2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 34 of 128 complaints (27%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Body, Seats & Latches include more reported injuries (5) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | vs. 2006 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,850–5,550 | 4,250–6,450 | 4,250–4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–16 | 12–21 | 16–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12–15 / 17–20 | 11–19 / 15–26 | 15–18 / 19–24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–635 | 485–741 | 485–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 128 | 67 | 38 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 5 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 14 | 7 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 6 | 6 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 4 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
Engine: 34 of 128 NHTSA complaints (27%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class get?
EPA rates it 14–16 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
EPA estimates $4,850–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 15 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 12 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 34 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 20 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Brakes | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 16 | 0 | 12 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (6)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · Campaign 24V298000 · Apr 29, 2024
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · Campaign 22V315000 · May 10, 2022
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Campaign 08V303000 · Jul 9, 2008
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL · Campaign 08V006000 · Jan 9, 2008
Defect: 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.
Consequence: WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER RATHER THAN ENTER A LIMP-HOME MODE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED AFTER FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 06V101000 · Apr 4, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, THE THREADS IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN A LIMITED NUMBER OF SECOND ROW SEATS MAY BE MISSING. THE ABSENCE OF THE SCREW THREADS RESULTS IN AN INCOMPLETE CONNECTION OF THE BUCKLE TO THE SEAT.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE NUT IS MISSING AND REPLACE THE SEAT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY · Campaign 06V098000 · Apr 3, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS MAY BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY. THIS ROUTING COULD LEAD TO CHAFING OF THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE COVERING THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS AT THE ENGINE MOUNT COVER.
Consequence: OVER TIME, SUCH CHAFING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO WEAR THROUGH THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE AND MAY EXPOSE THE UNDERLYING STARTER WIRING HARNESS TO FURTHER CHAFING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, AND THE LOSS OF FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WHERE NECESSARY, CORRECT, THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING HARNESS. IN THE CASE OF WEAR, THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE, AND IF NECESSARY, THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS, WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 12, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.