Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 | — | 2 | Fuel System | Few |
| 2006 | 26 | — | 2 | Transmission | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median R500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz R500 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz R500 recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz R500 should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz R500 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz R500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (6), steering (5) and electrical system (5). Transmission complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz R500 had?
2 recalls across 2006–2007. The model year with the most is 2006.
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.