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Exterior lightingPart report

2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
7%of 99 total for the year
Median mileage
35,950miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350, 7% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,950 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“On my 2006 mercedes benz R350, the rear brakelights and taillights regularly fail to eliminate. The lights are very inconsistent and when they fail a back-up substitute light comes on. A message appears on the dash indicating that the substitute lights are on. After changing the bulbs numerous times, I was told by a mechanic at mercedes that the contact may be worn out.”

NHTSA complaint #10372335, filed 2010-12, 65,000 miles

“Our 2006 R350 had all the tail lights burn out at the same time resulting in a safety issue. There appears to be a common issue with this model and year with a wire harness that controls the rear brake lights. When this harness fails the tail lights stop working. Mercedes knows about the issue and has a TSB on it, but will not cover repairs if the vehicle is not under warranty. There are multiple complaints on online mercedes forums regarding this defect.”

NHTSA complaint #10366845, filed 2010-11, 35,000 miles

“Headlamps shine too close to car. Only shine 40-50 feet out to the front and at night, especially in rain, you absolutely cannot see the road or hazards in it, such as deer.”

NHTSA complaint #10292127, filed 2009-11, 36,900 miles

“Rear light modules (tail, reverse, brake, signal) keeps on failing. Dealer quotes initially $200 to fix/rewire but then goes up to $800 to replace ecu. This is frustrating as this is driving hazard, owners are left without much choice. I have seen multiple complaints of the same issue so mb should already know that this problem exists and be honest upfront about it. I hope nobody gets hurt if the lights fail while driving this model/brand.”

NHTSA complaint #10440585, filed 2011-12

“The contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz R350. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact stated that the brake light would not turn on. There was a warning light that indicated that they did not function. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the problem was associated with a wiring problem. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10367058, filed 2010-11, 46,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201116%
200917%
200813%
200724%
200677%

Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350

Suspension
26 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology