Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 R350 ranks worst of 7 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 99 complaints, and it carries an Avoid verdict.

What problems does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 have?

Owners most often reported engine problems (35% of complaints), followed by suspension, wheels and tires (27%) and electrical system issues (17%), with a median failure mileage around 80,000 miles.

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls, both marked do-not-drive, covering brake components affected by moisture-related corrosion in 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles.

How does the 2006 R350 compare to other R350 model years?

The 2006 model has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (99) of the years with data, worse than 2007's index of 83 and every later year, which fall to Caution.

2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 ranks worst of 7 model years for owner complaints, with a complaint index of 100 and 99 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. It has two do-not-drive brake recalls and a high share of engine and fire-related complaints.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 100/100; #1 of 7 R350 years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 99; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; 2 Do Not Drive
Crashes: 2; reported in complaints
Fires: 10
Injuries: 3
Top issue: Engine
Best nearby year: 2009; lowest-risk (no Good/Best year)

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 16; 15 city / 20 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 3 / 0

2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 24V298000Apr 26, 2024Brakes15,604 vehiclesDo Not Drive
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.
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. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.
NHTSA 22V315000May 9, 2022Brakes350,294 vehiclesDo Not Drive
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.
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. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 15 MPG
Highway: 20 MPG
Combined: 16 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $5,000; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Premium
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2006 compared with other R350 years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2006	Avoid	100	99	2 !	16
2007	Avoid	83	47	2 !	16
2008	Caution	67	35	2 !	16.5

All Mercedes-Benz R350 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 R350 ranks worst of 7 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 99 complaints, and it carries an Avoid verdict.
What problems does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 have?: Owners most often reported engine problems (35% of complaints), followed by suspension, wheels and tires (27%) and electrical system issues (17%), with a median failure mileage around 80,000 miles.
Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls, both marked do-not-drive, covering brake components affected by moisture-related corrosion in 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles.
How does the 2006 R350 compare to other R350 model years?: The 2006 model has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (99) of the years with data, worse than 2007's index of 83 and every later year, which fall to Caution.