Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 with NHTSA between 2010 and 2023.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
617.1%
Median failure at 93,000 miles
Steering
514.3%
Median failure at 63,000 miles
Electrical System
514.3%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 114,000 mi
Seats
411.4%
0 crashes, 4 fires · median 93,250 mi
Suspension
411.4%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Brakes
38.6%
Median failure at 63,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
25.7%
Airbags
25.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 93,000 mi
Stability & Traction Control
12.9%
Median failure at 63,000 miles
Wheels
12.9%
Lights
12.9%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 179,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
12.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 35,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
725.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
517.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
414.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
932.1%
150,000+ miles
310.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2010peak 3Oct 2023
Recalls on the 2006 Mercedes Benz R500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V298000
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.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
22V315000
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.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 179,000 milesDesoto, TXFire2 injured
SEATS
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJURIES, SMOKE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A COMPLETE SENSE OF INSECURITY. THE VEHICLES MAIN SECURITY FEATURE NEVER WARNED US OF ANY POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING DANGER AS IT WOULD IF MY TIRE WAS LOW AND THE ON CALL SYSTEM FAILED TO BE HELPFUL WHEN TRYING TO GET HELP, FOR WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO HEAR THE REPRESENTATIVES BUT NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM WHICH LED TO 5 REPRESENTATIVE DISCONNECT CALLS.
NHTSA complaint #11352688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDesoto, TXFire2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJURIES, SMOKE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A COMPLETE SENSE OF INSECURITY. THE VEHICLES MAIN SECURITY FEATURE NEVER WARNED US OF ANY POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING DANGER AS IT WOULD IF MY TIRE WAS LOW AND THE ON CALL SYSTEM FAILED TO BE HELPFUL WHEN TRYING TO GET HELP, FOR WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO HEAR THE REPRESENTATIVES BUT NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM WHICH LED TO 5 REPRESENTATIVE DISCONNECT CALLS.
NHTSA complaint #11352688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDesoto, TXFire2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJURIES, SMOKE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A COMPLETE SENSE OF INSECURITY. THE VEHICLES MAIN SECURITY FEATURE NEVER WARNED US OF ANY POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING DANGER AS IT WOULD IF MY TIRE WAS LOW AND THE ON CALL SYSTEM FAILED TO BE HELPFUL WHEN TRYING TO GET HELP, FOR WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO HEAR THE REPRESENTATIVES BUT NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM WHICH LED TO 5 REPRESENTATIVE DISCONNECT CALLS.
NHTSA complaint #11352688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCerritos, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. WHILE DRIVING AT 7 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON THE SNOWY ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT FOREARM, RIGHT SHOULDER, AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE NECK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10701716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCliffside Park, NJFire
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT FAILED AND OVERHEATED, BURNING A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT WITHIN THE HEATING UNIT AND THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10510274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,500 milesCliffside Park, NJFire
SEATS
THE HEATED SEATS CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNED PASSENGER WHILE DRIVING. SEATS IN FLAMES, STARTED TO SMOKE BURNING PASSENGER CLOTHING. PASSENGER TURNED OFF HEATED SEATS AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FOR POTENTIAL DANGER TO OTHERS, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM MERCEDES IS ENGINEERING CARS THAN BURN WHILE DRIVING, THAT HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM ITS SISTER CAR MERCEDES M SERIES, WHICH ARE COMPRISED OF SAME COMPONENTS, DIFFERENT BODY STYLE, BUT OVERALL COMPONENTS ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND INTERIOR ARE BASICALLY SAME, BUT M SERIES IS BEING RECALLED BUT NOT THE LESS PURCHASED R SERIES, WHICH HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING, ELECTRICAL AND SO ON, WHY MERCEDES RECALLING THE M SERIES WHEN R SERIES SISTER CAR 99% ITS COPY?. THIS IS A CONSUMER??S WORST NIGHTMARE! ONE CAR IS BEING IGNORED WHILE OTHER IS ACKNOWLEDGED DUE TO ITS HIGHER SALES. BOTH VEHICLES M