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U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes Benz ML350 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

25 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

51,400 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 19 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 25 complaints (36.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior1352.0%
Engine operation312.0%
Electrical and battery issues312.0%
Braking behavior14.0%

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
9
Electrical System
4
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler
4
Seats
3
Engine
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering9
Electrical System4
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler4
Seats3
Engine2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Unknown Or Other2

Steering: 9; Electrical System: 4; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler: 4; Seats: 3; Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
7
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9997
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 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.

2005
3
2006
2
2007
1
2008
3
2009
6
2013
2
2014
2
2015
1
2016
3
2018
1
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20053
20062
20071
20083
20096
20132
20142
20151
20163
20181
20231

2005: 3; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 3; 2009: 6; 2013: 2; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 3; 2018: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 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 10135564 · 2005-09-07 (September 7, 2005)

STEERING IS MAKING A WHEEZING NOISE AND IT FEELS HARD TO STEER COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. ENGINE FELLS LIKE STALLING AFTER HITTING BRAKES; ENGINE IS SHAKING ON THE DRIVE MODE WHEN YOU ARE NOT MOVING AND ON BRAKE MODE; MORE THAN 10 TIMES, WILL TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP SOON. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10135564 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10149378 · 2006-02-03 (February 3, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50MPH THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM TURNING. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD SIDE A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WERE IT IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED.

Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10149378 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10229634 · 2008-06-02 (June 2, 2008)

I OWN A MERCEDES ML 350 2003; WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TO WORK THIS MORNING THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING, BECAME DISABLED AND STEERING, BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. THE CAR SLOWED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR ROAD WITH SPEED LIMITS UP TO 40 MPH AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR INTO THE SHOULDER CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. EVENTUALLY THE CAR COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND ALL LIGHTS BECAME ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. UPON HAVING IT TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS INITIALLY A KEY FAILURE IN WHICH COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 93,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10229634 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10249773 · 2008-11-25 (November 25, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BURNING. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR HIS WALLET IN HIS BACKPOCKET, HIS PANTS WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES BURNED THROUGH HIS LEATHER SEATS. THE CONTACT SEARCHED THE INTERNET, BUT FOUND NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,400.

Owner-reported narrative. 51,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10249773 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10259532 · 2009-02-21 (February 21, 2009)

MY M-350 HAD NO POWER. THE HARNESS CABLE (163-540-28-32) LOCATED BEHIND AND AGAINST THE BATTERY HAD COMPLETELY BEEN DESTROYED BY THE BATTERY ACID ENVIRONMENT. THE CABLE SUPPLIES THE OPERATIONAL POWER TO THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTO. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING WHEN THIS COMPLETE FAILURE OCCURRED I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE ELSE. ALL SYSTEMS IN THE CAR WERE TOTALLY NON-FUNCTIONAL. NO SHIELDING OR PREVENTION OF DAMAGE TO THE CABLE WAS ENGINEERED INTO THE FACTORY INSTALLATION OF THIS CABLE. THE BATTERY WAS THE ORIG…

Owner-reported narrative. 77,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10259532 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

25 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

76.0%Usable mileage19 / 25 records
100.0%Valid incident date25 / 25 records
100.0%Valid filing date25 / 25 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates25 / 25 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component20012003200420052006200720082009
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

416.0%
ODI 10252047 · 24,500 mi

MY FAMILY OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350. A FEW WEEKS AGO, MY MOM NOTICED A BURN MARK ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT. WE BELIEVED ONE OF THE MECHANICS BURNT IT WITH A TOOL DURING THE CAR'S SERVICE. SO THIS BURN MARK WAS IGNORED. ON DEC. 13, 2008 AROUND 8:20 AM, MY MOM, WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR, SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW SMOKE AND A SMALL FIRE FROM THE SIDE OF HER SEAT. SHE COULD NOT HAVE PULLED OVER QUICKLY BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC. SHE TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMER. THEN SHE PUT IT OUT WITH A TOWEL SHE WAS SITTING ON, IT TOO WAS BURNT, BUT PREVENTED MY MOMS LEG …

Look up ODI 10252047 at NHTSA ↗

411.4%
ODI 10165343

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSES BUT WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED AND VERY FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR RESPONSE. DURING THESE 2 YEAR THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG. WE DID CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ HEADQUARTERS..MARKET TOO MANY TIMES AND EXPLAIN ABOUT US CAR. BUT THEY ARE IGNORE NOW WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF LAUNCHING A LAWSUIT TO REPLACE MY 04 ML 350 ON THE BASIS OF SAFETY. THE ENGINE FAILED 18 TIMES ON THE ROAD (IN ADDITION TO ALL KINDS OF OTHER PROBLEMS). WE ARE IN CALIFORNIA USA--2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 - LIST PROBLEMS AND MUCH TIME SPENT IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT…

Look up ODI 10165343 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2816.3%
ODI 10149348 · 11,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS ONE CUP OF WATER IN A BAG IN THE CARGO AREA. THE WATER SPILLED ONTO THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SYSTEM AND THE REAR LIFT GATE WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP.

