Mercedes-Benz R350 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz R350 model year from 2006–2012 using 235 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2006 and 2007, which drew far more complaints than other R350 years at the same age. The best years are 2012, 2010 and 2009.

7model years
235complaints
3recalls
2006, 2007worst years
2012, 2010best years

Complaints by model year

20062007200820092010201120129947351513188
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz R350. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20128−51%3AirbagGood
201118typical3AirbagAverage
201013−41%3AirbagGood
200915−19%3AirbagAverage
2008351.3×2SuspensionAverage
2007472.5×2SuspensionAvoid
2006994.8×2EngineAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median R350 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz R350 problems

  • 5523%
  • 5323%
  • Air bagsworst: 2011
    4017%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2006
    2711%
  • Brakesworst: 2007
    2310%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2006
    209%
  • Steeringworst: 2008
    177%
  • Seatsworst: 2006
    167%
  • Lightsworst: 2006
    125%
  • Other / not specified
    83%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2006
    73%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2009
    52%
  • Body & structureworst: 2006
    42%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2006
    42%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2007
    42%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2008
    31%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2006
    21%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2006
    21%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2007
    21%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2007
    10%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2008
    10%

Latest Mercedes-Benz R350 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 R350 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz R350 should you avoid?

2006 and 2007 — these years have the most complaints relative to other R350 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2006.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz R350?

2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other R350 years at the same age, followed by 2010 and 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 R350 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (55), engine & cooling (53) and air bags (40). Suspension complaints peak in the 2006 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz R350 had?

3 recalls across 2006–2012. The model year with the most is 2009. See all Mercedes-Benz R350 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.