U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Mercedes Benz 320 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

17 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

92,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 17 complaints (11.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Steering behavior	5	29.4%
Braking behavior	4	23.5%
Transmission and shifting	2	11.8%
Electrical and battery issues	2	11.8%
Fuel system concerns	1	5.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Electrical System

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module

Electrical System:Ignition:Module

Electrical System:Starter Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Air Bags	2
Electrical System	2
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	1
Electrical System:Ignition:Module	1
Electrical System:Starter Assembly	1
Engine And Engine Cooling	1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump	1
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	1

Air Bags: 2; Electrical System: 2; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 1; Electrical System:Ignition:Module: 1; Electrical System:Starter Assembly: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 1; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm): 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 2

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2007

2008

2009

2013

2014

2001: 1; 2002: 1; 2003: 3; 2004: 2; 2005: 2; 2007: 2; 2008: 3; 2009: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10067469 · 2004-04-15 (April 15, 2004)

VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. *PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. *CB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10217654 · 2008-02-11 (February 11, 2008)

MY 2000 MERCEDEZ ML 320 IGNITION IS STARTING BUT NOT FAIL TO START THE ENGINE. A COMPUTER TEST CONDUCTED SHOWS THAT THE ML320 COMPUTER IS DEFECTED. PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM, THE SAME VEHICLE HAS A HOSE POWER STEERING WHICH I HAD REPAIRED NOT KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HOSE POWER STEERING. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY RECALL EXIST FOR 2000 MERCEDEZ ML 320 REFERENCE TO THE COMPUTER. THANKS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10217654 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022740 · 2003-06-09 (June 9, 2003)

NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2000 MERCEDES BENZ...REAR GLASS EXPLODED AND CONCERNS ABOUT BRAKE EQUIPMENT. *MR THE BRAKES DIDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE PEDAL FELT SOFT AND IT TOOK EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR GLASS IMPLOLDED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP FROM THE WINDOW REPAIR, IT IMPLODED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND OF PURCHASE OR A REPLACEMENT. *SCC. THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED, HOWEVER DID NOT STATE IN DEFECTS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022740 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10179347 · 2007-01-22 (January 22, 2007)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CLK 320 MERCEDES BENZ. WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS A VACCUM LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE, WHICH CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS PRESENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 82,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10179347 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10144946 · 2005-12-12 (December 12, 2005)

THIS CAR HAS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RELATED DESIGN DEFECT. THE CAR JERKED TO A SUDDEN STOP AFTER WATER WAS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE SHIFT CONSOLE. I WAS LUCKILY DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED(LESS THAN 25 MPH). THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED. I PULLED OVER AND COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR OUT OF GEAR. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, AND THEN I COULD GET TO NEUTRAL (LUCKILY ON A FLAT STREET OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE ROLLED AWAY FROM ME). AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF I GOT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALER, WHO TOLD ME…

Owner-reported narrative. 46,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10144946 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10537615 · 2013-08-28 (August 28, 2013)

WE BOUGHT OUR ML 320 NEW. I HAVE HAD IT FOR 13 YEARS. NO ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. A WEEK AGO I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT & SMOKE FILLED THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WITHIN MINUTES MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE INTERIOR WAS IN FLAMES & THE HENDERSON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. MY CAR WAS BURNED & COULDN'T BE REPAIRED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED MY ML & WAS GOING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER UNTIL MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES LAST WEEK. I AM NOW HEARING STORIES FROM OTHER ACQUAINTANCES THAT THEY TOO EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FI…

Owner-reported narrative. 167,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10537615 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