Look up ODI 10149348 at NHTSA ↗

1821.7%
ODI 10322740 · 33,000 mi

2007 ML350 DRIVER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT CAUSES FIRE WHILE CHILDREN IN CAR. *CN

Look up ODI 10322740 at NHTSA ↗

1319.4%
ODI 10554313 · 112,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER MERGING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT AND IN A MATTER OF MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1…

Look up ODI 10554313 at NHTSA ↗

1617.2%
ODI 10534063 · 95,000 mi

THE BACK HATCH ON MY 2009 MERCEDES ML350 WOULD NOT OPEN USING THE ELECTRONIC KEY OR THE DRIVER BUTTON IN THE DOOR. THERE WAS A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS OPENING, BUT THE LATCH WOULD NOT RELEASE THE DOOR. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS MY BATTERY WOULD SUDDENLY BE DEAD. I ASSUMED I MUST HAVE LEFT A LIGHT ON. IT WAS NOT UNTIL I SAW A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT I REALIZED THAT MY UNOPENED HATCH WAS DRAINING MY BATTERY. I HAVE SINCE HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY AT AN EXPENSE OF OVER $300. MERCEDES BATTERIES ARE EXTREMELY EXP…

Look up ODI 10534063 at NHTSA ↗

Steering
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

936.0%
ODI 10261473 · 29,000 mi

MY 2003 MERCEDES ML350 ONLY 37,000 MILES THE NOISE (STEERING RACK PROBLEM) HAD BEEN APPARENT SINCE 29,000 MILES. I SCHEDULED WITH JOHN SHEPARD (SERVICE MANAGER OF PHIL SMART MERCEDES SERVICE CENTER AT SEATTLE, [email removed], 2025 AIRPORT WAY SOUTH SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98134 PHONE: [phone removed], FAX: [phone removed]) TO INSPECT THE PROBLEMS, FOUND THAT 'VERIFIED NOISE, INSTALLED ELECTRONIC EARS, TO ISOLATE NOISE FOUND NOISE FROM INSIDE OF STEERING PACK ASSEMBLY,' AND INSPECTION FEE WAS $152.60, SUGGESTING REPAIR WAS TO REPLACING THE GEARI…

Look up ODI 10261473 at NHTSA ↗

617.1%
ODI 10256705 · 61,000 mi

A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY SUV. I WAS UNAWARE OF ANY LOST OF POWER STEERING FLUID UNTIL I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND I LATER CHECK THE AREA WHERE I HAD PARKED THE NIGHT BEFORE. I PARKED MY VEHICLE UNTIL I REPLACED THE POWER STEERING FLUID. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE ON THE OTHER ML320, 2001 THAT I GOT RID OF THREE YEARS AGO. *TR

Look up ODI 10256705 at NHTSA ↗

626.1%
ODI 10258928 · 100,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES AT APPROXIMATELY 57 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE STEERING COLUMN COMPLETELY LOCKED. SHE ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, BUT WAS HEADED TOWARDS A CEMENT BARRIER BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS INOPERABLE. SHE APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY. THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANI…

Look up ODI 10258928 at NHTSA ↗

137.6%
ODI 10384231 · 60,000 mi

STEERING WHEELS RATTLES AND MAKE GROANING NOISE WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. CAN DISTRACT DRIVERS AND CAUSE ACCIDENTS. *TR

Look up ODI 10384231 at NHTSA ↗

89.6%
ODI 10269386 · 14,000 mi

2007 MERCEDES ML 350: POOR DESIGN OF SHIFT LEVER, LOCATED ON STEERING COLUMN PUSH UP FOR REVERSE, PUSH DOWN FOR DRIVE, PUSH IN FOR PARK (WHEN DOING SO SYSTEM MAKES NEAR INAUDIBLE SOUND.) MY WIFE PUT CAR IN PARK, GOT OUT CAR ROLLED IN REVERSE CAUGHT HER LEG AND DRAGGED HER UNDER, CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL BACK AND CRUSHED HER LEFT LEG, MBENZ SAID TOO BAD BE MORE CAREFUL THIS IS A DESIGN FAULT DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. MBENZ TOLD ME ALL OF THEIR MODELS ARE BEING CHANGED TO THIS DESIGN TO KEEP COFFEE ETC FROM SPILLING FROM CONSOLE CUP HOLDERS IN…

Look up ODI 10269386 at NHTSA ↗

2334.3%
ODI 10260437 · 8,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOOSE. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FOR INSPECTION, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND ANY FAILURES. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS MANEUVERING TOO EASILY AND IS CONCERNED THAT HE MAY LOSE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

Look up ODI 10260437 at NHTSA ↗

11.1%
ODI 11686279 · 90,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel locked. The battery warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Look up ODI 11686279 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

514.3%
ODI 10206819 · 54,000 mi

2004 ML 350 HAD SRS AND AIRBAG LIGHTS APPEAR ON DASH THAT DID NOT GO OUT DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. OWNER'S MANUAL STATED THIS COULD RESULT IN NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DURING AN ACCIDENT, OR UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD A SEAT RECOGNITION SENSOR WAS REQUIRED FOR $752. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND IS A FAILURE OF A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL, AND PLACE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AT RISK, AFTER ONLY 3 1/2 YEARS OF OPERATION. MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND TEST AND REPLACE THE SENS…

Look up ODI 10206819 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

95.2%
ODI 10170806 · 1,220 mi

LEASED VEHICLE FROM MERCEDES BENZ OF SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, ON FRIDAY 10/13/06 SRS SYSTEM LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED IN RED, AND WOULDN'T GO OFF. CONTACTED DEALERS SERVICE ON 10/13/06, FRIDAY, SAME STATED, UPON MY INQUIRY, VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, AND TO BRING IT IN ON TUESDAY 10/17/06, FOR ITS' SCHEDULED FIRST APPOINTMENT AT 8:00 A.M.. UPON REVIEWING THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR THE ML350, SAME DISCLOSED ON PAGE 407, "IN THE EVENT A MALFUNCTION OF THE SRS IS INDICATED AS OUTLINED ABOVE, THE SRS MAY NOT BE OPERATIONAL. FOR YOUR …

Look up ODI 10170806 at NHTSA ↗

22.4%
ODI 10667045

TOO ALL THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ACCIDENT MY COMPLIANT IS I BOUGHT THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE FROM THE RICHMOND VA CARMAX AND HAS BEEN BACK SEVERAL TIMES AND EVEN SPOKE WITH THE STORE MANAGER [XXX] AND THE REGION MANAGER WHOM WAS VERY NASTY TO BE ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND TO HAVE ME KEEP COMING BACK OVER 5 TIMES IN JUST TWO MONTHS AND STILL HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. I RECENTLY SAW THE SPECIAL THAT 60 MINUTES HAD ABOUT YOUR FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES FROM YOUR. I NOW UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT PERFORMING FOR THE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10667045 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 10548603 · 72,000 mi

WHILE PARKING MY CAR, GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS, IT SUDDENLY, AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A PARKED CAR AND CRASHED INTO A TREE IN A YARD LOCATED ABOUT 12 YARDS OR SO AWAY, SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGING THE FRONT OF THE CAR, SIDE OF THE CAR, AND CAUSING THE AIR BAGS TO BE RELEASED. THIS WAS AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BY THE VEHICLE THAT AUTOMATICALLY OCCURRED. I SUFFERED BRUISES IN THE FOREHEAD AND RIGHT HAND, AND LACERATION OF THE LEFT KNEE.

Look up ODI 10548603 at NHTSA ↗

4043.0%
ODI 10897342 · 80,000 mi

RECEIVED LETTER IN MAY 2016 REGARDING THE AIR BAG RECALL 16V-081. STILL HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED ON WHERE OR WHEN TO GET IT FIXED.

Look up ODI 10897342 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.9%
ODI 10850280 · 165,000 mi

TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS

Look up ODI 10850280 at NHTSA ↗

28.7%
ODI 10424590 · 60,000 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 ML350 USED LAST SUMMER (2010). IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPED, THE ACCELERATION SEEMED TO DROP LOW ENOUGH TO MAKE THE VEHICLE STALL. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, BUT TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. SINCE THEN, IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE YEAR. ALSO, WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WILL STALL AND I WILL HAVE TO KEEP RETRYING TO START IT AND PRESS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL TO GET IT TO FINALLY START. (ONLY USE THE RECOMMENDED OCTANE SUG…

Look up ODI 10424590 at NHTSA ↗

3319.2%
ODI 10255567 · 78,000 mi

2006 MERCEDES ML350. UPON TURNING 78K MILES A CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR APPEARED. UPON EXAMINATION A SPROCKET IN THE TIMING CHAIN ASSEMBLY WAS WORN AND IN DANGER OF FAILURE. WITHIN ONE DAY - AND WITH VERY LITTLE EFFORT - I FOUND TWO OTHERS WITH THE SAME MOTOR HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MERCEDES PRIDES ITSELF ON EXCELLENT ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING AND CHARGED ME $50K FOR SUCH EXCELLENCE. WITH THIS KIND OF MILEAGE THERE SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF MACHINERY. APPARENTLY MB AGREED. UPON WORKING WITH A LOCAL DEALERSHIP MB PAID 50% OF THE B…

Look up ODI 10255567 at NHTSA ↗

1416.9%
ODI 10410715 · 55,905 mi

MINOR ACCIDENT IN LA, CAR TAKEN TO M-B OF CALABASAS THEY RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION SERVICE. 12 DAYS LATER, CAR WAS PARKED, PUT IN PARK, ENGINE TURNED OFF, OWNER/PASSENGER IN CAR, DRIVER LEFT VEHICLE. CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS, HIT A SOFT SPOT IN GRAVEL, ROLLED OVER TWICE DOWN STEEP EMBANKMENT, STOPPED AGAINST A TREE. PASSENGER NOTICED CAR WAS IN PARK, UNBUCKLED HER SEAT BELT TO ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE, TOO LATE. RIGHT HAND, SHOULDER AND BACK INJURED. CAR TOWED TO M-B OF WILSONVILLE. THEY SAID IT WAS TOTALED. REGIONAL MANAGER SAW CAR. …

Look up ODI 10410715 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 10553143 · 58,800 mi

ATM AT BANK WAS NOT OPERATING AND WAS GOING INSIDE BANK, AT REGIONS BANK IN HENDERSONVILLE TN. WHEN CAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THAT COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY BRAKING. THE RESULT BEING,HITTING TWO CARS, WHEN TRYING TO GO BETWEEN THEM, THEN STILL COULDN'T STOP UNTIL NOSE DIVE IN ROCK LINED FOUR FOOT DITCH . *TR

Look up ODI 10553143 at NHTSA ↗

11.1%
ODI 10578492 · 61,590 mi

AS I WAS GETTING READY TO SHIFT THE GEAR LEVER TO DRIVE THE LEVER SHEARED OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO HAVE CONTROL OF SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO ANY OTHER POSITION SUCH AS (P/N/R). I STOP THE CAR AS A SAFETY CONCERN AND LOOKED AT THE BROKEN GEAR SHIFT LEVER AND IT APPEAR TO BE SHEARED OFF THE WEAKEST AREA OF THE LEVER OR WHERE THE SHIFTING LOAD TAKES PLACE. CAR STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY WITH THE EXCUSE EXCESSIVE FORCE APPLIED TO SHIFT WHICH CAUSE THE LEVER TO BRAKE. I AM SURE THE IS A MATERIAL DEFECTS AND FA…

Look up ODI 10578492 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

312.0%
ODI 10249773 · 51,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BURNING. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR HIS WALLET IN HIS BACKPOCKET, HIS PANTS WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES BURNED THROUGH HIS LEATHER SEATS. THE CONTACT SEARCHED THE INTERNET, BUT FOUND NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,400.

Look up ODI 10249773 at NHTSA ↗

411.4%
ODI 10253406 · 73,000 mi

I HAVE A 2004 MERCEDES ML350 SUV AND I TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATER AND IT GOT SO HOT THAT I HAD TO TURN IT OFF. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT BURNED SO HOT THAT I HAD TO MOVE MY BODY AND WEIGHT TO MY RIGHT SIDE BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE SITTING ON COALS - EVEN THROUGH THE LEATHER INTERIOR. I DID NOT USE IT AGAIN BECAUSE THE WEATHER WAS NOT THAT COLD. THE NEXT PERSON TO USE IT WAS MY MOTHER. SHE WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND I WAS NEXT TO HER AND SHE TURNED ON HER SEAT HEATER AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES SHE SCREAMED BECAUSE THE HEAT OF THE SEAT HEATER WAS SO…

Look up ODI 10253406 at NHTSA ↗

313.0%
ODI 10425557 · 32,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN REVERSE, THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND SUDDENLY THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A SEVERE BURNING SENSATION DIRECTLY TO THE SKIN FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE CONTACT EXIT THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED SMOKE AND FLAMES EMITTING FROM THE TOP OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. IMMEDIATELY, ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED AND THE FLAMES WERE SMOTHERED BY AND INDIVIDUAL WHO USED THEIR HANDS TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR BURNS TO HIS BACK AND T…

Look up ODI 10425557 at NHTSA ↗

148.1%
ODI 10361642 · 91,000 mi

2006 MERCEDES ML350 AT 91,100 MILES DRIVER SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND LATER FOUND A BURNED HOLE IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, DRIVER NOTICED SMELL WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS TURNED ON. DEALERSHIP IS REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS ISN'T NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO THE DRIVER AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS SHOULD THE SEAT CATCH A FLAME. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? *TR

Look up ODI 10361642 at NHTSA ↗

2226.5%
ODI 10228723 · 24,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES ML350. WHILE DRIVING 50MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SMOKE DISTRACTED HER AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE ARRIVED. A REPORT WAS FILED AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT BE DUE TO THE HEATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RIS…

Look up ODI 10228723 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 10428906

AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY SEAT HEATER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH MY SEAT, MY SHIRT, AND MY PANTS. I SAW A SMALL FLAME AND FELT A BURNING ON MY BACK AND IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER. *TR

