2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2006

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class repairs by problem area

Engine (21%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (15%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (27%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 145 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class repair cost distribution

$2500+ (9%)

$1000 - $2499 (14%)

$500 - $999 (18%)

$100 - $499 (20%)

< $100 (39%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 113 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Engine not specified

Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Italy
Apr 2012 - May 2012
May 2012

89280 mi

€950
Airmatic air compressor damaged, not correcly working. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Oregon, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

46000 mi
hard downshifting from 2 to 1 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV

302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2012 - Apr 2013
Sep 2012

88040 mi

C $2000
Front Air Shocks were leaking and vehicle dropped down overnight. Dealer estimate was $4800+tax. Installed remanufactured shocks by Arnott and cost me just under $2000. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Oregon, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2013
Jun 2012

56000 mi

US $50
valve cover gaskets leaking oil. Repaired under aftermarket warranty. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Illinois, United States
Sep 2014 - Oct 2015
Nov 2014

52600 mi

US $800
Air shock replaced Front driver outer drive shaft boot leaking. Replaced. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Illinois, United States
Jul 2011 - Aug 2011
Aug 2011

49000 mi

US $178
transfer case replaced fixing shifting problem side mirror motor fixing loud clapping sound on closure tighten steering column fixing looseness at high temp replace bulbs; also change brake fluid transfer case replaced fixing shifting problem; side mirror motor fixing loud clapping sound on closure; tighten steering column fixing looseness at high temp; covered by extended warranty. change brake fluid; replace bulbs; out of pocket 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Maine, United States
Sep 2014 - Jul 2017
Oct 2014

131700 mi

US $750
Right rear strut had to be replaced. 
Jul 2015

144700 mi

US $200
SOS intermittent calling - Mechanic reset instrument cluster. SRS Light on - Mechanic cleaned and refastened loose wire in drivers side airbag. 
Dec 2015

155000 mi

US $800
Left rear strut was not within the proper Ohm reading specification and was causing the Airmatic suspension to remain stuck in the Sport setting which resulted in a very stiff ride. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Georgia, United States
Oct 2014 - Apr 2018
Nov 2014

96200 mi
MOON ROOF CATCHES ON WIND DEFLECTOR WHEN CLOSING. TEMP WHEELS ON HEAT/AC CONTROL DO NOT ADJUST. 
Dec 2014

96000 mi
TEMP WHEELS ON HEAT/AC CONTROL DO NOT ADJUST. 
Jun 2015

98000 mi
not fixed / getting parts 
Jul 2015

98000 mi
front suspension cracking noise 
Sep 2016

100000 mi

US $1200
ABS repair. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO HAVE PROBLEMS ANY TIME I CRANK UP!!!!!!!!! BAD INVESTMENT. TOO MANY PROBLEMS. THE REPAIRS ARE OVERPRICED AND MOST ISSUES CALL FOR TRIP TO THE DEALER. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2016 - Jun 2018
Jun 2017

98000 mi

US $700
A/C drier was leaking and had to be replaced. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in British Columbia, Canada
Nov 2011 - Dec 2012
Nov 2011

33480 mi

C $1500
Engine tick on acceleration. Dealer checked normal engine characteristic. :( Passenger side climate control dial broken. Broken ventilation system on ignition startup. Fan noise. 
Dec 2011

34720 mi
Blower motor electrical short. Water intrusion from reed valve/ cabin air filter. Transmission hard shift 2nd into 1st. Put into comfort mode to start in 2nd. Likely requires transmission valve body. 
May 2012

37200 mi

C $500
Shifter column rotating when hot. Electrical malfunction puts transmission into limp home mode. 
Aug 2012

38440 mi
Suspension loud vibration and noise over rough roads. Suspected rear air load leveling failing. 
Sep 2012

39060 mi

C $500
Driver's side keyless go broken. 
Dec 2012

40300 mi
Rear hatch leaks water when snowing. Water pours out of latch. Suspected rust forming from inside out. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Virginia, United States
- Dec 2009
Nov 2007 leak 
Jun 2008 complete electrical failure. CPU replaced 
Apr 2009 lighting/electrical failure 
May 2009 transmission failure 
Nov 2009 lighting/electrical failure 
Dec 2009 lighting/electrical failure 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Virginia, United States
Feb 2016 - Jan 2022
Oct 2016

35000 mi

US $250
Front Air Spring Replacement 
Nov 2016

35000 mi

US $220
Rear driver's side air spring failure. Replaced both with new units. Entire repair took approximately 4 hours. Would have been a lot quicker had I had a lift. 
Jun 2018

