2006 Mercedes-Benz R500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 23%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500, 23% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 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.
“The transmission has a faulty shift solenoid that can only be replaced by a mercedes benz dealer and therefore is many times more expensive than other repairs. Also this solenoid has a well above average failure rate. My car has 112,000 miles and the transmission began shifting poorly and got stuck in 4th gear. Can became very jerky and once went into park without me selecting park, this happened at a stop light with cars coming up behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #11054938, filed 2017-12, 112,000 miles“Transmission failed on on ramp route 295 nj exit 21 south. Car's transmission failed to shift gears after entering traffic lanes. Narrowly missed being hit by large truck. Vehicle made it to next off ramp and was nursed home in 1st gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10638713, filed 2014-09, 93,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning, after which the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed an unknown fluid covering various components. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #11549204, filed 2023-10, 140,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz R500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle would jerk and would not accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000 and the current mileage was approximately 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10358460, filed 2010-09, 49,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 10135653Oct 27, 2014Procedure in case of slight oil traces on TRANSMISSION 722.9
- 10135649Oct 23, 2014Procedure in case of slight oil traces on TRANSMISSION 722.9
- 10021242Sep 1, 2006Coating formation on gear selector actuator motor (ism motor).
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 6 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSuspension
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