Look up ODI 10428906 at NHTSA ↗

11.1%
ODI 10937267 · 31,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING, A BURNING RUBBER ODOR AND SMOKE WERE PRESENT UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND, WITHIN MOMENTS, FLAMES COMPLETELY ENGULFED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

Look up ODI 10937267 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

28.0%
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

25.7%
ODI 10684301 · 117,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE CONTACT NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Look up ODI 10684301 at NHTSA ↗

14.3%
ODI 10873704 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ODOR OF SMOKE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND DARK SMOKE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH FLAMES THAT CAME FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Look up ODI 10873704 at NHTSA ↗

3620.9%
ODI 10523113 · 109,458 mi

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 24 JUNE 2013 OR SO. I CONTACTED ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS, MY LOCAL MB DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON 2 JULY, AND THE REPORT INDICATED MY BALANCE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ($5,100), MY POWER STEERING COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ($3,067.50), AND MY TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ($1,812.95). I HAVE BEEN THE SOLE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, AND HAVE HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY AT MB DEALERSHIPS (CRITZ - SAVANNAH, GA AND ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS - DULUTH, GA). PREVIOUSLY, THI…

Look up ODI 10523113 at NHTSA ↗

56.0%
ODI 10519639 · 41,500 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON: CODE 0060 = CONTINUOUS CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT ( RIGHT ) : INCORRECT POSITION OF THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ( P000B ). *TR

Look up ODI 10519639 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 10607448 · 87,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

Look up ODI 10607448 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.7%
ODI 10525310 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET, I NOTICED THAT BRAKES HAD STOPPED WORKING. AFTER INVESTIGATION, I NOTICED THAT A CORRODED BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. I HAD CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ CUSTOMER SERVICE. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT A DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT ALL BRAKE LINES ARE CORRODING IN THE AREA CLOSE TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. I WAS FURTHER TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR BRAKE LINES TO CORRODE AND LEAK. I HAVE NOT NOTICED CORROSION ON ANY OTHER PART OF THE CAR, EXCEPT THE BRAKE LIN…

Look up ODI 10525310 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

127.0%
ODI 10504661 · 90,000 mi

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. KMJ *TR

Look up ODI 10504661 at NHTSA ↗

44.8%
ODI 10925447 · 44,415 mi

REVERSE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AT SLOW SPEED THEN STOPPED. ON DRIVE POSITION, VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AT SAME SITUATION ABOUT SAME TIME.THEN AT THE FREEWAY, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED AND HIT A BIG-RIG TRUCK. NO WARNING LIGHT THAT CAME ON. I PRESSED FOOT PEDAL HARD BUT VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND CONTINUED ROLLING UNTIL IT REAR ENDED THE TRUCK. LUCKILY OUR SPEED WAS 0-5 MPH AND NO INJURY TO MY 2 PASSENGERS. CHP ASSISTED US. VEHICLE WAS NORMAL WHEN PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD …

Look up ODI 10925447 at NHTSA ↗

46.0%
ODI 10553143 · 58,800 mi

ATM AT BANK WAS NOT OPERATING AND WAS GOING INSIDE BANK, AT REGIONS BANK IN HENDERSONVILLE TN. WHEN CAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THAT COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY BRAKING. THE RESULT BEING,HITTING TWO CARS, WHEN TRYING TO GO BETWEEN THEM, THEN STILL COULDN'T STOP UNTIL NOSE DIVE IN ROCK LINED FOUR FOOT DITCH . *TR

Look up ODI 10553143 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 11032925 · 114,000 mi

MY REAR BRAKE LINES HAVE CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT I LOST MY BRAKES. THE FLUID HAS LEAKED OUT. THE CAR IS NOT RUSTING OR SHOWING SIGNS OF RUST OR CORROSION. ONLY THE ACTUAL BRAKE LINES HAVE RUSTED. IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. THE LINES SHOULD HAVE HAD A PROTECTIVE COATING OR BEEN COVERED IN THE EXPOSED AREA TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE CORROSION TO THE POINT THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED THRU AND THE VEHICLE LOST IT'S BRAKING ABILITY. THIS HAPPENED WHILE WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC SO LUCKILY NOBODY GOT HURT BUT IF I WAS AT A HIGH RATE OF S…

Look up ODI 11032925 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

28.0%
ODI 10229634 · 93,000 mi

I OWN A MERCEDES ML 350 2003; WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TO WORK THIS MORNING THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING, BECAME DISABLED AND STEERING, BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. THE CAR SLOWED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR ROAD WITH SPEED LIMITS UP TO 40 MPH AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR INTO THE SHOULDER CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. EVENTUALLY THE CAR COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND ALL LIGHTS BECAME ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. UPON HAVING IT TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS INITIALLY A KEY FAILURE IN WHICH COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE …

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25.7%
ODI 10166340 · 24,695 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH DURING A DOWNHILL BRAKING SITUATION, THERE WAS A HESITATION BETWEEN BRAKING AND ACCELERATING. THE HESITATION LASTED BETWEEN 2 AND 3 SECONDS, AND THERE WAS NO RPM INCREASE DURING THAT PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AT THE TIME.

Look up ODI 10166340 at NHTSA ↗

417.4%
ODI 10228584 · 14,000 mi

I HAVE A 2005 MERCEDES ML350 I BOUGHT IN 2006 SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR DYING. ONCE WHEN I WAS TURNING IN A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WITH MY LITTLE BABY DAUGHTER WE ALMOST GOT HIT CAUSE THE CAR DIED OUT ON ME. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES IN FACT IT IS IN THERE NOW FOR THE SAME THING AND THEY CANNOT FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY HAVE A LOT OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMERS THAT OWN THOSE CARS. HE SAID THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN THE CAR DIES IT DOES NOT REGISTER…

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116.4%
ODI 10235151 · 23,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BEEP AND NOTICED A FLASH OF WARNING LIGHTS ACROSS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CHECK ENGINE, (!), AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE SEIZED TO A JOLT, RELEASED, COASTED, AND THEN FAILED. HE HAD DIFFICULTY RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, BUT WHEN IT DID, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN, INCLUDING ESP GO TO WORKSHOP. HE SAID THAT HIS FOOT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR THE ENTIRE TIME. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER. THE CURRENT …

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56.0%
ODI 10231843 · 3,245 mi

CAR STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY AT LOW SPEEDS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THERE IS NO COMPUTER RECORD THAT THE DEALER CAN FIND ON THE CAR TO CONFIRM ANY FAILURE BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY WITH DIFFERENT DRIVERS. *TR

Look up ODI 10231843 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 10231847 · 2,300 mi

CAR STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. DAUGHTER WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET THE CAR STOPPED DUE TO LACK OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. WAS BARELY ABLE TO AVOID TREE AND INJURY TO HER AND HER PASSENGER. *TR

Look up ODI 10231847 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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Steering44,369–108,423 mi65,786 mi8
ODI 10261473 · 29,000 mi

MY 2003 MERCEDES ML350 ONLY 37,000 MILES THE NOISE (STEERING RACK PROBLEM) HAD BEEN APPARENT SINCE 29,000 MILES. I SCHEDULED WITH JOHN SHEPARD (SERVICE MANAGER OF PHIL SMART MERCEDES SERVICE CENTER AT SEATTLE, [email removed], 2025 AIRPORT WAY SOUTH SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98134 PHONE: [phone removed], FAX: [phone removed]) TO INSPECT THE PROBLEMS, FOUND THAT 'VERIFIED NOISE, INSTALLED ELECTRONIC EARS, TO ISOLATE NOISE FOUND NOISE FROM INSIDE OF STEERING PACK ASSEMBLY,' AND INSPECTION FEE WAS $152.60, SUGGESTING REPAIR WAS TO REPLACING THE GEARI…

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ODI 10264171 · 49,492 mi

IN REGARDING TO SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005: 1. HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER FAILED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION. 2. ITS CONSEQUENCES: A. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILING B. VALVE COVERS LEAKING 3. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH CHARLOTTE REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKETS. TOTAL CHARGES WERE $1,544.62 ($775.40 FOR PARTS, THE REST WAS FOR LABOR). SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005 LETTER STATES THAT "IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THIS R…

Look up ODI 10264171 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10266650 · 29,000 mi

RE: NHTSA SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005 VEHICLE INFORMATION: 2003 MERCEDES ML350 ODI#10261473 MY ML350 ONLY 37,000 MILES THE NOISE (STEERING RACK PROBLEM) HAD BEEN APPARENT SINCE 29,000 MILES. I SCHEDULED WITH JOHN SHEPARD (SERVICE MANAGER OF PHIL SMART MERCEDES SERVICE CENTER, 2025 AIRPORT WAY SOUTH SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98134 PHONE: [phone removed]) TO INSPECT THE PROBLEMS, FOUND THAT 'VERIFIED NOISE, INSTALLED ELECTRONIC EARS, TO ISOLATE NOISE FOUND NOISE FROM INSIDE OF STEERING PACK ASSEMBLY,' AND INSPECTION FEE WAS $152.60, SUGGESTING REPAI…

Look up ODI 10266650 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range77,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10252047 · 24,500 mi

MY FAMILY OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350. A FEW WEEKS AGO, MY MOM NOTICED A BURN MARK ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT. WE BELIEVED ONE OF THE MECHANICS BURNT IT WITH A TOOL DURING THE CAR'S SERVICE. SO THIS BURN MARK WAS IGNORED. ON DEC. 13, 2008 AROUND 8:20 AM, MY MOM, WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR, SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW SMOKE AND A SMALL FIRE FROM THE SIDE OF HER SEAT. SHE COULD NOT HAVE PULLED OVER QUICKLY BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC. SHE TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMER. THEN SHE PUT IT OUT WITH A TOWEL SHE WAS SITTING ON, IT TOO WAS BURNT, BUT PREVENTED MY MOMS LEG …

