2006 Mercedes-Benz R500 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 15%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500, 15% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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.
“Airmatic suspension has failed countless times...fixed under warranty then failed again...suspension fails when the car is off, then slowly raises itself when the vehicle is unlocked and started...dealer said there was nothing else they old do since they have replaced parts already and recommended I just continue to deal with the lowering suspension issue until it just does not raise up anymore. Not the answer I expected from a mercedes benz dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10472713, filed 2012-08, 50,000 miles“Air matic suspension malfunction error message with no codes. Car has been in and out of dealership for past year for this issue. During highway driving car issued warning that car height was too low for driving, manual read to proceed with caution. Once parked and off, the car completely dropped to the ground causing the tires to rub against the wheel well. Another occurrence, when placing more weight in addition to the driver causes the malfunction error message causing a rough ride and the suspension to raise unevenly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10342364, filed 2010-07, 40,000 miles“My 2006 R-500 is leaning from the (front and back) passenger side, causing the vehicle to be unsecure to drive... It feels like both side tires are TOTALLY FLAT. I'm not a mechanic, but it looks like the AIR SUSPENSION IS MALFUNTION”
NHTSA complaint #11505241, filed 2023-02Related service bulletins
- 10037408Nov 19, 2010Mercedes-benz: shock absorber procedure.
- 10032727Sep 17, 2009Mercedes: 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…
- 10028024Aug 1, 2008Mercedes: 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: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 4 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500
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