Mercedes BENZ R Class Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mercedes BENZ R Class options? We analyzed 8 model years (2006–2013) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mercedes BENZ R Class has 289 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls across model years 2006–2013. The most reported issue area is SUSPENSION. 2006 drew the most complaints; 2012 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mercedes BENZ
- Model
- R Class
- Model years analyzed
- 2006–2013 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 289
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Fire-related complaints
- 21
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2006 (128 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2012 (8 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SUSPENSION
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mercedes BENZ R Class: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MERCEDES BENZ R CLASS has 289 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 6 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 289 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 6 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
0 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
No NHTSA recalls were found in our database for this model. Always verify open recalls using your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2006–2013. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 289 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
289 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle was making a grinding sound while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who completed the inspection mentioned in the recall and concluded that a replacement was needed. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
TAMARA RECALL. IT'S BEEN 10 YEARS NOW. WHEN IS MY LUCK RUNNING OUT?
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF DENVER (LOCATED AT 940 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246, (303) 953-4581) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
"TAKATA RECALL" - WHILE DRIVING ALONG A COUNTY STREET MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. I PUT IN PARK AND IT STARTED AND WENT APPROXIMATELY A 1/2 OF A MILE AND STALLED AGAIN. IT DID THIS TWICE MORE BEFORE I GOT HOME WHERE I SHUT IT OFF AND CALLED A TOW COMPANY TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP. MY SERVICE ADVISOR CALL AND TOLD ME THAT THE WIRING HONES TO THE ENGINE BURNED UP.
TAKATA RECALL MANUFACTURER ADVISED ME OF THE DEFECT IN MAY 2016. THE LETTER ADVISED IT WOULD TAKE SOME TIME TO DESIGN AND ULTIMATELY REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. NO FURTHER NOTICES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED WITH A SOLUTION AFTER MORE THAN 18-MONTHS. NO ACCIDENTS OR COLLISIONS HAVE OCCURRED TO TEST THE BAG EFFECTIVENESS.
TAKATA RECALL - AIRBAG FIX HAS YET NOT BEEN MADE AVAILABLE AND THE COMPANY HAS DECLARED BANKRUPTCY, I'M CLUELESS ON WHO IS GOING TO FIX THE AIRBAGS.
Read 14 more owner reports
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A POST CARD IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS STATING TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR A FREE REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATE THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THE ISSUE IS NOT BEING RESOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT DETECTED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPORADICALLY STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Rear Panoramic Roof Glass Cracks
REAR SEATBELTS RANDOMLY GET STUCK RETRACTED ALL THE WAY OR PARTIALLY OUT AND BECOME UNUSABLE FOR THE ( MIDDLE ROW) REAR PASSENGERS. THIS MALFUNCTION WAS NOTICED ON OR AROUND 8/30/2014 AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE TO ITS CURRENT STATE OF USELESSNESS !
I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING SAFETY RECALL NOTICES FROM MERCEDES BENZ SEVERAL TIME IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. EACH TIME THAT I CALL MERCEDES BENZ OF SOUTH BAY IN TORRANCE, CA, THEY TELL ME THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE PART. SINCE THE SAFETY RECALL IS ABOUT THE AIR BAGS, IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THEY GET FIXED. I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED, CAN YOU HELP ME. VIN #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ R350. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD SOMETHING LIKE A LOUD POPPING SOUND. AT THAT POINT, THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THE FAILURE HAD NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. *TT
IN 4 SEPARATE INCIDENTS SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN 2012, I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS BUT THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS MORE THAN 1/4 TANK OF FUEL AVAILABLE. MOST RECENTLY, ON FEB 12,2018, MY CAR STOPPED WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH ON I-270 IN COLUMBUS OH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH NO WARNING AND 1/3 TANK OF GAS SHOWING ON THE GAUGE. I FEARED FOR MY AND MY DAUGHTER'S LIVES, AS A CAR WITH NO FUEL IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I ASKED AN AUTHORIZED MB DEALER (ASTORG) TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM 2 YEARS AGO AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A REASON FOR THE ISSUE. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE.
RECEIVED LETTER TELLING ME TO CONTACT YOU FOR A FREE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. THESE AIRBAGS INFLATORS ARE DEFECTED ON MY VEHICLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND PROVIDE DEALER THAT CAN HANDLE THIS ISSUE NEAR MY HOMETOWN.
TAKATA RECALL / NHTSA RECALL # 16V-081 - MERCEDES SENT A LETTER ABOUT THIS RECALL BACK IN MAY OF 2016 AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION OR TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE OUR AIRBAG. NOW THAT TAKATA HAS FILLED FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY I AM CONCERNED THAT THEY EVER WILL AND GIVEN THE NATURE OF THIS RECALL ALONG WITH THE AGE OF OUR VEHICLE THIS IS VERY TROUBLING. MERCEDES NEEDS TO MAKE REPLACING THESE AIRBAGS A PRIORITY
WE RECEIVED A RECALL IN FEBRUARY 2016 AND STILL THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENTS AVAILABLE. WHY SEND A RECALL WITH NO POSSIBLE RESOLUTION? I GUESS WE JUST CROSS OUR FINGERS AND HOPE?
THERE IS A RECALL NOTICE FEB 11, 2016 AND TO DATE I HAVE NOT =BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. WHAT DO I DO
TAKATA RECALL, NO REMEDY FROM MERCEDES AS OF YET
I RECEIVED A "TAKATA RECALL" NOTICE ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO ALLEGING THAT MY CURRENT AIRBAG CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, HARM OR DEATH. I'VE REPEATEDLY TRIED TO CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG AS INSTRUCTED FROM PREVIOUS NOTIFICATIONS AND EVERY SINGLE TIME, I'M TOLD THAT THE PARTS FOR MY CAR ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE. WILL THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AFTER I DIE OR GET SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT????
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Showing 20 of 289 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mercedes BENZ R Class
These pages show model-year patterns across 8 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mercedes BENZ R Class, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mercedes BENZ R Class has 289 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mercedes BENZ R Class has 0 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 6 of the Mercedes BENZ R Class's 289 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mercedes BENZ R Class vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mercedes BENZ R Class vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mercedes BENZ R Class has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Mercedes BENZ R Class by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mercedes BENZ R Class.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Mercedes BENZ R Class reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes BENZ R Class reliable?
Poor. The Mercedes BENZ R Class has 289 NHTSA owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SUSPENSION. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mercedes BENZ R Class years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2006 (128 complaints), 2007 (67 complaints), 2008 (38 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mercedes BENZ R Class problems?
Top reported issues: SUSPENSION (64 complaints); AIR BAGS (44 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38 complaints).
Does the Mercedes BENZ R Class have recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are currently on record for the Mercedes BENZ R Class. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.