350,294 vehiclesDo not drive

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster.

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 16V-081 · Feb 11, 2016 · 711,159 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic,…

Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.

All 3 Mercedes-Benz R320 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz R320 should you avoid?

None of the Mercedes-Benz R320 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz R320?

2008 has the fewest complaints compared with other R320 years at the same age, followed by 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz R320 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (5), electrical system (3) and suspension (2). Engine complaints peak in the 2007 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz R320 had?

3 recalls across 2007–2009. The model year with the most is 2009. See all Mercedes-Benz R320 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.