U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz M CLASS problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

69 owner complaints analyzed

12 distinct recall campaigns

66,335 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 to 2008 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 55 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 12 of 69 complaints (17.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Steering behavior	22	31.9%
Braking behavior	18	26.1%
Electrical and battery issues	8	11.6%
Transmission and shifting	5	7.2%
Engine operation	5	7.2%
Fuel system concerns	3	4.3%

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.

Steering

Electrical System

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Engine And Engine Cooling

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections

Electrical System:Ignition:Module

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Steering	12
Electrical System	8
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	8
Engine And Engine Cooling	6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	6
Electrical System:Ignition:Module	2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	2

Steering: 12; Electrical System: 8; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 8; Engine And Engine Cooling: 6; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 6; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections: 6; Electrical System:Ignition:Module: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2

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: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 9; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 2

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 14 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.

1999

2000

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

1999: 1; 2000: 3; 2003: 10; 2004: 12; 2005: 7; 2006: 4; 2007: 3; 2008: 5; 2009: 11; 2010: 5; 2011: 5; 2012: 3

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 22 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 18 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 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 10089062 · 2004-09-03 (September 3, 2004)

NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS HARD TO STEER THAT MIGHT CAUSE INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 37,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10089062 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007841 · 2003-02-20 (February 20, 2003)

POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS. BASED ON PUBLISHED COMMENTS BY INDIVIDUALS ON VARIOUS INTERNET CHAT GROUPS FOR THIS TRUCK REGARDING HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS AND FAILURES OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE, I CHECK MY HOSES AND FOUND THAT THE LOWER HOSE WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF. THE CLAMP, WHICH WAS LOOSE, WAS RETIGHTENED.

Owner-reported narrative. 115,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007841 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10134187 · 2005-08-25 (August 25, 2005)

I WAS DRIVING ACROSS THE VERRAZANO NARROWS BRIDGE FROM BROOKLYN TO STATEN ISLAND. JUST PAST THE TOLLS, MY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED, CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO SIZES AND STOPPING THE ENGINE. CONSEQUENTLY, I LOST STEERING AND BRAKING BECAME VERY HARD. I WAS MORE-OR-LESS POINTING TO AN SHOULDER/EMBANKMENT BETWEEN THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND THE EXIT IMMEDIATELY PAST THE TOLLS. I COASTED TO THAT EMBANKMENT AND USED ITS SLOPE IN PART TO HELP STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO RAY CATENA MERCEDES IN EDISON, NJ. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVI…

Owner-reported narrative. 84,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10134187 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10424020 · 2011-09-06 (September 6, 2011)

DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER I GOT OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER ROTOR/CALIPER WAS ALMOST GLOWING AND ERUPTING WITH SMOKE, THE 3 OTHER BRAKES LOOKED FINE. THE SMOKE DID NOT STOP FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES AND IT SMELLED ABSOLUTELY TERR…

Owner-reported narrative. 100,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10424020 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10069784 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUST 5TH, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. APPARENTLY THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND IT SHREDDED ONE OF THE MAJOR BELTS, WHICH DAMAGED THE OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED …

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 9001677 · 2000-07-10 (July 10, 2000)

TRANSMISSION FAILED, REPAIRED FOUR TIMES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BATTERY FAILED, REPLACED, OZ SENSOR FAILED REPLACE 3 TIMES, FUEL SYSTEM PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED, FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 9001677 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10181957 · 2007-02-08 (February 8, 2007)

WHILE DRIVING, SOME TEA SPILLED ONTO MY SHIFTER. MOMENTS LATER WHILE MERGING INTO HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. I HAD TO SWERVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS MINOR SPILLAGE OF HERBAL TEA DISTORTED MY SHIFTER RESULTING IN $788.25 WORTH OF DAMAGE. I WANT TO PETITION NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE WHAT I CONSIDER A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN MY 2000 MERCEDES ML320. WHAT IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THIS HAPPENED? *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 59,054 miles reported. Look up ODI 10181957 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10139067 · 2005-10-07 (October 7, 2005)

MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE (NO CODES). FUEL PUMP CHECKED OK. AT MY REQUEST, THE MECH CHANGED OUT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) ON 30 SEPT. COST TO REPAIR $251.96. ML320 HAS RUN FINE SO FAR (7OCT). I FEEL THAT THIS SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE (CP…

Owner-reported narrative. 117,574 miles reported. Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10360111 · 2010-10-12 (October 12, 2010)

MY 1999 MERCEDES ML320 STALLED IN TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WHICH SHOWED A MARGINAL PROBLEM. WE PICKED UP THE CAR AND BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MANAGER THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" WAS ILLUMINATED. HE SAID THAT WAS BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME PLUGS MISFIRING, BUT THAT WOULD HAVE NO BEARING ON THE CAR STALLING. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND SAY IT RUNS LIKE A TOP. WE REFUSED TO TAKE THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 70,650 miles reported. Look up ODI 10360111 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10237217 · 2008-08-06 (August 6, 2008)

ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, IDLES LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE, CAR SURGES FORWARD WHILE MOVING OR STOPPED, DASH WARNING LIGHTS ON/OFF, ROUGH GEAR SHIFTING OR WON'T SHIFT, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, GAS TANK/GAUGE PROBLEMS, LOCK/WINDOWS POWERED WHEN CAR OFF, DASH LIGHTING GOES IN/OUT, HEADLIGHT/BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT QUICKLY, ELECTRICAL, STARTING CAR ISSUES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT USED WITH A "CERTIFIED PRE OWNED WARRANTY", CODES GO OFF AND THEY SIMPLY RESET THEM. THERE HAS BEEN A NEW CONVERTER, WINDOW REPAIR, WO…

Owner-reported narrative. 75,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10237217 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2008

1998: 4; 1999: 4; 2000: 5; 2001: 4; 2002: 5; 2003: 3; 2004: 1; 2008: 2

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz M CLASS model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1998	5	4	Not available
1999	18	4	0
2000	25	5	+1
2001	5	4	-1
2002	5	5	+1
2003	10	3	-2
2004	0	1	-2
2008	1	2	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

79.7%Usable mileage55 / 69 records

95.7%Valid incident date66 / 69 records

100.0%Valid filing date69 / 69 records

95.7%Ordered incident and filing dates66 / 69 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	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2008
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	422.2% ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUST 5TH, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. APPARENTLY THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND IT SHREDDED ONE OF THE MAJOR BELTS, WHICH DAMAGED THE OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED … Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 10070225 · 17,000 mi A YEAR AGO I WAS TURNING A CORNER IN MY MERCEDES ML320 WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL "LOCKED." IT HAD LOST THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND FOR ME, THE WHEEL WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CLAMP. IT WAS UNDER WARRENTY AND REPAIRED AT SIMONSON MERCEDES, 1626 WILSHIRE BLVD, SANTA MONICA , CA 90403. ONE MONTH AND ONE THOUSAND MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT MERCEDES HAD SENT A MODIFIED CLAMP TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGIONAL HOSE CLAMP. APRIL 20, 2003, AT 30,000 MILES THE PO… Look up ODI 10070225 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10256074 · 60,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REPAIRED IN 2003 ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS); HOWEVER, THE STEERING WAS NEVER CORRECTED PROPERLY. THE STEERING MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED A SECOND RECALL NOTICE AND SHE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,642. Look up ODI 10256074 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10259218 · 95,000 mi RECALL CAMPAIGN # 2003-040005 - MERCEDES BENZ ML 320 RECALL OF POWER STEERING CLAMP. ITEM WAS REPLACED BY INDEPENDENT DEALER IN VIRGINIA AND THE CHARGE WAS COMPLETED FOR THE SERVICE RENDERED. RECALL NOTICE CAME IN THE MAIL 3 DAYS LATER, AND INDEPENDENT DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO REFUND ANY OR ALL OF THE SERVICE COST. INFORMATION RECEIVED CLAIMS THAT MERCEDES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REFUND NOW. COST FOR PART AND SERVICE WAS $133.57. LOOKING FOR REFUND, WORK IS COMPLETE AND VEHICLE RUNS FINE. *TR Look up ODI 10259218 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10458718 · 46,600 mi THE POWER STEERING RACK DEVELOPED A LEAK CAUSING THE OIL PRESSURE TO THE UNIT TO FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING FUNCTION. THIS VEHICLE DOSE NOT HAVE A WARNING SYSTEM TO ALERT THE DRIVER OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL WAS ISSUED JANUARY 2009 (SAFETY RECALL #2008-120011) FOR 2008 ML 320'S FOR A DEFECT SUCH AS THIS. HOWEVER, THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL. WE FEEL THIS PART SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT FAILURE. Look up ODI 10458718 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.1% ODI 10360111 · 70,650 mi MY 1999 MERCEDES ML320 STALLED IN TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WHICH SHOWED A MARGINAL PROBLEM. WE PICKED UP THE CAR AND BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MANAGER THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" WAS ILLUMINATED. HE SAID THAT WAS BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME PLUGS MISFIRING, BUT THAT WOULD HAVE NO BEARING ON THE CAR STALLING. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND SAY IT RUNS LIKE A TOP. WE REFUSED TO TAKE THE… Look up ODI 10360111 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	240.0% ODI 10131784 · 86,000 mi JUST AS REPORTED IN CONSUMER REPORTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSING ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS (IE., BRAKE ASSIST, SAFETY BELTS, AIR BAGS) TO FAIL. THE PROBLEM CAUSED TWO ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR WHEN THE 4,400 LB. VEHICLE COULD NOT STOP. OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ARE ALSO FAILING. FURTHER, THE REAR GATE LATCH WAS NOT LOCKING AND THE DEALER NEVER VERBALLY TOLD US WHEN WE PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM BEING SERVICED, NOR DID THEY EVER ASK IF WE WANTED IT FIXED. WE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS. ONE WOULD EXPECT MORE FROM A MERCEDES PRODUCT. … Look up ODI 10131784 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	440.0% ODI 10045088 · 7,000 mi I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 ML 350 DURING THE MEMORIAL DAY SALE FROM OUR LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER IN IOWA CITY, IA. THE SUV SHUTS OFF AUTOMATICALLY. INITIALLY, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE