2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 Problems & Complaints

Average60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the R320 at the same age

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the R320 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (1 complaint, typically around 45,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year, including 2 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

2complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 problems

  • Engine & cooling~45,000 miles
    150%
  • Brakes
    150%

Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz R320 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).

Best R320 years: 2008, 2009. Compare all years →

2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 recalls (2)

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.

2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel7-speed automatic4WD/AWD18 / 24 / 21

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 a good car?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 R320 rates average: 60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the R320 at the same age. It is one of the best R320 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320?

The engine & cooling — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next is the brakes (1).

How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320, the most recent from April 26, 2024 (vacuum). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz R320?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008 and 2009. See the full Mercedes-Benz R320 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.