AI Damage2011 Mercedes-Benz R350: common problems
Owners of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and service brakes. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 18
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 67% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 17% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 11% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 6% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 6% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 7 Seat belts 6% of all complaints
- Air bags: 12 complaints (67% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (17% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (11% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine: 1 complaints (6% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (6% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 18 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 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.
I pulled into my driveway and under the covered portico and placed my car in "park" with the engine running and the driver's side door open.I got out of the car and went to check something at my front door which was forward and to the left of the parked car before proceeding to open the gate across our driveway.the…
The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
Additionally, there were grinding sounds coming from the vehicle as it came to a full stop. The ABS and Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel speed sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz r350. The contact took the vehicle to lober mercedes-benz ([address], lincolnwood, [ZIP], [phone]) to be repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags).
"takata recall" for a year and a half, I have been trying to have my car repaired, but mercedes benz here in reno (and fairfield, california as well) has refused to repair it with the statement that parts are not available. I have called the service department and been told the parts are in stock.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz r350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags). An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified.
It is my impression that many drivers now have no idea if their tail lights are on or off at any given time. I think there is a serous national issue, especially around dawn and dusk, w/ respect to seeing the back ends of other vehicles.
Takata recall. Car is 2011 and as an older vehicle may be more prone to seat belt issues.
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 8,622 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the R350 has 34 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 18, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- 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.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, service brakes, electrical system. Total complaints: 18. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (17%), airbag warning light (6%), headlights and tail lights (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350?
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 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 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 2011 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 2026-11-05.