SUV HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALER THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. EACH TIME, THE DAY AFTER I RECEIVED THE ML350 BACK, THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN. TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHERE THE SUV WOULD NOT START IN MY GARAGE (WHICH PRESENTED NO HAZARD). TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHERE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD - PARTICULARLY IF… Look up ODI 10045088 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 10424020 · 100,100 mi DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER I GOT OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER ROTOR/CALIPER WAS ALMOST GLOWING AND ERUPTING WITH SMOKE, THE 3 OTHER BRAKES LOOKED FINE. THE SMOKE DID NOT STOP FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES AND IT SMELLED ABSOLUTELY TERR… Look up ODI 10424020 at NHTSA ↗	624.0% ODI 10228166 WHILE TRAVELING WITH MY FAMILY (WIFE AND 2 KIDS) ON THE FREEWAY RETURNING FROM AN FAMILY OUTING. WE WERE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE CARS BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED AND THE CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT, FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO CAR ON THE RIGHT LANE NEXT TO ME. THE CAR BRAKING ON ITS OWN DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER REMOVING OUR HEARTS FROM OUR THROATS AND CHANGING OUR SOILED UNDERGARMENTS WE DECIDED TO HEAD STRAIGHT HOME 45 MILES AWAY. THIS SAME THING OCCURRED A… Look up ODI 10228166 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10351389 · 60,000 mi WHILE DRIVING HER 2002 MERCEDES ML 500 AT A STEADY 40 MPH IN TRAFFIC THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ENGAGED FOR NO REASON LOCKING THE BRAKES AND MAKING THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNRESPONSIVE TO DRIVER INPUT. THE ONLY THING THAT PREVENTED US FROM BEING HIT WAS THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND US, HAD THIS OF OCCURRED GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WE WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN HIT. OUR VEHICLE IS AT THE MERCEDES DEALER NOW AND WE ARE BEING TOLD IT NEEDS A BRAKE SWITCH THIS WILL BE THE THIRD OR FOURTH ONE CHANGED ON THE VEHICLE, IT ALSO HAS A … Look up ODI 10351389 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	120.0% ODI 10089062 · 37,400 mi NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS HARD TO STEER THAT MIGHT CAUSE INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. *AK Look up ODI 10089062 at NHTSA ↗	211.1% ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUST 5TH, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. APPARENTLY THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND IT SHREDDED ONE OF THE MAJOR BELTS, WHICH DAMAGED THE OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED … Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10070943 · 30,000 mi I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY OF THIS YEAR AND EVERY MONTH I HAVE BEEN AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TURNING IT IN FOR ONE PROBLEM OR ANOTHER. I AM ASSURED THEY ARE DOING ALL THAT THEY CAN BUT I HAVE NOT GONE 30 DAYS IN A ROW WITH A FUNCTIONING, NO PROBLEM, VEHICLE. I PURCHASED A MB BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE VALUE AND DEPENDABILITY WAS THERE. I THOUGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE HASSLE FREE AND I COULD ENJOY FEW MECHANICAL ISSUES. I AM NOT SPENDING TIME AWAY FROM WORK WHICH IS CAUSING ME PROBLEMS, JUST TO KEEP THIS SUV MAINTAINED. THE DEFECTS OR ISSUE… Look up ODI 10070943 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10442484 · 40,900 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ M430. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND IT SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSES DEALER. THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,900. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10442484 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10430515 AFTER CHANGING THE SERPENTINE BELT, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY WAS WOBBLING AND THE BELT VIBRATING, I BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE, DOSE MINE STILL APPLIED TO THIS PROBLEM? IT IS ALREADY OUT OF WARRANTY BUT THIS KIND OF REPAIR IS EXPENSIVE, PLEASE. *TR Look up ODI 10430515 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 10424020 · 100,100 mi DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER I GOT OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER ROTOR/CALIPER WAS ALMOST GLOWING AND ERUPTING WITH SMOKE, THE 3 OTHER BRAKES LOOKED FINE. THE SMOKE DID NOT STOP FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES AND IT SMELLED ABSOLUTELY TERR… Look up ODI 10424020 at NHTSA ↗	416.0% ODI 10199737 · 57,000 mi MY BIGGEST CONCERN WITH THE ML320 THAT I HAVE OWNED SINCE 2002, BUT NOT THE ONLY CONCERN WOULD BE THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I COMPLAINED FROM A COUPLE OF MONTHS INTO BUYING THIS VEHICLE THAT I DID NOT FEEL SAFE. THE VEHICLE BRAKES GOES INTO A LOCKED POSITION IF YOU DRIVE OVER A BUMP, MAN HOLE, OR IF IT RAINS THE SUV SKIDS AS IF YOU ARE LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE BAS ESP LIGHT COMES ON OFTEN, WHICH WARNS YOU THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IT IS ON AS I AM COMPLAINING NOW. I HAVE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MORE THAN ONE… Look up ODI 10199737 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10070801 · 3,261 mi ONE DAY AFTER WASHING THE CAR, THE REAR BRAKE STICKS UNTIL PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND FORCE THE BRAKE TO RELEASE. IT MAKES A LOUD CRACKING NOISE DURING THE FORCE RELEASE. THE NOISE IS SO LOUD THAT YOU MAY THINK YOU HIT SOMETHING FROM YOUR BUMPER IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE PROBLEM. MBZ SAID THAT'S NORMAL BECAUSE OF THE RUST OVERNIGHT. THEY DID TOOK THE BRAKE APART, CLEAN AND PUT THEM BACK TOGETHER. THEY TOLD ME IT'S MY RESPONSIBLITY TO DRIVE THE CAR AFTER I WASH TO CAR TO GET RID OF THE EXCESS WATER WITHIN THE BRAKE PADS. YESTERDAY, IT WAS A RAINLY D… Look up ODI 10070801 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.1% ODI 10007841 · 115,000 mi POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS. BASED ON PUBLISHED COMMENTS BY INDIVIDUALS ON VARIOUS INTERNET CHAT GROUPS FOR THIS TRUCK REGARDING HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS AND FAILURES OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE, I CHECK MY HOSES AND FOUND THAT THE LOWER HOSE WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF. THE CLAMP, WHICH WAS LOOSE, WAS RETIGHTENED. Look up ODI 10007841 at NHTSA ↗	312.0% ODI 10014040 · 62,500 mi POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE CAME UNATTACHED FORM THE RADIATOR (CLAMP FAILED) POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAYED OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE RESULTED. LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST. CALLED MERCEDES ROAD REPAIR - THEY REPLACED THE CLAMP WITH A NEW "IMPROVED" CLAMP. THEY CHARGED $45.00 FOR THE SERVICE>. *JB Look up ODI 10014040 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	110.0% ODI 10152690 · 24,368 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH GOING AROUND A CURVE THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AND THEN LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL #03V121000 FOR THE STEERING HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST HOSE, PIPING AND CONNECTIONS. THE HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 5/2/2006 - THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED IN 2003 FOR THE HOSE CLAMPS. NM CONTACT WAS TOLD BY MERCEDES THAT THIS FAILURE DID NOT INVOLVE THE CLAMP BUT THE HOSE WORE OUT. ALS… Look up ODI 10152690 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Ignition:Module	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 10139067 · 117,574 mi MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE (NO CODES). FUEL PUMP CHECKED OK. AT MY REQUEST, THE MECH CHANGED OUT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) ON 30 SEPT. COST TO REPAIR $251.96. ML320 HAS RUN FINE SO FAR (7OCT). I FEEL THAT THIS SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE (CP… Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 10114385 · 76,000 mi THE VEHICLE IS A 2000 ML 320 MADE BY MERCEDES. THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. LUCKILY, WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO A SAFE PLACE AND STOP THE CAR SAFELY. I CONSIDER THIS A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE. SINCE THE CAR WOULD NOT START, IT WAS TOWED TO SACRAMENTO MERCEDES. THE SECOND, AND PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT, ISSUE IS THE WAY THE DEALER INSISTED ON DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THE DEALER THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, ?THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED?. AFTER READING WHAT THE DEALER WRO… Look up ODI 10114385 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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.0% ODI 10237217 · 75,000 mi ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, IDLES LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE, CAR SURGES FORWARD WHILE MOVING OR STOPPED, DASH WARNING LIGHTS ON/OFF, ROUGH GEAR SHIFTING OR WON'T SHIFT, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, GAS TANK/GAUGE PROBLEMS, LOCK/WINDOWS POWERED WHEN CAR OFF, DASH LIGHTING GOES IN/OUT, HEADLIGHT/BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT QUICKLY, ELECTRICAL, STARTING CAR ISSUES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT USED WITH A "CERTIFIED PRE OWNED WARRANTY", CODES GO OFF AND THEY SIMPLY RESET THEM. THERE HAS BEEN A NEW CONVERTER, WINDOW REPAIR, WO… Look up ODI 10237217 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	110.0% ODI 10039003 · 10,744 mi I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE (WITH MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN STRAPPED IN THE BACK), WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER, THE CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CEMENT MEDIAN, AND HIT A PARKED CAR. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS INJURED. I AM SICK THINKING WHAT COULD OF HAPPENED. THE CAR IS 6 MONTHS OLD AND HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR A PROBLEM I BELIEVE WAS THE BEGINNING OF THIS, I.E., WHEN I WOULD STEP ON THE BRAKE IT WOULD GO TO STALL, BUCK FORWARD AND THEN BE OK. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIND IT OR D… Look up ODI 10039003 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	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
Steering	45,400–111,500 mi	70,000 mi	10	ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUST 5TH, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. APPARENTLY THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND IT SHREDDED ONE OF THE MAJOR BELTS, WHICH DAMAGED THE OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED … Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10255736 · 120,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IMMEDIATELY, THE DRIVER EXERTED MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS ALSO EXCESSIVE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V121000 (STEERING;HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST;HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEA… Look up ODI 10255736 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10292555 · 117,000 mi WHEN TRYING TO TURN MY VEHICLE FROM A PARKING LOT, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME SO HARD TO TURN. THE CAR WAS NOT IN DRIVABLE CONDITION AND I TOWED IT TO MY NEAREST SERVICE STATION. