The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE is worse than average by owner complaints: 29 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 130, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 14 to 16 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Worse than average. 1.3× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2010
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 211 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 48K to 97K miles on the car (169 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 45K–86K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 65K–128K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 50K–127K miles
Recalls 2
- brakes 2024
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- brakes 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 105 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The alternator regulator may fail to prevent voltage values ranging beyond the specified…
- The electrically folding 3rd seat row makes noises while folding up and down, or the folding
- There are electrical production quality issues that cause the air bag warning light to illuminate
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $5000–5700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
While traveling on 80 east in new jersey on a rainy day the esp light malfunction showed on the dashboard screen. At that point the vehicle spun to the right and could not be controlled. The failure of the esp caused the crash.
2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE owner · NHTSA complaint 10205432
More owner reports
Mercedes 500ml transmission and power steering not safe.
NHTSA complaint 10218439
Power train:automatic transmission heavy jolt and skippage at startup from first to second gear and heavy jolt while stopping. Mercedes states it is a software problem however there is no software available to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10164702
Quick answers
Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 130; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (34%), electrical (14%) and tires (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
2 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
14 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 48,300 and 97,500 miles. The middle report was at 70,000 miles, from 169 complaints.
Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 34% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $5000 to $5700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2006?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works