2008 Mercedes Benz R320

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2008 Mercedes Benz R320. Newest first.

• Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

  Apr 26, 2024NHTSA 24V29800015,604 vehicles

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

  Full recall details →

• Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

  May 9, 2022NHTSA 22V315000350,294 vehicles

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine1
2. Service brakes, hydraulic1

Latest complaints

• Oct 26, 2022FL
  Service brakes, hydraulic
  The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…

  The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

• May 5, 2015FL44,856 mi
  Engine
  I thankfully took my car to have regular maintenance (service b) completed and unfortunately during that inspection, they found that the rubber cylinder on the harmonic balancer was hanging out. They and I looked to see if there was a recall (surly, this would warrant a recall). the car IS well…

  I thankfully took my car to have regular maintenance (service b) completed and unfortunately during that inspection, they found that the rubber cylinder on the harmonic balancer was hanging out. They and I looked to see if there was a recall (surly, this would warrant a recall). the car IS well maintained and only 44,856 miles on it. Faulty part? Can't find any answers... I had to pay $900 to have it repaired as driving the vehicle in that condition with my baby inside IS beyond irresponsible. had it failed by blowing apart while on the freeway, people could have been killed by metal parts scattering, oil. Fuel and car parts causing a fire and accident hazard! Who would be held liable?? I purchased this vehicle for safety for my family and can't imagine that this IS normal wear and tear for a mercedes. I do my part and always have regular maintenance done. Am I supposed to have this part replaced ever 44K miles?? this IS shockingly dangerous and very disappointing on behalf of mercedes. I think consumers need an explanation and this should be addressed before a horrific incident occurs. *tr

