R-Class (W251)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mercedes-Benz R-Class Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
OM642 DE30
3.0L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
On a used 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the suspension (64), the engine (60) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (44). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class about the suspension.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class about the brakes.
Recalls (7)
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.
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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2013 R320 4MATIC CDI vehicle equipped with a six-cylinder diesel engine. In the event of a crash where the primary communication pathway between the air bag control unit and the engine control unit is damaged, the supplementary communication pathway may not shut off the engine or fuel pump.
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, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.
Show 2 older recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR COULD FAIL DUE TO SEPARATION OF BOND WIRES FROM THE LEAD FRAME IN THE SENSOR. THIS RESULTS IN AN INTERRUPTION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE CHIP HOUSING OF THE SENSOR.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY FASTENED TO ITS MOUNTING STUDS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class complaints?
Owners have filed 288 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The systems they name most often are the suspension, the engine and the safety systems.
Is the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 288 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have?
NHTSA has 288 owner complaints on file for the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the suspension, the engine and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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: 2026-10-18.