43000 mi

US $100
Replaced front and rear pads. Everything went smoothly. 
Sep 2018

47023 mi

US $6290
Just a guess, but I'm certain that my vehicle has the dreaded 722.9 7G-Tronic transmission. I'm also pretty sure that it's the common transmission valve body & conductor plate issue, as I don't believe the TSB {S-B-27.00/120, S-B-27.00/120a} was ever taken care of on this vehicle. I'll be towing it to a mechanic 8/19/2018 and fielding the great news afterward, so, wish me luck. Also, for those that wish to know symptoms: - Transmission stuck in second gear. Limp Home Mode - Shifts from first to second gear then it stays in that gear. - Transmission, will not shift into higher gears. - Can not drive at speeds over 40 mph. - Check engine light is ON. - Erratic shifting of gears. - Jolting while changing gears. - Engine RPMs are high but car doesn’t move. Can't wait for this estimate ..... grand. more info ---- - https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/327554-mercedes-benz-hit-class-action-transmission-defects/ - http://www.mercedesmedic.com/must-read-722-9-7g-tronic-valve-body-conductor-plate/ 
Mar 2019

49000 mi

US $35
Had a power steering fluid leak. Did some research, found that this was a known issue. Turns out the power steering fluid reservoir is made of plastic and connects to the top of the power steering pump on this model. Well, the plastic has a tendency to (expand, contract, break) leak at that connection. Additionally, the O-ring between the reservoir and the pump can disintegrate over time as well adding to the leak. 
Jul 2019

51000 mi

US $70
Power steering pump died. Steering became difficult at low speeds. Lot's of whining from the power steering pump. Power steering pump died. Lots of whining noise when turning the wheel. Also, complete lack of power steering. Parking was insanely difficult. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Vermont, United States
Jul 2015 - Sep 2015
Sep 2015

144000 mi

US $1280
Rear struts need replacing. Front air suspension struts need replacing; fourth time in 88,000 miles Wouldn't shift out of Park at airport, stranding family. Towed to dealer, diagnosed and replaced TCM. Earlier warning signs: stability control and cruise control would cut out occasionally, then function again after the car was turned off and restarted. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Maryland, United States
Aug 2015 - Jul 2018
Oct 2015

87500 mi

US $200
Leaking rear air bags (self leveling) Replaced with aftermarket parts 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in California, United States
Feb 2011 - Mar 2013
Jun 2012

72000 mi

US $475
Rear air suspension; purchased arnott air bags and worked wonders 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Victoria, Australia
Mar 2012 - May 2012
May 2012

60760 mi
Blower in climate control system failed 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in New York, United States
Mar 2010 - Jul 2011
Mar 2010

42000 mi
keyless go remote failed; window switch failed 
Sep 2010

53000 mi

US $250
window bump stops need replacement on driver's side rear. 
Apr 2011

61000 mi

US $600
both valve cover gaskets leaking and replaced. replaced all 16 spark plugs at that time. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in California, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

61000 mi
climate control stopped working well. windshield wiper controller broke. 
Dec 2010

70000 mi
Transmission had hard shift from 2nd gear down to 1st gear when slowing to a stop. Dealer says normal, but I do not agree - this is not in other cars. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Florida, United States
Aug 2010 - Dec 2010
Sep 2010

59000 mi

US $900
Front differential replaced. Replaced one of the wheels air spring compressor. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Michigan, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2012
Oct 2010

61000 mi

US $430
Mass airflow sensor failed and needed to be replaced. Also changed oil and air filters. 
Jan 2011

84700 mi

US $720
Right rear air spring had a slow leak. Replaced air spring. 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Virginia, United States
Mar 2015 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016

102000 mi

US $2600
Cam sensor failed 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Michigan, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2013
Feb 2010

56000 mi

US $150
One low beam light bulb burned out, so I replaced both sides. The "trip" was both front fender located lower side marker light lenses damaged before I bought the car. I had the dealer replace the side marker lights, which was at no labor cost. All wheel lug nuts have lost their coatings. I had five replaced with new lug nuts and kept the old ones to analyze if they can be re-coated. I had the lugs replaced, while pulling a wheel for checking the brakes under standard service "C". 
Dec 2010

70000 mi
After a trailer hitch was installed, there seemed to be a slight bracket interference that occurred only over bumps. Two washers were installed to raise bracket 3/16" and cured the squeak. 
Jan 2011

72000 mi

US $450
Load Leveler air bag leaking on right rear. $1,265 to replace with OEM part. Web says usually go at 72k miles and can get rebuilt bag from Arnott for much fewer $. Dealer says willing to install. Will do work later. 
Dec 2011

90000 mi
Left (DS) rear tail light is intermittent. Light bulb socket is issue and dealer says there is a upgrade for about $127. I modified the existing socket to stop the issue, but intend to get the repair eventually. Don't want to be stopped. 
Apr 2012

93000 mi

US $340
Right front bearing had gone bad. Replaced same for $340. Driver side taillight holder bad; Replaced both sides at owner request. This is an upgrade. Driver side temperature control intermittent- goes down, not up (temp). Service advisor software will fix it. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Texas, United States
Sep 2009 - Jul 2014
Sep 2011