SERIES/R SERIES SHOULD EVALUATED AS SAME UNIT AND NOT SEPARATELY, THEY ARE ENGINEERED FROM SAME BLUEPRINT, USE 90% OF SAME COMPONENTS. TOLD BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN, THAT MERCEDES FIXES POWER STEERING UNITS FOR FREE ON M SERIES, WHILE PURCHASING1 QUART OF POWER STEERING FLUID FOR BROKEN UNIT, SEALS BLOWN PRIOR TO 49,000 MILES WITH A CLEAN CAR FAX? THE DEALER, I PURCHASED IT FROM TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK TO ADD MORE POWER STEERING FLUID WHICH LASTED 8 MONTHS BEFORE, I REALIZED THE SEALS WERE BROKEN AND I PURCHASED A LEMON! THE MERCEDES R SERIES WITH CLEAN CAR FAX DID INDEED COME WITH MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SINCE THERE ARE SO FEW R SERIES OUT THERE, I AM DOUBTFUL THAT ANY KIND OF EVALUATION, ANALYTICAL MEANS WOULD SUFFICE A RECALL OTHER, THAN USING SAME M SERIES RECALL FOR R SERIES, THAT WOULD BE THE ONLY FAIR SOLUTION FOR THE CONSUMER. MERCEDES SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE IT'S PART IN POOR ENGINEERING OF THESE TWO VEHICLES AS A WHOLE, BOTH VEHICLES MANY PROBLEMS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10501166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 140,000 milesDetroit, MI
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11549204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesDetroit, MI
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11549204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
SUSPENSION
My 2006 R-500 is leaning from the (front and back) passenger side, causing the vehicle to be unsecure to drive... It feels like both side tires are TOTALLY FLAT. I'm not a mechanic, but it looks like the AIR SUSPENSION IS MALFUNTION
NHTSA complaint #11505241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesApple Valley, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a technician would arrive to his residence to inspect the brake booster and, if necessary, replace the brake booster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11503415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
POWER TRAIN
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11440223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
STEERING
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11440223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was purchasing a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500 Black on November 3,2021, VIN: [XXX]. in the process of driving the vehicle less than ten miles, part of the part of transmission case broke off. The steering was hard to turn and this is a Salvage vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11440223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDesoto, TXFire2 injured
SEATS
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJURIES, SMOKE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A COMPLETE SENSE OF INSECURITY. THE VEHICLES MAIN SECURITY FEATURE NEVER WARNED US OF ANY POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING DANGER AS IT WOULD IF MY TIRE WAS LOW AND THE ON CALL SYSTEM FAILED TO BE HELPFUL WHEN TRYING TO GET HELP, FOR WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO HEAR THE REPRESENTATIVES BUT NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM WHICH LED TO 5 REPRESENTATIVE DISCONNECT CALLS.
NHTSA complaint #11352688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDesoto, TXFire2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJURIES, SMOKE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A COMPLETE SENSE OF INSECURITY. THE VEHICLES MAIN SECURITY FEATURE NEVER WARNED US OF ANY POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING DANGER AS IT WOULD IF MY TIRE WAS LOW AND THE ON CALL SYSTEM FAILED TO BE HELPFUL WHEN TRYING TO GET HELP, FOR WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO HEAR THE REPRESENTATIVES BUT NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM WHICH LED TO 5 REPRESENTATIVE DISCONNECT CALLS.
NHTSA complaint #11352688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDesoto, TXFire2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE OR REVERSE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A WEEK (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) AND WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED ON THE HEAT WARMING DEVICE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS AFTER WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE DID WE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. STILL UNAWARE THAT A FIRE COULD START FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, IS WHEN WE REALIZED THAT THE CARGO AREA OF THE VEHICLES SIDE PANEL WAS IN COMPLETE FLAMES! THUS, CAUSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL INJURIES, SMOKE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A COMPLETE SENSE OF INSECURITY. THE VEHICLES MAIN SECURITY FEATURE NEVER WARNED US OF ANY POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING DANGER AS IT WOULD IF MY TIRE WAS LOW AND THE ON CALL SYSTEM FAILED TO BE HELPFUL WHEN TRYING TO GET HELP, FOR WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO HEAR THE REPRESENTATIVES BUT NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM WHICH LED TO 5 REPRESENTATIVE DISCONNECT CALLS.
NHTSA complaint #11352688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesMorgan Hill, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNDRIVEABLE ON AND OFF FOR 6 MONTHS WITH DEFECTIVE STARTER WIRING HARNESS WHICH THE WIRES ARE EXPOSED, AND STARTING INTERMITTENTLY. TOWED FROM THE STREET 2 MONTHS AGO AND SITTING AT THE MECHANIC TRYING TO HELP ME. MERCEDES BENZ HAS A SAFETY RECALL #2006040002 FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM. THEY TELL ME IT IS FOR THE 2006 R350 AND NOT THE R500 MAYBE BECAUSE THEY WERE VERY LIMITED. THESES MODELS ARE THE SAME BUILT CHASSIS EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS, EXCEPT I HAVE THE UPGRADED V8. AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX. SINCE THIS HAS CAUSED ME BREAK DOWN ISSUES AND IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD AS DESCRIBED. I HAVE PAID $1200 A YEAR AGO TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE WIRE HARNESS INSIDE THE CHASSIS, AS THE CAR SMOKED AND ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE AS I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND TOW. AM I STUCK AGAIN?? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11327036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesMorgan Hill, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AS PER RECALL#2006040002 IS THE EXACT PROBLEM I AM HAVING NOW. THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS IS DEFECTIVE AND EXPOSED, AND CAR IS DISABLED AT MERCEDES MECHANIC SITE. MBUSA SAYS IT IS ONLY TO CERTAIN R500S AND VIN SPECIFIC. I AM CONFUSED SINCE THIS IS LIMITED PRODUCTION.
NHTSA complaint #11326522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,894 milesPensacola, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER DIAGNOSTICS FOUND THAT THE FRONT SAM HAD BEEN UNDER WATER SHORTING THE SAM AND ALMOST CAUSING VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. WOULD NEED THE FRONT SAM AND WIRING REPAIR ALONG WITH CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH DIAGNOSTIC. THE WATER IS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WAS AT WORK HAD TO LEAVE IT AT MY JOB BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T START SO THE NEXT DAY I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11165968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesLewisville, TX
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION HAS A FAULTY SHIFT SOLENOID THAT CAN ONLY BE REPLACED BY A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER AND THEREFORE IS MANY TIMES MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER REPAIRS. ALSO THIS SOLENOID HAS A WELL ABOVE AVERAGE FAILURE RATE. MY CAR HAS 112,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY AND GOT STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. CAN BECAME VERY JERKY AND ONCE WENT INTO PARK WITHOUT ME SELECTING PARK, THIS HAPPENED AT A STOP LIGHT WITH CARS COMING UP BEHIND ME.
