Mercedes-Benz

R-Class (W251)

2006-2013 · Midsize SUV ยท 4 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.3)
288 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
21 Fire Reports
6 Crash Reports
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Mercedes-Benz R-Class Unidentified Engine

โš ๏ธ Caution (2.3)
54 complaints 10.8 per year
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
23
interior
8
engine
8
cooling
6
electrical
4

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (23 complaints)
Interior Issues (8 complaints)
Engine Issues (8 complaints)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.8)
189 complaints 27.0 per year Gasoline
14 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
46
suspension
38
safety systems
34
electrical
28
brakes
21

Known Issues

Engine Issues (46 complaints)
Suspension Issues (38 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (34 complaints)

Same engine used in

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Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz R-Class regardless of engine variant.

Suspension Issues (61 complaints)
suspension critical
Engine Issues (60 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (39 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (34 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Brakes Issues (25 complaints)
brakes critical

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class problems?

The 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has accumulated 288 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Suspension, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz R-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class a good used car?

The 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 288 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have?

The 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has 288 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz R-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Suspension, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the R-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 288 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-20.

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