Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 99 of 99 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 88 of 99 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
34 complaint records1 fire report
"AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL AND VEHICLE MADE A VERY LOUD CHAIN WHINE NOISE AND IT CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AND NEVER STARTED BACK UP...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Suspension
26 complaint records
"REAR AIR SUSPENSION HAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT 3TIMES IN THE LAST TWENTY FOUR MONTHS. BOTH SIDES IN REAR OF VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NOW LOOKING AT 4TH REPLACEMENT. I CONTINUE TO SEE INCIDENTS ON WEBSITE BUT MERCEDES IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT PROBLEM. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Electrical system
14 complaint records4 fire reports
"TAIL LIGHTS DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, JUST THE SUBSTITUTE BULBS. I CHANGED OUT ALL THE BULBS BUT STILL NO STOP, TAIL LIGHTS. FUSES ALL GOOD. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V298000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
| 22V315000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| EW - Balance Shaft and IG Oct 2015 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the replacement of sintered steel balance shaft sprockets and idle gears... |
| EW - Seat Heaters May 2018 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Seats | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the original equipment seat heaters in model year 2000-2007 M-Class,... |
| LI42.10-P-078779 Sep 2026 | Service Brakes | Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Sep 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 2026 | Power Train | Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 May 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI83.20-P-051802 Apr 2025 | Engine | Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant flow in the heater heat exchanger (see picture). | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. | |
| LI82.10-P-078302 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078304 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to the housing cover with pressure compensation diaphragm, the headlamps are a "closed system". This means that the headlamps are protected against acid gases, dirt and exhaust gas. | |
| LI82.10-P-078069 Jul 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. | |
| LI91.18-P-077075 Dec 2023 | Seats | Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). | |
| LI05 20-P-067123 Oct 2017 | Engine | Oil in engine wiring harness | |
| LI0702P0547173 Nov 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Ticking or pulsing noise from high-pressure pump and/or fuel injectors. | |
| RecallUpdate Feb 2016 | Air Bags | Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags. | |
| LI27.55-P-060088 Oct 2014 | Power Train | Procedure in case of slight oil traces on TRANSMISSION 722.9 | |
| LI82.70-P-060004 Oct 2014 | Equipment | iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8 | |
| LI49.00-P-060010 Oct 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Fault in particulate sensor | |
| LI91.10-P-048411 Jul 2014 | Seats | The pneumatic 4-way lumbar support fails. Lumbar support pockets cannot be filled up or they drain. | |
| LI91.25-P-059380 Jul 2014 | Seats | Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky. | |
| C1A140101 Feb 2014 | Equipment | This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. | |
| LI18.30-P-055434 Feb 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Traces of oil in area of oil cooler (inner V) on engine 642 | |
| LI14.20-P-052079 Feb 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up - Fault code entry (FC) 14A600 or 14A700 | |
| GI88.40-P-057430 Feb 2014 | Equipment | Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual" | |
| LI8270P055572 Aug 2013 | Electrical System | Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely. | |
| LI47.40-P-053871 Jul 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated. Fault code P045600 "Very fine leak" or P044200 "Fine leak" stored in engine control unit. | |
| LI-72-00-P May 2013 | Structure | XENTRY: OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER RETURNS TO END POSITION. DUE TO A BENT PIN IN THE DYNAMIC BALANCER, THE SUPPORT SPRING OF THE BEARING BRACKET CAN SLIDE OUT OF PLACE OR BECOME UNHOOKED. MODELS 164, 251, 166, 204, 212. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED 2/1/12. | |
| LI46-20P-055943 Apr 2013 | Steering | XENTRY (MERCEDES): RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN TUBE SYSTEM, WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROAD AND WHEN ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, THERE WOULD BE CRACKING NOISES. MODELS 164, 251. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| 40-P-052794 Apr 2012 | Seat Belts | MERCEDES BENZ: FRONT OR REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT ROLL UP CORRECTLY. DIRT DEPOSITS ON THE SEAT BELT GUIDE DUE TO SOILED SEAT BELT. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 169, F CELL, 246, AND 231. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. *JS | |
| 15-P-050245 Apr 2012 | Power Train | XENTRY: MERCEDES BENZ: GRUNTING/CREAKING SOUND FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT AXLE WHEN BRAKING, DRIVING OVER SURFACE UNDULATIONS, NEGOTIATING TIGHT CORNERS, OR WHILE MANEUVERING. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *JS | |
| 20-P-053398 Mar 2012 | Steering | XENTRY: RATTLING/THUMPING NOISES FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING ON ROUGH ROADS OR WHEN DRIVING OVER ROAD UNDULATIONS. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 168 AND 172. *JS | |
| SB-59783 Dec 2010 | Electrical System | MERCEDES-BENZ: THERE ARE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTION QUALITY ISSUES THAT CAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *RM | |
| SB-32-25-82 Nov 2010 | Suspension | MERCEDES-BENZ: SHOCK ABSORBER PROCEDURE. *RM | |
| LI-58-40 Dec 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| TB-82-10-632 Oct 2009 | Exterior Lighting | MERCEDES: STOP/TAIL LIGHT NOT ILLUMINATING WITH DTCS 9102, 9103, 9106, 9107, 9126, 9127 OR 9136. (VEHICLES WITHOUT LED TAIL LAMPS) *PE UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE UPDATED 4/20/11. REPAIR DOES NOT APPLY TO LED TAIL LAMPS. *PE | |
| TB-P-047927 Sep 2009 | Suspension | MERCEDES: FOLLOWING FAULT CODES ARE ENTERED IN THE CONTROL UNIT AND DISPLAYED-FC5320 DRAIN VALVE:OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODELS SERIES 211, 219; FC5260 DRAIN VALVE OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODEL 221; FC5250 DRAIN OPEN CIRCUIT OR... | |
| SB-47-20-56 Sep 2009 | Fuel System | MERCEDES: ENSURING UNOBSTRUCTED MOVEMENT FOR THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. WHEN INSTALLING THE LEFT OR RIGHT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR IT TO HAVE UNRESTRICTED, UNOBSTRUCTED MOVEMENT. *PE | |
| RB-2009060005 Aug 2009 | Electrical System | MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLES FUEL TANK LEAK DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY DEACTIVATED DURING A VISIT TO THE WORKSHOP. | |
| TSB-42-10-109 Jun 2009 | Service Brakes | MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AND OR HARDWARE CAN BEGIN TO CORRODE. | |
| SB-82-30-366E Jun 2009 | Visibility | MERCEDES BENZ: ADJUSTING WIPER ARMS. IF YOU RECEIVE REPORTS ON CERTAIN VEHICLES OF WIPERS CHATTERING/NOISY, PROCEED AS FOLLOWS: INSPECT WIPER BLADES/INSERTS FOR WEAR AND REPLACE; THOROUGHLY CLEAN WINDSHIELD; VERIFY USE OF CORRECT WASHER FLUID; CHECK WASHER NOZZLE ADJUSTMENT;... | |
| TB-91-16-177 May 2009 | Seats | MERCEDES: ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINTS ACTIVATE FOR NO REASON. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY DAMAGE TO THE SEAT WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. MODELS 164 AND 251. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE UPDATED 9/18/09. *PE | |
| 462046 Dec 2008 | Steering | PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE | |
| TB-46-10-39C Dec 2008 | Steering | MERCEDES: CHROME PLATING PEELING ON DECORATIVE CAPS ON THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES, THIS IS DUE TO LESS THAN OPTIMAL ADHESION BETWEEN CHROME PLATING AND BASE MATERIAL. MODELS 164 AND 251. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE | |
| TB-46-10-32 Dec 2008 | Steering | MERCEDES: GROANING OR DULL, HEAVY CRACKING NOISES FROM STEERING SHAFT AREA. WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL OR MOVING OFF OR BRAKING. THIS MAY BE EMANATING FROM THE BEARING AND HOUSING OF UPPER STEERING SHAFT (FIREWALL PIVOT POINT) OR STEERING COUPLING (LOWER STEERING SHAFT). | |
| 2006110005 Aug 2008 | Unknown Or Other | INSTALL SOFTWARE FOR NAVIGATION SYSTEM. *KB UPDATED 3/5/09. *PE | |
| SB-2008080001 Aug 2008 | Suspension | MERCEDES: CHECK AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. INSUFFICIENT AIR PRESSURE IN THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MAY RESULT FROM DAMAGE TO THE PRESSURE DISK IN THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR. *PE | |
| SB-2008070002 Aug 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MERCEDES: REPLACE V BELT UPPER GUIDE PULLEY. THE V BELT UPPER GUIDE PULLEY OPTIMIZED FOR NOISE REDUCTION IS AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE UPPER GUIDE PULLEY AT THE NEXT WORKSHOP VISIT. *PE |
Showing 60 of 74 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 2 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercedes-Benz R350 →