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ODI 10259532 · 77,500 mi

MY M-350 HAD NO POWER. THE HARNESS CABLE (163-540-28-32) LOCATED BEHIND AND AGAINST THE BATTERY HAD COMPLETELY BEEN DESTROYED BY THE BATTERY ACID ENVIRONMENT. THE CABLE SUPPLIES THE OPERATIONAL POWER TO THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTO. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING WHEN THIS COMPLETE FAILURE OCCURRED I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE ELSE. ALL SYSTEMS IN THE CAR WERE TOTALLY NON-FUNCTIONAL. NO SHIELDING OR PREVENTION OF DAMAGE TO THE CABLE WAS ENGINEERED INTO THE FACTORY INSTALLATION OF THIS CABLE. THE BATTERY WAS THE ORIG…

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ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

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Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/CoolerToo few reports for a range31,604 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10111403 · 26,652 mi

THE DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT OVERHEAT BURNING A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT AND BURNED THE DRIVER. *JB *BF *NM

Look up ODI 10111403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10179355 · 36,555 mi

HEATED SEAT, DRIVER SIDE, BURNT THROUGH SEAT ON LEFT SIDE OF THIGH AND THROUGH CLOTHING. SKIRT AND JACKET DAMAGED. CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY A NATIONAL RECALL HAS NOT BEEN DONE. I UNDERSTAND OTHERS, INCLUDING MGR AT MERCEDES OF GREENWICH WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10179355 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range45,700 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10249773 · 51,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BURNING. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR HIS WALLET IN HIS BACKPOCKET, HIS PANTS WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES BURNED THROUGH HIS LEATHER SEATS. THE CONTACT SEARCHED THE INTERNET, BUT FOUND NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,400.

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ODI 10621045 · 40,000 mi

FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, BURNS WHEN HEATER IS TURNED ON. BURN SMELL, BURNED SKIN OF DRIVER. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE READ OF MANY INSTANCES OF THIS SAME COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET. MERCEDES NEEDS TO REPLACE SEAT. *TR

Look up ODI 10621045 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range97,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range71,246 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10229634 · 93,000 mi

I OWN A MERCEDES ML 350 2003; WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TO WORK THIS MORNING THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING, BECAME DISABLED AND STEERING, BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. THE CAR SLOWED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR ROAD WITH SPEED LIMITS UP TO 40 MPH AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR INTO THE SHOULDER CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. EVENTUALLY THE CAR COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND ALL LIGHTS BECAME ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. UPON HAVING IT TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS INITIALLY A KEY FAILURE IN WHICH COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE …

Look up ODI 10229634 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10264171 · 49,492 mi

IN REGARDING TO SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005: 1. HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER FAILED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION. 2. ITS CONSEQUENCES: A. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILING B. VALVE COVERS LEAKING 3. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH CHARLOTTE REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKETS. TOTAL CHARGES WERE $1,544.62 ($775.40 FOR PARTS, THE REST WAS FOR LABOR). SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005 LETTER STATES THAT "IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THIS R…

Look up ODI 10264171 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range27,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10135564 · 19,000 mi

STEERING IS MAKING A WHEEZING NOISE AND IT FEELS HARD TO STEER COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. ENGINE FELLS LIKE STALLING AFTER HITTING BRAKES; ENGINE IS SHAKING ON THE DRIVE MODE WHEN YOU ARE NOT MOVING AND ON BRAKE MODE; MORE THAN 10 TIMES, WILL TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP SOON. *NM

Look up ODI 10135564 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10149378 · 35,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50MPH THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM TURNING. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD SIDE A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WERE IT IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED.

Look up ODI 10149378 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range97,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 25 reports

2008: 5 complaints · 2009: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2008355
2009001
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20086700
20099300

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
ComponentSteeringElectrical SystemSeats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/CoolerSeatsEngineEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineUnknown Or Other
Steering—0000
1
ODI 10264171 · 49,492 mi

IN REGARDING TO SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005: 1. HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER FAILED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION. 2. ITS CONSEQUENCES: A. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILING B. VALVE COVERS LEAKING 3. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH CHARLOTTE REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKETS. TOTAL CHARGES WERE $1,544.62 ($775.40 FOR PARTS, THE REST WAS FOR LABOR). SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005 LETTER STATES THAT "IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THIS R…

