2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 99 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,052miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350, 5% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,052 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.
“My ABS my eesp my brake light and check engine light mine anyways the whole cluster is going crazy it's hard to shift down when I'm coming to a stop not all the time but just sometimes so I got a mind of its own my speedometer goes up and down it says check my tire pressure when it's good my srs light comes on my brakes lights comes on it says dionostic rig test, ABS light says dionostic rig test, especially light says dionostic rig test. Brake light flashes on and off and a continuous beebing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11291884, filed 2019-12, 204,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz R350. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was serviced, the technician stated that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10730167, filed 2015-06, 44,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz R350. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle made an abnormal noise as the steering wheel seized and smoke started to emit from under the hood. The contact turned the engine off but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the power steering pump, serpentine belt and idler pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the contact stated that the check engine light stayed on. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10746864, filed 2015-08, 130,000 miles“Mercedes r class speed sensitive steering has little play and its measurement of hardening and softening the steering is unpredictable. Sometime steering itself become very soft that vehicle is hard to control and sometime it becomes very hard. Total random behavior, effect driving and safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10160841, filed 2006-06Related service bulletins
- 10052151Apr 24, 2013Xentry (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…
- 10044181Mar 12, 2012Xentry: 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.
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
- 10028646Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: 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…
- 10028645Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: 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…
- 10025648Apr 22, 2008Rattling/thumping noise on rough roads and/or knocking noise when moving steering in both directions on all model 164 and 251 vehicles. Model years unknown.
- 10019967Apr 26, 2006Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. On mercedes benz ml and r class models.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350
26 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 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 Oct 31, 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