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, POWER STEERING HOSE AND CLAMP WERE REPLACED AND THE CAR IS RUNNING GOOD NOW. LATER I FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN 1999 MERCEDES ML 320 AND FOUND RECALL CAMPAIGN DETAILS OF THIS ISSUE IN NHTSA WEBSITE. BUT WHEN I CALLED MERCEDES USA TO GET A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR COST, THEY ARE REFUS… Look up ODI 10292555 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	15,650–49,325 mi	25,000 mi	7	ODI 10360111 · 70,650 mi MY 1999 MERCEDES ML320 STALLED IN TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WHICH SHOWED A MARGINAL PROBLEM. WE PICKED UP THE CAR AND BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MANAGER THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" WAS ILLUMINATED. HE SAID THAT WAS BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME PLUGS MISFIRING, BUT THAT WOULD HAVE NO BEARING ON THE CAR STALLING. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND SAY IT RUNS LIKE A TOP. WE REFUSED TO TAKE THE… Look up ODI 10360111 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10131784 · 86,000 mi JUST AS REPORTED IN CONSUMER REPORTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSING ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS (IE., BRAKE ASSIST, SAFETY BELTS, AIR BAGS) TO FAIL. THE PROBLEM CAUSED TWO ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR WHEN THE 4,400 LB. VEHICLE COULD NOT STOP. OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ARE ALSO FAILING. FURTHER, THE REAR GATE LATCH WAS NOT LOCKING AND THE DEALER NEVER VERBALLY TOLD US WHEN WE PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM BEING SERVICED, NOR DID THEY EVER ASK IF WE WANTED IT FIXED. WE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS. ONE WOULD EXPECT MORE FROM A MERCEDES PRODUCT. … Look up ODI 10131784 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10135790 · 100 mi SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IT CONTINUES TO HESITATE AND STALL OUT GIVING A "START ERROR" ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HAD CONFIRMED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER, GERRY GRIFFITH (CAR PURCHASED IN INDIANAPOLIS, RECENT MOVE TO ALABAMA), THAT THE MODEL M-CLASS HAS PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. JUST HAD TO SPEND $1000+ ON A "FIX" AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF PURCHASING THE CAR. DETAILED SERVICE RECORDS ARE NOT GIVEN TO THE CUSTOMER ONLY A BRIEF SYNOPSIS AND ALL WORK IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT REPORT, I.E., THE ACTUAL TESTING CODES, ETC… Look up ODI 10135790 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	79,300–118,443 mi	100,100 mi	7	ODI 10424020 · 100,100 mi DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER I GOT OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER ROTOR/CALIPER WAS ALMOST GLOWING AND ERUPTING WITH SMOKE, THE 3 OTHER BRAKES LOOKED FINE. THE SMOKE DID NOT STOP FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES AND IT SMELLED ABSOLUTELY TERR… Look up ODI 10424020 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10237261 · 91,000 mi THIS FAILURE IS BEST DESCRIBED IN THIS INVESTIGATION HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/CARS/PROBLEMS/DEFECT/RESULTS.CFM?ACTION_NUMBER=PE07007&SEARCHTYPE=QUICKSEARCH&SUMMARY=TRUE I HAVE THIS EXACT PROBLEM AND MERCEDES BENZ DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A KNOWN PROBLEM. NO PARTICULAR EVENTS LED UP TO THIS FAILURE. A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TO ME IN A PARKING LOT WHILE PULLING OUT. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKES AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. 2-3 MONTHS LATER, THIS SAME INCIDENT HAPPENED TO ME AGAIN BUT THI… Look up ODI 10237261 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10293268 · 120,000 mi THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CAN TAKE OVER THROTTLE AND BRAKING. VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY APPLY BRAKES TO VARIOUS WHEELS. IT WILL PITCH THE CAR LEFT OR RIGHT AND REQUIRE DRIVER TO COUNTER STEER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. THERE IS NO WARNING ON WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT OR CAUSE VEHICLE TO SPIN. MERCEDES DEALER SERVICE MANAGER ADVISE ME IT IS A FAULTY SENSOR AND IT IS REPLACE AT OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $600. I COMPLAINT THAT IT IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. SERVICE ADVISOR SIMPLY REPLIED " YES IT IS, YOU SHOUL… Look up ODI 10293268 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	37,400–45,000 mi	40,900 mi	5	ODI 10089062 · 37,400 mi NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS HARD TO STEER THAT MIGHT CAUSE INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. *AK Look up ODI 10089062 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUST 5TH, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. APPARENTLY THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND IT SHREDDED ONE OF THE MAJOR BELTS, WHICH DAMAGED THE OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED … Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10139067 · 117,574 mi MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE (NO CODES). FUEL PUMP CHECKED OK. AT MY REQUEST, THE MECH CHANGED OUT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) ON 30 SEPT. COST TO REPAIR $251.96. ML320 HAS RUN FINE SO FAR (7OCT). I FEEL THAT THIS SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE (CP… Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	64,500–112,689 mi	93,550 mi	6	ODI 10424020 · 100,100 mi DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER I GOT OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER ROTOR/CALIPER WAS ALMOST GLOWING AND ERUPTING WITH SMOKE, THE 3 OTHER BRAKES LOOKED