17 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

64.7%Usable mileage11 / 17 records

94.1%Valid incident date16 / 17 records

100.0%Valid filing date17 / 17 records

94.1%Ordered incident and filing dates16 / 17 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
Electrical System	1530.6% ODI 10227110 · 132,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS MADE OF BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL THAT HAS CAUSED MASSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHEN IT DISINTEGRATED. *TR Look up ODI 10227110 at NHTSA ↗	827.6% ODI 10226952 · 129,560 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF CAUSING UNEVEN IDLE AND ENGINE SPEED. *TR Look up ODI 10226952 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10470163 · 108,921 mi CAR WENT COMPLETED "DEAD" AT STOP SIGN. COULD NOT RESTART ENGINE. CALLED MECHANIC AND WIRES WITHIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO WIRE INSULATION CRACKING AND BREAKING OFF AND SHORTING WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. MECHANIC STRIPPED OUT WIRE AND SPLICED IT. STATED THE WIRES ARE IN BAD SHAPE DUE TO THE TYPE OF INSULATION MERCEDES USED FROM 1991 TO 1997. HE STATED I SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AS IT WOULD CONTINUE TO SHORT OUT COMPONENTS AND WOULD BE NOT ONLY A DRIVING HAZARD BUT ALSO A FIRE HAZARD. *TR Look up ODI 10470163 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.8% ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	529.4% ODI 10090811 I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A LOANER CAR, AS MY MERCEDES BENZ C320, 2001 IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP OF THE DEALER, MERC. BENZ OF LAGUNA NIGUEL [phone removed]). IT IS IN FOR THE THIRD REPAIR OF THE SRS AIRBAY/SAFETY SYSTEM.AK THE SEATBELT HAD PREVIOUSLY FAILED, TO AND HAD TO BE REPLACE. MY ENGINE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY (5N, IN CALIFORNIA) AND MY 8 YR. OLD SON AND I WERE VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR-ENDED ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. *THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO CONTACT TO DISCUSS MY CAR! THEY … Look up ODI 10090811 at NHTSA ↗	327.3% ODI 10099406 · 1,088 mi THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON RAINY DAYS THE VISIBILITY WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. AK THERE WAS A FAILURE IN COMPUTER CHIPS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED WITH THE POOR VISIBILITY OF THE WINDSHIELD, HORN FAILURE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FAILURE, STALLING, CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLING, INOPERATIVE WASHER JETS, BROKEN GLOVE BOX, NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, FAULTY FUEL PUMP, LOUD WHINING NOISE FORM UNDER THE SEAT, AND A WHIRRING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER VENTS. SC Look up ODI 10099406 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	1632.7% ODI 10116522 · 151,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320 ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND THROTTLE ACTUATOR WIRING . THE WIRE INSULATION USED ON THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR IN MY CAR HAS BADLY DEGRADED! THIS CAUSES ALL KINDS OF SHORTS WITHIN THE ELECTRONICS OF THE VEHICLE AND PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE SYSTEM IN THIS CAR. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR CAUSED MY CAR TO GO IN AND OUT OF LIMP MODE(REDUCED POWER) WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO ACCELLERATE VERY QUICKLY AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT!. MY LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER DENIES … Look up ODI 10116522 at NHTSA ↗	517.2% ODI 10016993 · 80,000 mi WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1995 MERCEDES E320 HAS DETERIORATED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT MY EXPENSE AS PER MERCEDES DEALER. THE CAR STALLS AND IS A SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD. ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS ARE RENDERED USELESS. IT IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIALS OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BY MECHANICS, BUT DENIED BY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER. *JB Look up ODI 10016993 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.6% ODI 851980 AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PARKED DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, POWER STEERING WAS LOST AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. IT TOOK 5 FIRE TRUCKS TO PUT OUT THE FIRE OUT. *AK Look up ODI 851980 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring	1122.4% ODI 10086612 · 125,000 mi THE ENGINE WIRING HARNES HAS FAILED. I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL 92-95 E-320 CARS. IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AS THE ENGINE CAN JUST QUIT WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. *JB Look up ODI 10086612 at NHTSA ↗	26.9% ODI 10183534 · 59,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES SL 320. DURING 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE CHECK THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.AK UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB Look up ODI 10183534 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10224829 · 54,000 mi CRACKED WIRING HARNESS. DISCOVERED WHEN REAR LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. *TR Look up ODI 10224829 at NHTSA ↗	15.3% ODI 10015312 "BLACK ELECTRICAL JUNCTION/HARNESS BOX" WAS FOUND WITH A STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL OF ELECTRICITY BURNING THROUGH PART OF THE BOX.AK. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK.JB *TS Look up ODI 10015312 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.7% ODI 10055363 · 55,000 mi WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED SMOKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THEN TWO MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK Look up ODI 10055363 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	24.1% ODI 10082647 · 137,200 mi AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45-50 MPH.*AK Look up ODI 10082647 at NHTSA ↗	310.3% ODI 524465 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 524465 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	315.8% ODI 536702 AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT 20 MPH. Look up ODI 536702 at NHTSA ↗	25.1% ODI 844559 WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, HITTING A STONE WALL ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. AK MJS Look up ODI 844559 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 842018 AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE IS EXPOSED AND DISTORTED. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER & SERVICE MANAGER HIT AIR BAG COVER & CLOSED IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT TIMES BEFORE. *AK Look up ODI 842018 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	12.0% ODI 560839 CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, DEALER STATES THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BUT FRONT END STILL VIBRATES, AFTER 4000 MILES THE MICHELIN TIRES HAD SEVERE WEAR AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, AFTER 20000 MILES THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SHOWED SIGNS OF DRY ROT CRACKS, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY A LOCAL GAS STATION TO REPLACE THESE TIRES IMMEDIATELY, JUST RECENTLY CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TIRES AGAIN DUE TO UNEVEN WEAR, POSSIBLE SUSPENSION PROBLEM IS CAUSE OF WEARING TIRES. *JB Look up ODI 560839 at NHTSA ↗	26.9% ODI 524465 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 524465 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 8007457 SRS DID NOT DEPLOY UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITION.*AK Look up ODI 8007457 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.7% ODI 10010019 THE BATTERY AND AIR BAG EXPLODED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. (LAWYER, TREVOR GRIMM, ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). AK JB Look up ODI 10010019 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 10090811 I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A LOANER CAR, AS MY MERCEDES BENZ C320, 2001 IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP OF THE DEALER, MERC. BENZ OF LAGUNA NIGUEL [phone removed]). IT IS IN FOR THE THIRD REPAIR OF THE SRS AIRBAY/SAFETY SYSTEM.AK THE SEATBELT HAD PREVIOUSLY FAILED, TO AND HAD TO BE REPLACE. MY ENGINE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY (5N, IN CALIFORNIA) AND MY 8 YR. OLD SON AND I WERE VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR-ENDED ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. *THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO CONTACT TO DISCUSS MY CAR! THEY … Look up ODI 10090811 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.4% ODI 525180 ABS BRAKES FAILED. ALSO, ELECTRIC SHORT, CAUSING BATTERY/HEADLIGHTS/RADIO/POWER LOCK AND INSTRUMENT PANEL TO FAIL. *AK Look up ODI 525180 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.3% ODI 717603 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 717603 at NHTSA ↗	37.7% ODI 713790 LAST WEEK I TOOK MY WIFE'S M CLASS IN FOR SERVICE AT OUR MB DEALER. *AK Look up ODI 713790 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 847912 CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 20MPH AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM KICKED IN, AND THREW THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ABS BRAKES SYTEM WERE SUPPOSE TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. *AK Look up ODI 847912 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 10184217 · 46,000 mi TL- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2000 MERCEDES ML 320 WITH 46000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 45 MPH THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE BRAKES REMAINED ENGAGED, THEREFORE THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MERCEDES DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE YAW SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION, PE07-007. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55000.AK Look up ODI 10184217 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 884038 CONSUMER WAS BRAKING AND VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. HAD JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A HOME. MERCEDES REPRESENTATIVE CHECKED OUT VEHICLE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH BRAKES.*AK Look up ODI 884038 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	12.0% ODI 10199362 · 80,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHILE IDLING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. Look up ODI 10199362 at NHTSA ↗	13.4% ODI 722154 I CONTACTED TWO DEALERS AND THREE INDEPENDENT MERCEDES MECHANICS AND THEY ALL REPORTED THE SAME THING. MERCEDES USED A NEW TYPE OF GASKET MATERIAL ON THE MERCEDES IN-LINE SIX ENGINE AND THERE HAS BEEN REPEATED FAILURES WITH THERE GASKETS. *AK Look up ODI 722154 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.3% ODI 10015312 "BLACK ELECTRICAL JUNCTION/HARNESS BOX" WAS FOUND WITH A STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL OF ELECTRICITY BURNING THROUGH PART OF THE BOX.AK. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK.JB *TS Look up ODI 10015312 at NHTSA ↗	12.6% ODI 607611 BELT TENSIONER FAILED. Look up ODI 607611 at NHTSA ↗	26.7% ODI 10024651 · 45,000 mi CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE USES A QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY 1000 MILES. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE WILL BURN OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK Look up ODI 10024651 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 10119629 · 30,000 mi THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BURNED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OIL. *JB Look up ODI 10119629 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	315.8% ODI 717603 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 717603 at NHTSA ↗	25.1% ODI 10172946 · 100,000 mi HEAD LAMP COVERS ON THE MERCEDES "E" CLASS TURN FROM CLEAR TO A FOGY TRANSLUCENT OVER TIME. ONCE THE HEAD LIGHT LENS TURNS TRANSLUCENT THE HEAD LIGHT BEAM IS NO LONGER ABLE TO TRANSMIT LIGHT AS FAR DOWN THE ROAD AS THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATION. THE HEAD LAMP IS ALSO NO LONGER CAPABLE OF TRANSMITTING LIGHT AS TO THE U.S. DOT STANDARDS. THIS SITUATION LEAD TO AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION FOR ALL DRIVERS OF THE "E" CLASS. *JB Look up ODI 10172946 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.8% ODI 10213660 · 39,000 mi VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL, HEATING AND COOLING, SUSPENSION, POWER STEERING, LIGHTING, AND PURGE VALVE SYSTEMS. SPENT 7K IN LAST 3 YEARS ALONE. HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM WAS REMOVED AND REINSTALLED TWICE AND STILL DOES NOT WORK RIGHT. STRUTS AND STEERING SYSTEM COMPLETELY BRAKES DOWN EVERY 6 MONTHS. I AM IN THE REPAIR SHOP EVERY 2-3 MONTHS! AVERAGE OUT OF POCKET (AFTER EXTENDED WARRANTY) $500... OUTRAGEOUS (X4 OR 5 PER YEAR!). WARRANTY KICKS IN ANOTHER 4K PER YEAR. MY RECORDS SHOW 14 VISITS TO MERCEDES REPAIR SHOPS SINCE NOVEMBER … Look up ODI 10213660 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	105,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10293788 · 105,000 mi SRS LIGHT STAYS ON , DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. *TR Look up ODI 10293788 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	167,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10537615 · 167,000 mi WE BOUGHT OUR ML 320 NEW. I HAVE HAD IT FOR 13 YEARS. NO ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. A WEEK AGO I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT & SMOKE FILLED THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WITHIN MINUTES MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE INTERIOR WAS IN FLAMES & THE HENDERSON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. MY CAR WAS BURNED & COULDN'T BE REPAIRED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED MY ML & WAS GOING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER UNTIL MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES LAST WEEK. I AM NOW HEARING STORIES FROM OTHER ACQUAINTANCES THAT THEY TOO EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FI… Look up ODI 10537615 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Too few reports for a range	55,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10099524 · 55,000 mi CONSUMER 'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO SENT OUT A TEAM OF TECHNICIANS TO INVESTIGATE THE CRASH, AND THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT IN THE RIGHT SPOT. THUS, NOT ALLOWING THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. *AK Look up ODI 10099524 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	Too few reports for a range	46,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10144946 · 46,000 mi THIS CAR HAS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RELATED DESIGN DEFECT. THE CAR JERKED TO A SUDDEN STOP AFTER WATER WAS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE SHIFT CONSOLE. I WAS LUCKILY DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED(LESS THAN 25 MPH). THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED. I PULLED OVER AND COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR OUT OF GEAR. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, AND THEN I COULD GET TO NEUTRAL (LUCKILY ON A FLAT STREET OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE ROLLED AWAY FROM ME). AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF I GOT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALER, WHO TOLD ME… Look up ODI 10144946 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2001: 7 complaints · 2002: 7 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2001	4	4	7
2002	1	4	7

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2001	15	2	0
2002	11	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Electrical System	Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Electrical System:Ignition:Module	Electrical System:Starter Assembly	Engine And Engine Cooling	Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump	Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Air Bags	—	1 ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	0
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Ignition:Module	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10217654 MY 2000 MERCEDEZ ML 320 IGNITION IS STARTING BUT NOT FAIL TO START THE ENGINE. A COMPUTER TEST CONDUCTED SHOWS THAT THE ML320 COMPUTER IS DEFECTED. PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM, THE SAME VEHICLE HAS A HOSE POWER STEERING WHICH I HAD REPAIRED NOT KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HOSE POWER STEERING. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY RECALL EXIST FOR 2000 MERCEDEZ ML 320 REFERENCE TO THE COMPUTER. THANKS. *TR Look up ODI 10217654 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Electrical System:Starter Assembly	0	0	0	1 ODI 10217654 MY 2000 MERCEDEZ ML 320 IGNITION IS STARTING BUT NOT FAIL TO START THE ENGINE. A COMPUTER TEST CONDUCTED SHOWS THAT THE ML320 COMPUTER IS DEFECTED. PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM, THE SAME VEHICLE HAS A HOSE POWER STEERING WHICH I HAD REPAIRED NOT KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HOSE POWER STEERING. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY RECALL EXIST FOR 2000 MERCEDEZ ML 320 REFERENCE TO THE COMPUTER. THANKS. *TR Look up ODI 10217654 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump	1 ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10067469 VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. CB Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 17.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10067469

VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. *PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. *CB

Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10217654

Look up ODI 10217654 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 767855

MY WIFE WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE CAR WAS MAKING A NOISE. THE CAR HAD SUDDENLY LEAKED ITS POWER STEERING FLUID! THANK GOD IT HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT VERSUS ON SOME WINDING ROAD. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO FLETCHER JONES AND KEN DENAULT, A SERVICE SPECIALIST, CALLED TO CONFIRM THEY HAD THE CAR. MY WIFE TOOK THE CALL AND TOLD HIM THAT ALL THE POWER STEERING FLUID HAD RUN OUT OF THE CAR. HIS REPLY WAS THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE, "IF A CLAMP ON THE HOSE COMES LOOSE THEN THE FLUID COULD …

Look up ODI 767855 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 5.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10179347 · 82,000 mi

Look up ODI 10179347 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 5.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 46,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10144946 · 46,000 mi

Look up ODI 10144946 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule