The most-reported R-Class run is 4JGCB65EX6A (2006 builds) with 12 complaints, 5× the typical run. Suspension problems make up 18% of reports; 2006 is the worst model year at 4.8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for R-Class model years 2006–2013.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has 87 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 22% of every R-Class complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4JGCB65EX6A•••••• | 2006 | — | 1 | |
| 4JGCB65E66A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| 4JGCB65E86A•••••• | 2006 | — | 1 | |
| 4JGCB65E76A•••••• | 2006 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4JGCB65E56A•••••• | 2006 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4JGCB65E46A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| 4JGCB65E47A•••••• | 2007 | — | — | |
| 4JGCB65E26A•••••• | 2006 | — | 2 | |
| 4JGCB6FE5BA•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| 4JGCB65E17A•••••• | 2007 | — | — | |
| 4JGCB65E67A•••••• | 2007 | — | 1 | |
| 4JGCB65E96A•••••• | 2006 | — | 2 |
Each of the other 75 R-Class runs has 5 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mercedes-Benz R-Class the gap between build years is 4.8×: a 2006 car draws 4.8 complaints per run, a 2012 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 7 | 7 | — | |
| 2011 | 15 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 8 | 6 | — | |
| 2009 | 13 | 10 | — | |
| 2008 | 25 | 19 | — | |
| 2007 | 44 | 18 | — | |
| 2006 | 96 | 20 | 4 |
Heaviest year here is 2006 at 4.8 complaints per run; lightest is 2012 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 18% of everything Mercedes-Benz R-Class owners report: Suspension, 39 of 208 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | — | — | |
| Air Bags | 1 | — | |
| Electrical System | 1 | 5 | |
| Engine | — | 1 | |
| Power Train | 2 | — | |
| Steering | — | — | |
| Seats | — | 14 | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 12 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz R-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2006 to 2013. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 24V298000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum | 2006–2012 |
| 22V315000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum | 2006–2012 |
| 16V081000 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module | 2009–2012 |
| 08V303000 | Electrical System | 2006–2008 |
| 08V006000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel | 2006–2008 |
| 17V247000 | Electrical System:software | 2013 |
24V298000 was opened in 2024 on cars built from 2006: 18 years on the road before the recall.
The R-Class against its rivals
The R-Class draws 2.4 complaints per production run; the Ford Crown Victoria 2.7, the Cadillac STS 2.7 and the Cadillac DTS 4. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz R-Class | 208 | 87 | 2.4% | |
| Ford Crown Victoria | 2,428 | 884 | 6.8% | |
| Cadillac STS | 342 | 129 | 11.1% | |
| Cadillac DTS | 469 | 116 | 6.6% |
How serious were they
Of the 208 reports on the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, 2.4% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Mercedes-Benz R-Class | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 208 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 5 (2.4%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 16 (7.7%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 6 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 59% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class share of that is 208 complaints over 87 runs, 0.02% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz R-Class VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 208 NHTSA complaints from 87 R-Class runs and 12 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which R-Class production run has the most complaints?
4JGCB65EX6A, a 2006 build, with 12 complaints. The typical R-Class run has 2.4.
Which R-Class years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2006 is heaviest at 4.8 complaints per run and 2012 lightest at 1.
Does the R-Class get more complaints than the Ford Crown Victoria?
No: 2.4 complaints per production run for the R-Class against 2.7 for the Ford Crown Victoria.
How many R-Class complaints involve a crash?
2.4% of 208 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 16 involved a fire.
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