FINE. THE SMOKE DID NOT STOP FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES AND IT SMELLED ABSOLUTELY TERR… Look up ODI 10424020 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10199737 · 57,000 mi MY BIGGEST CONCERN WITH THE ML320 THAT I HAVE OWNED SINCE 2002, BUT NOT THE ONLY CONCERN WOULD BE THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I COMPLAINED FROM A COUPLE OF MONTHS INTO BUYING THIS VEHICLE THAT I DID NOT FEEL SAFE. THE VEHICLE BRAKES GOES INTO A LOCKED POSITION IF YOU DRIVE OVER A BUMP, MAN HOLE, OR IF IT RAINS THE SUV SKIDS AS IF YOU ARE LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE BAS ESP LIGHT COMES ON OFTEN, WHICH WARNS YOU THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IT IS ON AS I AM COMPLAINING NOW. I HAVE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MORE THAN ONE… Look up ODI 10199737 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10290854 · 87,000 mi 2000 ML-CLASS MERCEDES ML55 LEAKING BRAKE LINE DUE TO CHAFFING AS DESCRIBED IN YOUR INVESTIGATION OF 52,000 ML-CLASS MERCEDES SUV'S. THE BRAKE LINE RUNNING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ABS PUMP SUFFERS EVENTUAL FAILURE DUE TO CHAFFING AGAINST A POORLY POSITIONED FUEL LINE. SUFFERED NEAR TOTAL FAILURE OF BRAKING SYSTEM THIS MORNING DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ALL PARTS REMOVED, AND A FAILURE ASSESSMENT PROVIDED BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THE WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED AT A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER, THEREBY ENSURING OBJECTIVITY OF THE DIAGNOSIS. … Look up ODI 10290854 at NHTSA ↗
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	36,200–62,500 mi	46,600 mi	5	ODI 10007841 · 115,000 mi POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS. BASED ON PUBLISHED COMMENTS BY INDIVIDUALS ON VARIOUS INTERNET CHAT GROUPS FOR THIS TRUCK REGARDING HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS AND FAILURES OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE, I CHECK MY HOSES AND FOUND THAT THE LOWER HOSE WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF. THE CLAMP, WHICH WAS LOOSE, WAS RETIGHTENED. Look up ODI 10007841 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10007936 · 46,600 mi FIRST OCCURANCE WAS LEAKAGE 2 MONTHS PRIOR, CLAMP TIGHTENED BY DEALER. 2ND OCCURENCE ON REPORTED DATE, STARTED TO DRIVE OUT OF PARKING LOT, POWER STEERING HOSE BLEW OFF, LOST ALL FLUID AND POWER STEERING ASSIST. Look up ODI 10007936 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10014040 · 62,500 mi POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE CAME UNATTACHED FORM THE RADIATOR (CLAMP FAILED) POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAYED OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE RESULTED. LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST. CALLED MERCEDES ROAD REPAIR - THEY REPLACED THE CLAMP WITH A NEW "IMPROVED" CLAMP. THEY CHARGED $45.00 FOR THE SERVICE>. *JB Look up ODI 10014040 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Ignition:Module	Too few reports for a range	96,787 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10139067 · 117,574 mi MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE (NO CODES). FUEL PUMP CHECKED OK. AT MY REQUEST, THE MECH CHANGED OUT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) ON 30 SEPT. COST TO REPAIR $251.96. ML320 HAS RUN FINE SO FAR (7OCT). I FEEL THAT THIS SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE (CP… Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10114385 · 76,000 mi THE VEHICLE IS A 2000 ML 320 MADE BY MERCEDES. THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. LUCKILY, WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO A SAFE PLACE AND STOP THE CAR SAFELY. I CONSIDER THIS A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE. SINCE THE CAR WOULD NOT START, IT WAS TOWED TO SACRAMENTO MERCEDES. THE SECOND, AND PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT, ISSUE IS THE WAY THE DEALER INSISTED ON DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THE DEALER THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, ?THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED?. AFTER READING WHAT THE DEALER WRO… Look up ODI 10114385 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	42,872 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10237217 · 75,000 mi ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, IDLES LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE, CAR SURGES FORWARD WHILE MOVING OR STOPPED, DASH WARNING LIGHTS ON/OFF, ROUGH GEAR SHIFTING OR WON'T SHIFT, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, GAS TANK/GAUGE PROBLEMS, LOCK/WINDOWS POWERED WHEN CAR OFF, DASH LIGHTING GOES IN/OUT, HEADLIGHT/BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT QUICKLY, ELECTRICAL, STARTING CAR ISSUES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT USED WITH A "CERTIFIED PRE OWNED WARRANTY", CODES GO OFF AND THEY SIMPLY RESET THEM. THERE HAS BEEN A NEW CONVERTER, WINDOW REPAIR, WO… Look up ODI 10237217 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10039003 · 10,744 mi I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE (WITH MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN STRAPPED IN THE BACK), WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER, THE CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CEMENT MEDIAN, AND HIT A PARKED CAR. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS INJURED. I AM SICK THINKING WHAT COULD OF HAPPENED. THE CAR IS 6 MONTHS OLD AND HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR A PROBLEM I BELIEVE WAS THE BEGINNING OF THIS, I.E., WHEN I WOULD STEP ON THE BRAKE IT WOULD GO TO STALL, BUCK FORWARD AND THEN BE OK. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIND IT OR D… Look up ODI 10039003 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