Look up ODI 10264171 at NHTSA ↗

00
Electrical System0—00
2
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10861000

RANDOM LOSS OF POWER ' (THE ENTIRE PANEL LIGHTS UP) AS THE CAR SUDDENLY AND SLOWLY POWERS OFF WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A DROP, DRIVING, BREAKING, AND TURNING, COMING TO A STOP AND ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS WE HAVE SPENT MORE THAN 3800.00 FOR CAR REPAIR ON THE ML 350. IT SHUTS OFF MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. SO MUCH SO WE DO NOT ALLOW OUR DAUGHTER TO DRIVE UNLESS I AM THERE AND NOW NOT EVEN THEN UNTIL WE HAVE HAD IT FIXED FOR THE 4TH TIME (WE THOUGHT) AFTER CRANK SHAFT, SPARK PLUGS AND NOW ELECTRICAL WORK WE ARE AT A TOTAL LOSS. THIS ISSUE…

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00
1
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler00—00000
Seats000—0000
Engine0
2
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10861000

RANDOM LOSS OF POWER ' (THE ENTIRE PANEL LIGHTS UP) AS THE CAR SUDDENLY AND SLOWLY POWERS OFF WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A DROP, DRIVING, BREAKING, AND TURNING, COMING TO A STOP AND ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS WE HAVE SPENT MORE THAN 3800.00 FOR CAR REPAIR ON THE ML 350. IT SHUTS OFF MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. SO MUCH SO WE DO NOT ALLOW OUR DAUGHTER TO DRIVE UNLESS I AM THERE AND NOW NOT EVEN THEN UNTIL WE HAVE HAD IT FIXED FOR THE 4TH TIME (WE THOUGHT) AFTER CRANK SHAFT, SPARK PLUGS AND NOW ELECTRICAL WORK WE ARE AT A TOTAL LOSS. THIS ISSUE…

Look up ODI 10861000 at NHTSA ↗

00—00
1
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

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Engine And Engine Cooling
1
ODI 10264171 · 49,492 mi

IN REGARDING TO SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005: 1. HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER FAILED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION. 2. ITS CONSEQUENCES: A. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILING B. VALVE COVERS LEAKING 3. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH CHARLOTTE REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKETS. TOTAL CHARGES WERE $1,544.62 ($775.40 FOR PARTS, THE REST WAS FOR LABOR). SAFETY RECALL #2003-040005 LETTER STATES THAT "IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THIS R…

Look up ODI 10264171 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000000—0
Unknown Or Other0
1
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

Look up ODI 10761160 at NHTSA ↗

00—

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.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

9 mentions · 36.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,500 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 10149378 · 35,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50MPH THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM TURNING. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD SIDE A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WERE IT IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED.

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ODI 10255843 · 64,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED A NEW HOSE CLAMP AT THE COST OF $259. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. SHE THEN RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION, A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPL…

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ODI 10261473 · 29,000 mi

MY 2003 MERCEDES ML350 ONLY 37,000 MILES THE NOISE (STEERING RACK PROBLEM) HAD BEEN APPARENT SINCE 29,000 MILES. I SCHEDULED WITH JOHN SHEPARD (SERVICE MANAGER OF PHIL SMART MERCEDES SERVICE CENTER AT SEATTLE, [email removed], 2025 AIRPORT WAY SOUTH SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98134 PHONE: [phone removed], FAX: [phone removed]) TO INSPECT THE PROBLEMS, FOUND THAT 'VERIFIED NOISE, INSTALLED ELECTRONIC EARS, TO ISOLATE NOISE FOUND NOISE FROM INSIDE OF STEERING PACK ASSEMBLY,' AND INSPECTION FEE WAS $152.60, SUGGESTING REPAIR WAS TO REPLACING THE GEARI…

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

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 16.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 93,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10135564 · 19,000 mi

STEERING IS MAKING A WHEEZING NOISE AND IT FEELS HARD TO STEER COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. ENGINE FELLS LIKE STALLING AFTER HITTING BRAKES; ENGINE IS SHAKING ON THE DRIVE MODE WHEN YOU ARE NOT MOVING AND ON BRAKE MODE; MORE THAN 10 TIMES, WILL TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP SOON. *NM

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ODI 10229634 · 93,000 mi

I OWN A MERCEDES ML 350 2003; WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TO WORK THIS MORNING THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING, BECAME DISABLED AND STEERING, BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. THE CAR SLOWED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR ROAD WITH SPEED LIMITS UP TO 40 MPH AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR INTO THE SHOULDER CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. EVENTUALLY THE CAR COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND ALL LIGHTS BECAME ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. UPON HAVING IT TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS INITIALLY A KEY FAILURE IN WHICH COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE …

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ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 8.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 66,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10149378 · 35,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50MPH THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM TURNING. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD SIDE A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WERE IT IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED.

Look up ODI 10149378 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10761160 · 97,000 mi

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITH THE ISSUE RELATING ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS TOLD THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWO TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. I FEAR DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT AND THEY HAVEN'T ADDRSSED IT. I'VE SPENT $4500 TO REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M NOT CERTAIN THEY K…

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