Summary
The Mercedes-Benz R Class has 5 recalls spanning the 2006-2013 production run, with the most serious affecting 2006 models where a misrouted starter wiring harness can chafe through its protective sleeve, cause an electrical short, and start a vehicle fire. The 2013 model year, in diesel six-cylinder variants, has a recall where the engine control unit can misread a crash signal sent over the vehicle's data network, potentially failing to shut off the engine and fuel pump after a collision. On 2011 diesel models, the fuel filter assembly has an o-ring seal on the fuel heater that can leak, spilling diesel onto the roadway and creating a slipping hazard for other vehicles. The 2008 model year has a steering rack with a driving pin that can fail and cause sudden loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle significantly harder to steer. Also on 2006 models, the nuts anchoring the second-row seat belt buckles can have missing screw threads, allowing the buckles to pull free from the seat during a crash and leaving rear occupants unrestrained.