2004: 0 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2004	0	0	0
2008	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2004	0	0	0
2008	1	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	Steering	Electrical System	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Engine And Engine Cooling	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	Electrical System:Ignition:Module	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Steering	—	0	0	1 ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUST 5TH, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. APPARENTLY THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND IT SHREDDED ONE OF THE MAJOR BELTS, WHICH DAMAGED THE OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED … Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	0	0	—	0	3 ODI 10424020 · 100,100 mi DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER I GOT OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER ROTOR/CALIPER WAS ALMOST GLOWING AND ERUPTING WITH SMOKE, THE 3 OTHER BRAKES LOOKED FINE. THE SMOKE DID NOT STOP FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES AND IT SMELLED ABSOLUTELY TERR… Look up ODI 10424020 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10348202 · 116,885 mi I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML 430 AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS BEING DISPLAYED IT ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD NOT BEEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE THEN SKIDDED, STOPPED, SKIDDED AGAIN AND STOPPED. THIS WENT ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 45-60 SECONDS THEN THE BAS ESP MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN THREE ACCIDENTS WHICH ALL COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE S… Look up ODI 10348202 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10380051 · 160,000 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 ML320 MERCEDES, THE CAR SUDDENLY APPLIES BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION AND SOMEONE SHOULD MAKE MERCEDES ADDRESS THIS DEFECT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED! IF YOU DO A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET, IT WILL AMAZE YOU HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS HORRIFYING ORDEAL. PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE MY COMPLAINT. *TR Look up ODI 10380051 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	1 ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUST 5TH, MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. APPARENTLY THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND IT SHREDDED ONE OF THE MAJOR BELTS, WHICH DAMAGED THE OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED … Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 10139067 · 117,574 mi MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE (NO CODES). FUEL PUMP CHECKED OK. AT MY REQUEST, THE MECH CHANGED OUT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) ON 30 SEPT. COST TO REPAIR $251.96. ML320 HAS RUN FINE SO FAR (7OCT). I FEEL THAT THIS SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE (CP… Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	0	3 ODI 10424020 · 100,100 mi DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER I GOT OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER ROTOR/CALIPER WAS ALMOST GLOWING AND ERUPTING WITH SMOKE, THE 3 OTHER BRAKES LOOKED FINE. THE SMOKE DID NOT STOP FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES AND IT SMELLED ABSOLUTELY TERR… Look up ODI 10424020 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10348202 · 116,885 mi I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML 430 AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS BEING DISPLAYED IT ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD NOT BEEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE THEN SKIDDED, STOPPED, SKIDDED AGAIN AND STOPPED. THIS WENT ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 45-60 SECONDS THEN THE BAS ESP MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN THREE ACCIDENTS WHICH ALL COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE S… Look up ODI 10348202 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10380051 · 160,000 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 ML320 MERCEDES, THE CAR SUDDENLY APPLIES BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION AND SOMEONE SHOULD MAKE MERCEDES ADDRESS THIS DEFECT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED! IF YOU DO A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET, IT WILL AMAZE YOU HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS HORRIFYING ORDEAL. PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE MY COMPLAINT. *TR Look up ODI 10380051 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Electrical System:Ignition:Module	0	0	0	1 ODI 10139067 · 117,574 mi MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE (NO CODES). FUEL PUMP CHECKED OK. AT MY REQUEST, THE MECH CHANGED OUT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) ON 30 SEPT. COST TO REPAIR $251.96. ML320 HAS RUN FINE SO FAR (7OCT). I FEEL THAT THIS SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE (CP… Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	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