61000 mi

US $938
Leak from p/s pump. p/s pump was replaced. 
Jul 2014

68000 mi
Ac compressor failed 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Washington, United States
Jan 2015 - Dec 2017
Apr 2015

94200 mi
Passenger side rear airbag failure Coolant level sensor defective and was replaced 
Nov 2015

109700 mi

US $1300
Hydraulic lifter adjuster solenoids replaced, Coolant sensor replaced after only one year. 
Apr 2016

114700 mi

US $450
Intake manifold required complete replacement due to broken control arm and flaps. Replaced drivers side rear suspension air bag 
Oct 2017

142000 mi

US $545
Power steering reservoir began to leak at a bad o-ring. O-ring was replaced. Rear Shocks replaced 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Florida, United States
Aug 2009 - Sep 2013
Sep 2009

35000 mi
Replace faulty rear light assembly Reported rough idle, engine mounts replaced. Problem fixed. Air condition system would stop cooling - blower operated normally. MB of Ft Lauderdale could not replicate the problem. 
Feb 2010

36000 mi
Many issues resolved. New engine mounts for rough idle.  New AC compressor for engine noise. (new battery due to elec issues & new serp belt) New gears in trans for rough shifting and comp sys reflash for trans. New tail light assy. 
Dec 2012

67000 mi

US $250
Faulty coil - Replaced. Also replaced all spark plugs at the same time. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Georgia, United States
Jun 2011 - Sep 2012
May 2012

91900 mi

US $1200
Valve in transmission was replaced 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Texas, United States
Aug 2009 - Jan 2016
Sep 2009

58000 mi
Torque retaining clips/pin(s) & sensor(s). TSB issued week prior to owner noticing problem. 
Jun 2011

73000 mi

US $400
airmatic failed on driver's side rear as well as suspension problem on driver's front due to rear failure. Driver's side A/C wheel setting would not move off of 68. Great that it's on cold setting, but after sitting in traffic for an hour it's freaking cold in the car!!! Parts fixed...apparently a dog was broken off the mechanism. 
Nov 2011

79000 mi
Power steering leaking. MB Plano repaired problem under extended warranty no charge to me. Power steering reservoir was over filled. Under pressure fluid was being pushed out of over flow tube. MB Plano tech cleaned and filled to proper levels. No charge to me. 
Dec 2011

79000 mi
Cam position sensor failure. Took several attempts to diagnose and trace down failure over several days. Finally fixed and have had no problems. 
Jan 2016

79000 mi
Catastrophic failure of drive shaft. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Colorado, United States
Oct 2013 - Jan 2022
Oct 2016

182000 mi

US $625
Misfire on right bank. Still present, no repair completed. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Alberta, Canada
Oct 2009 - Sep 2017
Dec 2013

51460 mi

C $8000
New intake, cam follower bearing, head machining, valves, steering pump. 
Aug 2016

99200 mi
New 255 55 18 continental contacts. 
Sep 2016

103540 mi

C $4000
Replaced idler pulleys.  Also new brakes and rotors, new windshield, new wipers. Main battery replacement. Still love the car. Gets half time duty now with a 1995 s class. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Alaska, United States
Oct 2009 - Jan 2014
Jan 2010

54000 mi
engine light on, found problem with emission system, part replaced. took less than 4 hrs. We did not have an appointment. The dealer just took us in and got it fixed. 
Aug 2011 Front differential making noise and metal filings in oil 
Mar 2013

62000 mi
Sun roof would not close 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2013 - Jan 2014
Oct 2013

77080 mi

C $1300
Rear air suspension failed and had to be replaced 
Dec 2013

78120 mi

C $460
Cam Sensor failed 
Jan 2014

78120 mi
the newly installed cam sensor failed 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in New York, United States
Jul 2009 - Nov 2009
Aug 2009

45000 mi
Front left axle replaced 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Virginia, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

83000 mi

US $375
Coolant light on unknown reason, light bulb changed and service B combined 
Jul 2010

83000 mi

US $13
left parking lightbulb 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Virginia, United States
Jan 2012 - Jul 2013
Feb 2012

53700 mi

US $6875
Replaced balance shaft in engine and transmission conductor plate. 
Jul 2013

67000 mi

US $370
Parking brake handle came off in hand when trying o release parking brake. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in North Carolina, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2018
Jul 2014

84500 mi

US $1800
rear suspension airbags required replacement replaced steering pump 
Mar 2015

90000 mi

US $943
Thermostat failed, had to be replaced. Also replaced cam plugs and oil separator cover due to leak. 
Jul 2015

