AI Damage2007 Mercedes-Benz R320: common problems
Owners of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R320 filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 14
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 21% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 21% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 14% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 14% of all complaints
- 5 Electronic stability control 7% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 7% of all complaints
- 7 Fuel system 7% of all complaints
- 8 Powertrain 7% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Engine: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Structure: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Suspension: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 1 complaints (7% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 14 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact declined to pay for the diagnostic test and advised the dealer to complete the recall repair. The dealer declined to honor the recall repair. The contact later discovered that the dealer had marked the recall repair as completed even though the recall repair had not been performed.
The contact stated the vehicle failed to start in very cold weather. The contact stated that after changing the battery several times, the failure continued to occur. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the front and rear exterior lights failed to illuminate as needed.
Transmission model 722.9 failure while driving. Creates an extremely dangerous situation that could lead to fatal accidents. Transmission completely disengages bringing car to stand still, or it downshifts without any warnings at high speed. Feels like the entire transmission is dropping off the car.
I took my car to the mercedes-benz dealer in wilsonville oregon, the service manager told me that the r320 cdi is the worst car mercedes-benz ever built, and they kept charging for repairs each time with a new problem.
Without warning there was failure of rear passenger and driver side air spring.
Headlights were still working but I could not establish if tail and brake lights working since the car stays in drive until you remove the key so you cannot check this.
Preface: I own an automotive repair shop in carrollton texas. I have been working on cars since 1968. I am a three-time certified mercedes-benz master technician. In december, 2012 I replaced the right front air spring on a 2007 mercedes r-320. The manufacturer is aren't industries. Their part number is a-2587.
Without notice front windshield wipers just stopped working while driving in the rain. Almost caused an accident. Took car to dealership, who could not determine issue.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,552 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 26% most complained about).
On average one model year of the R320 has 5 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 14, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R320?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, structure. Total complaints: 14. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (14%), headlights and tail lights (7%), won't start (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R320?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2007 Mercedes-Benz R320 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2007 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.