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11008323Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. This can lead to the formation of condensation on the lens of the headlamp. The headlamps comply with all applicable US standards and regulations. Remedy Check housing cover of lamp unit for natural fogging or condensation as per LI82.10-P-078301. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. Note: Order service covers and desiccant packs based on the validity description. 1. Remove headlamps. 2. Remove all grommets from outlet openings. 3. Seal vent openings with sealing profile. Important: All openings must be sealed carefully for the pressure compensation diaphragm to work properly! 4. Remove existing service cover. 5. Place desiccant packs into the new service covers and bolt down (Picture_01). 6. Glue the new diaphragm onto the intended surface at the service cover (Picture_02). Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. 7. Attach service cover with desiccant pack at headlamp. 8. Install headlamp. To ensure that the desiccant pack (absorption) acts effectively, the headlamp has to be air-sealed. Observe or check the following points for this: 1. Seals at the central connector must all be present and correctly fitted (Picture_03). 2. The new transparent diaphragm must be correctly bonded (Picture_04). 3. Check headlamp housing for any external damage.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007790Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to the housing cover with pressure compensation diaphragm, the headlamps are a "closed system". This means that the headlamps are protected against acid gases, dirt and exhaust gas. However, moisture can still enter from two sources. Through absorption and desorption (the commonest cause) or through permeation. Moisture is either absorbed by the plastic material and, when the light source is switched on, it is released from the plastic by desorption, or the moisture penetrates through the plastic materials of the headlamp from outside (permeation). This can lead to the formation of condensation on the lens of the headlamp. The headlamps comply with all applicable US standards and regulations. Remedy Check headlamps for natural fogging or condensation as per LI82.10-P-078301. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. Note: Order service covers and desiccant packs based on the validity description. 1. Remove existing service cover with diaphragm (Picture_01 (1)). 2. Insert desiccant packs (Picture_01 (2)) into new service covers with diaphragm and seal with protective grille and bolt down (Picture_01 (3)). Note: One desiccant pack is required for each small service cover, and two desiccant packs are required for each large service cover. 3. Stick the supplied diaphragm onto the new service cover and attach at the headlamp. Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. 4. If the headlamp housing has an additional 2nd diaphragm, this must be covered over with masking tape. Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. To ensure that the desiccant pack (absorption) acts effectively, the headlamp has to be air-sealed. Observe or check the following points for this: 1. Seals at the central connector must all be present and correctly fitted (Picture_02). 2. The new transparent diaphragm must be correctly bonded (Picture_03). 3. Check headlamp housing for any external damage.
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10235978Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags.
• 10209888Complaint Airscarf nonfunctional, fuse may have triggered. Cause The electrical wiring harness is trapped between the height adjustment gearing and the cushion frame. Remedy Check the electrical wiring harness for damage (see Seat 004 _Small_.jpg) and repair if necessary. Then secure the electrical wiring harness using additional cable ties (see Remedy.jpg).
• 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
• 10177571Lamp unit fogged or droplets forming. Due to the vent openings, the lamp unit is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate it. This can result in deposits on the diffuser and lens. Check housing cover of lamp unit for natural fogging or dew as per GI82.10-P-009047. . 1. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. 1.1. Order the required service covers by referring to the variant overview. 1.2. Remove lamp unit 1.3. Remove all grommets from vent openings. 1.4. Seal vent openings with sealing profile. Important: All openings must be sealed carefully for the pressure compensation membrane to work properly! 1.5. Remove existing service cover 1.6. Place desiccant packs in new service covers and bolt down 1.7. Stick new diaphragm onto specified surface on service cover [picture of service cover] Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. 06
• 10176670To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale warranty coverage for certain vehicles diagnosed as having mold or mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system?although that coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially approved and other events occur; likely not until December 7, 2020 at the earliest (see below). If the settlement becomes effective, coverage will include cleaning of the evaporator and replacement of the HVAC filters
• 10167554Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated. Fault code P045600 "Very fine leak" or P044200 "Fine leak" stored in engine control unit.
• 10166980Traces of oil in area of oil cooler (inner V) on engine 642
• 10166978Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up - Fault code entry (FC) 14A600 or 14A700
• 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
• 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
• 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
• 10166080The pneumatic 4-way lumbar support fails. Lumbar support pockets cannot be filled up or they drain.
• 10158329Oil in engine wiring harness
• 10135653Procedure in case of slight oil traces on TRANSMISSION 722.9
• 10135649Procedure in case of slight oil traces on TRANSMISSION 722.9
• 10135632Fault in particulate sensor
• 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
• 10052151Xentry (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 noises. Models 164, 251. No model years listed.
• 10041066Mercedes benz: the turn signal light on the mirror fogs up due to temperature differences.
• 10041024Mercedes-benz: the fuel level indicator IS wrong.
• 10039256Mercedes-benz: the malfunction light IS on with multiple possible trouble codes stored. There could be a problem with the camshaft and/or scoring of a piston.
• 10038225Mercedes-benz: diagnostic procedures for the driver authorization system.
• 10037408Mercedes-benz: shock absorber procedure.
• 10033074Xentry: outside door handle no longer returns to end position. Due to a bent pin in the dynamic balancer, the support spring of the bearing bracket can slide out of place or become unhooked. Models 164, 251, 166, 204, 212. No model years listed. Updated 2/1/12. Updated 10/3/12. Updated 10/21/13.
• 10033071Mercedes benz: adjusting wiper arms. If you receive reports on certain vehicles of wipers chattering/noisy, proceed as follows: inspect wiper blades/inserts for wear and replace; thoroughly clean windshield; verify use of correct washer fluid; check washer nozzle adjustment; check wiper arm angle adjustment; and record values per applicable model; if required, adjust wiper arm angle. Models 164/251. No model years listed.
• 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
• 10032727Mercedes: 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 drain valve open circuit or insufficient valve current in model 221; fc5250 drain open circuit or insufficient valve current in model series 251, 164. Defective connecting cables to drain valve at airmatic compressor. This results in the setting of the fault codes. No model years listed.
• 10032707Mercedes: ensuring unobstructed movement for the fuel level sensor. When installing the left or right fuel level sensor, it IS essential for it to have unrestricted, unobstructed movement.
• 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
• 10030665Mercedes: it has been determined that the tele aid may not function properly as a result of a hardware fault in the tele aid control module. If this condition exists an instrument cluster message of no service and tele aid inoperable will be seen.
• 10029105Mercedes benz: fuel loss at pressure regulator valve and/or poor engine running characteristics (shakes, knocks, surges, changes to lip home mode, poor output, poor fuel economy, combustion noise, vehicle stalls). May be caused by malfunction at pressure regulator valve (prv) due to improper installation.
• 10028668Mercedes: active head restraints activate for no reason. This may be caused by damage to the seat wiring harness causing a short circuit. Models 164 and 251. Model years unknown. Updated 9/18/09.

Every Mercedes Benz R320 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.