NHTSA complaint #11054938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesCornelius, NC
AIR BAGS
CONSISTENT ISSUES WITH DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG. SMS LIGHT COMES ON AFTER BEING REPAIRED SPORADICALLY. MULTIPLE REPAIRS DOCUMENTED VIA BOSCHE AND ASE MERCEDES BENZ REPAIR FACILITY. SPOKE WITH HENDRICK MERCEDES BENZ AND THEY ADVISED THAT A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG WAS ISSUED BUT IS NO LONGER HONORED. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE VOLUNTARY RECALL AND THE FACTORY MERCEDES BENZ DEALER IS NO LONGER HONORING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL. I WILL NEED TO GARNER THE PREVIOUS REPAIR INVOICES FROM THE CERTIFIED MERCEDES BENZ REPAIR SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #10929503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
WHEELS
THE WHEEL LUG BOLTS ARE ALL RUSTED
NHTSA complaint #10898663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE WHEEL LUG BOLTS ARE ALL RUSTED
NHTSA complaint #10898663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCerritos, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. WHILE DRIVING AT 7 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON THE SNOWY ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT FOREARM, RIGHT SHOULDER, AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE NECK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10701716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesThorofare, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION FAILED ON ON RAMP ROUTE 295 NJ EXIT 21 SOUTH. CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS AFTER ENTERING TRAFFIC LANES. NARROWLY MISSED BEING HIT BY LARGE TRUCK. VEHICLE MADE IT TO NEXT OFF RAMP AND WAS NURSED HOME IN 1ST GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10638713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesReno, NV
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEEL WELL WAS SITTING ON THE TIRE UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED IT WAS EITHER A AIR MATIC COMPRESSOR OR THE AIR MATIC STRUTS THAT WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #10550795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesRainbow City, AL
STEERING
HAVE COMPUTER ISSUES THAT ARE REPORTING AND SHUTTING DOWN BRAKING SYSTEMS, SPEED CONTROLS, EPS, ABS. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (MERCEDES SPECIALIST) REPORTS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM ON MODEL YEARS 2005 AND UP, HE HAS MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIRS TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS. I JUST SPENT 1,384.00 PLUS A WEEK LATER, MORE CODES MEANING ANOTHER 600+ TO REPAIR. HE SAYS THESE ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF HIS INCOME. THE RCLASS IS CAUSING ME BREAKDOWNS, IF I TURN OFF ENGINE WHEN IT IS HOT, I WILL BE STALLED AND UNABLE TO CRANK IT UNTIL IT COOLS OFF. TALK ABOUT BEING UNSAFE, IF I HAVE A FLAT ON INTERSTATE, AND TURN OFF ENGINE, I WILL BE STUCK UNTIL ENGINE COOLS. STEERING WHEEL SENSORS ARE STILL BAD AND HE IS LOCKED OUT OF THAT PART OF THE COMPUTER, UNTIL HE CAN FIND THE OPEN CIRCUIT OR REPLACE SENSORS. ANOTHER 4 OR 5 HOURS OF TIME THAT HE THINKS IT WILL TAKE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. NOTE: WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SENSORS REPORT PROBLEMS, IT SHUTS DOWN YOUR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEMS AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS. RANT OVER. WISH I HAD NEVER BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10546221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesRainbow City, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
HAVE COMPUTER ISSUES THAT ARE REPORTING AND SHUTTING DOWN BRAKING SYSTEMS, SPEED CONTROLS, EPS, ABS. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (MERCEDES SPECIALIST) REPORTS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM ON MODEL YEARS 2005 AND UP, HE HAS MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIRS TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS. I JUST SPENT 1,384.00 PLUS A WEEK LATER, MORE CODES MEANING ANOTHER 600+ TO REPAIR. HE SAYS THESE ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF HIS INCOME. THE RCLASS IS CAUSING ME BREAKDOWNS, IF I TURN OFF ENGINE WHEN IT IS HOT, I WILL BE STALLED AND UNABLE TO CRANK IT UNTIL IT COOLS OFF. TALK ABOUT BEING UNSAFE, IF I HAVE A FLAT ON INTERSTATE, AND TURN OFF ENGINE, I WILL BE STUCK UNTIL ENGINE COOLS. STEERING WHEEL SENSORS ARE STILL BAD AND HE IS LOCKED OUT OF THAT PART OF THE COMPUTER, UNTIL HE CAN FIND THE OPEN CIRCUIT OR REPLACE SENSORS. ANOTHER 4 OR 5 HOURS OF TIME THAT HE THINKS IT WILL TAKE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. NOTE: WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SENSORS REPORT PROBLEMS, IT SHUTS DOWN YOUR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEMS AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS. RANT OVER. WISH I HAD NEVER BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10546221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesRainbow City, AL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