96000 mi

US $1500
Transmission ECM failing 
Mar 2017

116000 mi

US $4800
power steering rack and pinion replacement 
Jun 2018

123000 mi

US $70
replacement of both front bulbs 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in California, United States
Apr 2010 - Sep 2011
May 2010

62000 mi

US $2300
Right front axle leaking, replaced complete axle assembly Seatbelt for L/R middle row seat broken, needed to be replaced. 
Jan 2011

63000 mi

US $135
Transmission intermittently disengages. Determined it was an electronic issue, but not serious enough to repair. 
Apr 2011

67000 mi
Car failed to start, dead battery. Jump fried the jumper box assembly and forced the car into limp-home mode. Had to get car towed. Replaced battery and jumper box assy. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Virginia, United States
Apr 2012 - Dec 2014
May 2012

100800 mi

US $150
Replaced intake manifold. Would have been $1,500 w/o extended warranty. Picked up car after intake manifold repair, had to bring the car back to dealer w/i 10 minutes due to lack of power and a backfire. 4-5 days later I was told that the balance shaft needed to be replaced. Known problem. Would have been $7k w/o warranty. 
Mar 2013

115000 mi

US $1124
Rear air springs 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2012 - Aug 2013
Dec 2012

80000 mi

US $2000
Had to replace intake manifold and cam sensors. Out of warranty. 
Apr 2013

84500 mi

US $3000
Had to replace balance shaft, timing chain, etc due to bad sprocket. no warranty coverage. MBUSA agreed to provide free parts and dealer half of labor (supposedly). Well known problem for this car. Total cost estimaed at 9800. I paid 3000. 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2012 - Jun 2018
May 2013

89900 mi

C $670
Passenger side lock not working, had to be replaced with new lock assembly 
Nov 2014

98360 mi

C $300
Air suspension for rear passenger side replaced, it was leaking 
Sep 2016

105400 mi
New Battery 
Dec 2016

107880 mi

C $300
replace Crank position sensor 
Mercedes-Benz R-Class in New Jersey, United States
Apr 2012 - Oct 2014
May 2012

58700 mi

US $1200
AC compressor ceased working 
Sep 2012

62000 mi
Power window buttons on driver side falling apart 
Dec 2012

64000 mi

US $600
Leveler sensor 
Dec 2013

76000 mi

US $800
Leveling system sensors and leveler replaced. Update in April: this problem has tended to reappear every two months, but so far has remained fixed. 
Mar 2014

79000 mi

US $1800
Balance shaft, timing chain replaced, 
Oct 2014

88000 mi
seal broke and allowed water to enter cabin and soak wiring harness 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV

Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Finland
Apr 2017 - Nov 2018
Feb 2018

177320 mi

€80
Visit to previous shop due to transmission oil change caused transmission failure. Earlier automatic transfer oil change was done with automatic machine and not controlled properly. Oil level on transmission was left too low and during last 20 000km all transmission plates were worn out. Transmission was slipping all the time when any torque was needed. Finally transmission gave in. New visit to another shop as earlier shop denied all responsibility. Total rebuild needed. Transmission fixed to working order. Software update 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz R-Class in France
Oct 2013 - Jan 2018
Jul 2014

99400 mi
Xenon headlight NOK. Dealer replaced headlight control system, bulb was OK. Headlight had to be completely disassambled from the car. 4/6 heating spark plug NOK. (diesel) Replacement done but dealer has to replace the conrol system supposed damaged by the non immediate replacement of the plugs 
Dec 2014

102300 mi

€2500
Car blocked in 1st gear. Need to replace automatic transmission hydraulic block. Magnets wear identified as defect root cause. 
Jul 2015

121800 mi

€1800
Leakage of air suspension creating severe dissymety left/right 
Jun 2016

158100 mi

€500
replacement of rear shock absorbers 
Feb 2017

163680 mi

€1500
Lost of power and accélération. À lot for alarms. Replacement of motorisée air inlet valve.. 
Jan 2018

168640 mi

€700
Noise on transfer box during acceleration. Know problem on MERCEDES 4x4 cars due to transmission chain elongation. Due to elongation, shocks are coming on the pad creating pad support breakage. Chain manufacturer recommends replacement at 100,000 km, but Daimler does not include it in the maintenance manual, waiting for a more expensive repair. Daimler proposal was 4500 EUR for a new box or 3500 EUR for a renovated box. Real cost for me at a gearbox expert was 600 EUR, including chain replacement, pas support repair and removal / reassembly of the box on the car (total work 2.5h. This problem appears on most of the Daimler 4x4 cars (R class, ML, GL) having a similar design below 150,000 km, in spite of improvement of pad support on recent models. On my own car, this is the second failure. As this appears out of warranty, this is good money for the car industry! 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door

8-cylinder automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz R-Class in New York, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2014
Oct 2013

24300 mi

US $900
airmatic stopped functioning again...compressor and relay replaced. good as new! 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.