AI Damage2006 Mercedes-Benz S350: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350 filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 3 Exterior lighting 25% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 25% of all complaints
- 5 Visibility 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Visibility: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 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.
I have had to repeatedly replace front headlight bulbs since a few years after purchasing this car brand new. I questioned service advisor on many occasions and was told they never saw a car go through so many bulbs. I have several service/receipts document this. The bulb rings are now melted on both sides.
Why is no one doing anything about the big failures of 2005 and 2006 mercedes engine? Cam shafts break. Engines are trashed. $7000 to replace. Mercedes won't do anything about the problem. Class action lawsuit. Big problems.
The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle would shake when driving between 25-40-mph. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the front suspension needed to be replaced.
My sun-roof burst in my 2006 mercedes benz (s350). The sun-roof was closed. The car was not hit by a rock or any other object. It just exploded. When I looked at the glass that remained it was pointing upward as if something on the inside of the car caused it to break. I was driving the car at the time when it broke.
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 15,524 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the S350 has 4 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 4, about 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.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, exterior lighting. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: headlights and tail lights (25%), vibration (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350?
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 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350 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 2006 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.