HAVE COMPUTER ISSUES THAT ARE REPORTING AND SHUTTING DOWN BRAKING SYSTEMS, SPEED CONTROLS, EPS, ABS. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (MERCEDES SPECIALIST) REPORTS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM ON MODEL YEARS 2005 AND UP, HE HAS MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIRS TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS. I JUST SPENT 1,384.00 PLUS A WEEK LATER, MORE CODES MEANING ANOTHER 600+ TO REPAIR. HE SAYS THESE ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF HIS INCOME. THE RCLASS IS CAUSING ME BREAKDOWNS, IF I TURN OFF ENGINE WHEN IT IS HOT, I WILL BE STALLED AND UNABLE TO CRANK IT UNTIL IT COOLS OFF. TALK ABOUT BEING UNSAFE, IF I HAVE A FLAT ON INTERSTATE, AND TURN OFF ENGINE, I WILL BE STUCK UNTIL ENGINE COOLS. STEERING WHEEL SENSORS ARE STILL BAD AND HE IS LOCKED OUT OF THAT PART OF THE COMPUTER, UNTIL HE CAN FIND THE OPEN CIRCUIT OR REPLACE SENSORS. ANOTHER 4 OR 5 HOURS OF TIME THAT HE THINKS IT WILL TAKE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. NOTE: WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SENSORS REPORT PROBLEMS, IT SHUTS DOWN YOUR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEMS AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS. RANT OVER. WISH I HAD NEVER BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10546221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCliffside Park, NJFire
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT FAILED AND OVERHEATED, BURNING A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT WITHIN THE HEATING UNIT AND THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10510274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,500 milesCliffside Park, NJFire
SEATS
THE HEATED SEATS CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNED PASSENGER WHILE DRIVING. SEATS IN FLAMES, STARTED TO SMOKE BURNING PASSENGER CLOTHING. PASSENGER TURNED OFF HEATED SEATS AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FOR POTENTIAL DANGER TO OTHERS, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM MERCEDES IS ENGINEERING CARS THAN BURN WHILE DRIVING, THAT HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM ITS SISTER CAR MERCEDES M SERIES, WHICH ARE COMPRISED OF SAME COMPONENTS, DIFFERENT BODY STYLE, BUT OVERALL COMPONENTS ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND INTERIOR ARE BASICALLY SAME, BUT M SERIES IS BEING RECALLED BUT NOT THE LESS PURCHASED R SERIES, WHICH HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING, ELECTRICAL AND SO ON, WHY MERCEDES RECALLING THE M SERIES WHEN R SERIES SISTER CAR 99% ITS COPY?. THIS IS A CONSUMER??S WORST NIGHTMARE! ONE CAR IS BEING IGNORED WHILE OTHER IS ACKNOWLEDGED DUE TO ITS HIGHER SALES. BOTH VEHICLES M SERIES/R SERIES SHOULD EVALUATED AS SAME UNIT AND NOT SEPARATELY, THEY ARE ENGINEERED FROM SAME BLUEPRINT, USE 90% OF SAME COMPONENTS. TOLD BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN, THAT MERCEDES FIXES POWER STEERING UNITS FOR FREE ON M SERIES, WHILE PURCHASING1 QUART OF POWER STEERING FLUID FOR BROKEN UNIT, SEALS BLOWN PRIOR TO 49,000 MILES WITH A CLEAN CAR FAX? THE DEALER, I PURCHASED IT FROM TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK TO ADD MORE POWER STEERING FLUID WHICH LASTED 8 MONTHS BEFORE, I REALIZED THE SEALS WERE BROKEN AND I PURCHASED A LEMON! THE MERCEDES R SERIES WITH CLEAN CAR FAX DID INDEED COME WITH MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SINCE THERE ARE SO FEW R SERIES OUT THERE, I AM DOUBTFUL THAT ANY KIND OF EVALUATION, ANALYTICAL MEANS WOULD SUFFICE A RECALL OTHER, THAN USING SAME M SERIES RECALL FOR R SERIES, THAT WOULD BE THE ONLY FAIR SOLUTION FOR THE CONSUMER. MERCEDES SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE IT'S PART IN POOR ENGINEERING OF THESE TWO VEHICLES AS A WHOLE, BOTH VEHICLES MANY PROBLEMS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10501166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.