6 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

17 mentions · 24.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 46,600 mi (15 usable records).

ODI 10089062 · 37,400 mi

NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS HARD TO STEER THAT MIGHT CAUSE INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. *AK

Look up ODI 10089062 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10007841 · 115,000 mi

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ODI 10007936 · 46,600 mi

FIRST OCCURANCE WAS LEAKAGE 2 MONTHS PRIOR, CLAMP TIGHTENED BY DEALER. 2ND OCCURENCE ON REPORTED DATE, STARTED TO DRIVE OUT OF PARKING LOT, POWER STEERING HOSE BLEW OFF, LOST ALL FLUID AND POWER STEERING ASSIST.

Look up ODI 10007936 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Stalling or loss of power

8 mentions · 11.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 45,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi

Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10139067 · 117,574 mi

Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10360111 · 70,650 mi

Look up ODI 10360111 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

7 mentions · 10.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10069784 · 45,000 mi

Look up ODI 10069784 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10139067 · 117,574 mi

Look up ODI 10139067 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10360111 · 70,650 mi

Look up ODI 10360111 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 116,885 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10270290 · 66,335 mi

WITHOUT ANY WARNING, WHEN COMING TO A TRAFFIC STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL ON MY 2000 MERCEDES ML55 WENT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AFTER REAPPLYING THE BRAKE AND PUSHING VERY HARD. FORTUNATELY NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, NOTICED THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW, PUT SOME FLUID IN AND DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE TO WORK. THE BRAKES WERE VERY SOFT. THE NEXT DAY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MERCEDES DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THAT A BRAKE LINE WAS RUBBED THROUGH AND LEAKING. NO IND…

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ODI 10348202 · 116,885 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML 430 AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS BEING DISPLAYED IT ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD NOT BEEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE THEN SKIDDED, STOPPED, SKIDDED AGAIN AND STOPPED. THIS WENT ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 45-60 SECONDS THEN THE BAS ESP MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN THREE ACCIDENTS WHICH ALL COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE S…

Look up ODI 10348202 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10407062 · 138,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL IN ACTIVATION. WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE. SUDDENLY THE BRAKES LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN INTO PARK, WHICH BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT RESUMED IN OPERATION WITH CAUTION. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V208000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTR…

Look up ODI 10407062 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,600 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10277218 · 221,000 mi

1999 ML 320 BEGAN JERKING ON MEDIUM GRADES. JERKING WAS REPORTED TO KNOXVILLE TN. MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP. THEY REPORTED THE TRANSFER CASE IS FAILING. THEY INDICATED THAT TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TRANSFER CASE FAILURE ON AN ML 320. I HAD THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4300.00. *TR

Look up ODI 10277218 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459727 · 67,600 mi

AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AS OFF THE FROM RIGHT BRAKE WAS BEING APPLIED ON ITS OWN. TURNED THE ESP (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) OFF AND PROCEEDED AND THE EVENT HAPPENED AGAIN, CAR JERKED TO LEFT AND HEADED TO DITCH BUT WAS ABLE TO OVERCOME WITH STEERING WHEEL. IT APPEARS A CAR SYSTEM FAILED CRASH RATHER THAN FAIL SAFE. *TR

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ODI 10442484 · 40,900 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ M430. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND IT SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSES DEALER. THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,900. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10442484 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 41,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10114385 · 76,000 mi

THE VEHICLE IS A 2000 ML 320 MADE BY MERCEDES. THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. LUCKILY, WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO A SAFE PLACE AND STOP THE CAR SAFELY. I CONSIDER THIS A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE. SINCE THE CAR WOULD NOT START, IT WAS TOWED TO SACRAMENTO MERCEDES. THE SECOND, AND PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT, ISSUE IS THE WAY THE DEALER INSISTED ON DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THE DEALER THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, ?THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED?. AFTER READING WHAT THE DEALER WRO…

Look up ODI 10114385 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10045088 · 7,000 mi

I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 ML 350 DURING THE MEMORIAL DAY SALE FROM OUR LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER IN IOWA CITY, IA. THE SUV SHUTS OFF AUTOMATICALLY. INITIALLY, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE SUV HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALER THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. EACH TIME, THE DAY AFTER I RECEIVED THE ML350 BACK, THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN. TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHERE THE SUV WOULD NOT START IN MY GARAGE (WHICH PRESENTED NO HAZARD). TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHERE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD - PARTICULARLY IF…

Look up ODI 10045088 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule