U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Mercedes Benz ML430 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

47 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

106,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 32 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 47 complaints (17.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	18	38.3%
Steering behavior	17	36.2%
Transmission and shifting	2	4.3%
Engine operation	1	2.1%
Electrical and battery issues	1	2.1%

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

Vehicle Speed Control

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Air Bags

Service Brakes

Electrical System

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Steering	8
Vehicle Speed Control	7
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	6
Air Bags	5
Service Brakes	5
Electrical System	4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	4
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	3

Steering: 8; Vehicle Speed Control: 7; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 6; Air Bags: 5; Service Brakes: 5; Electrical System: 4; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 4; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections: 3

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: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 7; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 6

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

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

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2020

2021

2023

2001: 2; 2002: 2; 2003: 7; 2004: 1; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 4; 2010: 3; 2011: 3; 2012: 5; 2013: 2; 2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2017: 4; 2020: 1; 2021: 2; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 18 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 17 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

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

Complaint evidence

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

Owner report 10033819 · 2003-08-13 (August 13, 2003)

CONSUMER STATED WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. DEALER HAD REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS EVERY 5000 MILES, AND SAME PROBLEM RECURRING. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10033819 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10175534 · 2006-12-07 (December 7, 2006)

NO MATTER WHAT REPAIR IS DONE TO FRONT & REAR BRAKES THEY WILL NOT STOP SQUEAKING. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10175534 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007989 · 2003-02-22 (February 22, 2003)

POWER STEERING OIL LEAKAGE RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING AND DIFFICULTY TURNING CORNERS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007989 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021236 · 2003-06-07 (June 7, 2003)

LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID AT LOW SPEED, COOL ENGINE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 45,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10021236 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11014717 · 2017-08-11 (August 11, 2017)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (BOBBY RAHAL MOTORCAR COMPANY, 10701 PERRY HWY, WEXFORD, PA 15090, [phone removed]) WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE WITH THE DTC PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER'S MECHANIC(S). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD PROVIDE A TECHNICIAN AND A SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 172,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11014717 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 8007608 · 2002-04-15 (April 15, 2002)

IN JULY 2001 TRANSMISSION PAN GASKET WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THIS TIME TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING AGAIN, DEALER DETERMINED THAT PUMP HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8007608 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10112395 · 2005-03-02 (March 2, 2005)

SHORT CIRCUIT IN WIRING FOR SEAT BACK REST HEATER ELEMENT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 70,354 miles reported. Look up ODI 10112395 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

68.1%Usable mileage32 / 47 records

97.9%Valid incident date46 / 47 records

100.0%Valid filing date47 / 47 records

97.9%Ordered incident and filing dates46 / 47 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	1990	1999	2000	2001
Service Brakes	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	510.6% ODI 10896050 · 137,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE O-SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. Look up ODI 10896050 at NHTSA ↗	1125.0% ODI 10461089 · 120,000 mi WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE A 45 MPH AT 5PM IN TRAFFIC, VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY STARTED ENGAGING BRAKES IN A JERKING MOTION, REPEATEDLY, SUBSEQUENTLY COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM TIRE AREA. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY AND VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY 16 YEAR OLD. FORTUNATELY, THIS HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME IN MERCEDES BENZ'S. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. *JS Look up ODI 10461089 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	1100.0% ODI 10258251 · 30,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. HE WAS SENT A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE ISSUE AND HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A LEAK IN THE POWER STEERING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE SAME AS STATED IN THE PREVIOUS RECALL; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR IT A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER APOLOGIZED, BU… Look up ODI 10258251 at NHTSA ↗	36.8% ODI 10024922 PARTS FOR THE STEERING RECALL IS NOT AVAILABLE AFTER MAKING AN APPOINTMENT. # 203-04-005. *AK Look up ODI 10024922 at NHTSA ↗	817.0% ODI 10251172 TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, AND NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST,HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE RECALL REMEDY WAS UNSUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THE FAILUR… Look up ODI 10251172 at NHTSA ↗	36.8% ODI 10258589 · 80,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY IN RAINY CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE MOVED. SHE WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 25 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME FAILED COMPONENT FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR THE DAMAGES REFERENCED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERIN… Look up ODI 10258589 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.3% ODI 10433941 · 71,000 mi THE BRAKELINES RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF FLUID AND THE ABILITY TO STOP THE CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10433941 at NHTSA ↗	48.5% ODI 10175534 · 95,000 mi NO MATTER WHAT REPAIR IS DONE TO FRONT & REAR BRAKES THEY WILL NOT STOP SQUEAKING. *JB Look up ODI 10175534 at NHTSA ↗	818.2% ODI 10048442 · 11,000 mi VEHICLE'S BRAKES MAKES AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE. THIS OCCURS WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED IN COLD TEMPERATURE WHILE IN REVERSE. THIS HAS RESULTED IN BRAKE FAILURE. AS A RESULT CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT ON THE SIDE WALK. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *NLM Look up ODI 10048442 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	24.5% ODI 10218412 · 200,000 mi MY VEHICLE SOMETIMES WON'T START AGAIN AFTER IF HAS BEEN RUNNING AND SHUT OFF. FOR EXAMPLE IT FREQUENTLY HAPPENS AT THE GAS STATION. I CAN'T GET MY CAR STARTED AGAIN AFTER I FILL UP FOR SOMETIMES 45 MINUTES. *TR Look up ODI 10218412 at NHTSA ↗	48.5% ODI 10019738 · 44,934 mi WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE DRIVER SUDDENLY HEARD A POP AND THEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS BEGAN TO RETRACT INTO THE RETRACTOR. THE CONSUMER ALSO STARTED TO SMELL GAS. NLM ALL FOUR OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPIED SEAT BELTS BECAME TIGHT AND THE SIRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ALONG WITH BOTH REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. THE SIRS CONTROL MODULE WAS ALSO REPLACED. CB *NLM Look up ODI 10019738 at NHTSA ↗	613.6% ODI 10395832 · 82,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALL ACTIVITY MODULE II, WHICH OPERATES ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE VEHICLE, FAILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V061000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING) WHICH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. Look up ODI 10395832 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	612.8% ODI 10346283 · 116,885 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IMMEDIATELY, THE "BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC STABILITY" AND "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROGRAM" WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPAR… Look up ODI 10346283 at NHTSA ↗	613.6% ODI 10246476 I HAVE HAD 5 INCIDENCES, WHILE DRIVING, OF UNCOMMANDED BRAKE APPLICATION OF MY MERCEDES 1002 ML430. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, UP TO 40 OR 60+ MPH, MY SUV CAME TO A SUDDEN AND ABRUPT HALT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOCK UP AND STOP. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE MERCEDES TO CONTINUE DRIVING I HAD TO SHUT OF THE VEHICLE AND RE-START IT, SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY. THESE INCIDENCES HAVE BEEN SCARY AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH. THE CAR WAS TOWED TODAY, OCTOBER 23RD, FOR A SECOND REPLACEMENT OF BAD PARTS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM… Look up ODI 10246476 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.3% ODI 747840 THROTTLE LOCKS- CANNOT BE PUSHED DOWN BY A 250 LB DRIVER. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO EVEN PULL OUT OF A FILLING STATION. IT PROBABLY CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN JAN 2001 WHICH I TRIED TO CROSS A ROAD AND WAS HIT AND THE HONDA THAT HIT US WAS TOTALLED.*AK Look up ODI 747840 at NHTSA ↗	714.9% ODI 10177447 · 48,000 mi PASSING ON THE INTERSTATE MY THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE IN 2 WEEKS FOR ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED. *NM Look up ODI 10177447 at NHTSA ↗	36.8% ODI 10332201 · 86,000 mi SAFETY CONCERN - YESTERDAY WHILE TRAVELING AT 65MPH LOCKED ON CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED. INSTEAD, UPON RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING BACK TO 65MPH AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO RAN INTO THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP TO AVOID REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AT WHICH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT CAME ON. AGAIN, THE CRUISE FAILED TO DISENGAGE SINCE I COULD FEEL THE CAR DRAGGING WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED DOWN. … Look up ODI 10332201 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	511.4% ODI 10031122 · 116,000 mi I OWN AN ML 430 MERCEDES BENZ 1999. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH ONLY 116,000 MILES ON IT. I CALLED MBUSA AND THEY REFUSED TO OFFER "GOODWILL" IN ASSISTING WITH REPAIR. THE COST OF REPAIR IS OVER $5,000.00. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT THE ML430 SUPPOSEDLY HAS A PERMANENT FILL OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID SO REGULAR CHECKS AND CHANGES ARE NOT REQUIRED AND FOR THIS REASON THE DIPSTICK HAS BEEN OMITTED. HOW CAN THE CONSUMER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS IF WE CANNOT PERFORM MAINTENANCE ON THE PART? (CONSUMER ALSO REPORTS A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE A… Look up ODI 10031122 at NHTSA ↗	12.1% ODI 8007608 IN JULY 2001 TRANSMISSION PAN GASKET WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THIS TIME TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING AGAIN, DEALER DETERMINED THAT PUMP HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK Look up ODI 8007608 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	510.6% ODI 10009765 THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. *NLM Look up ODI 10009765 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

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

Failure mileage by component

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

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Steering	85,500–154,000 mi	95,000 mi	7	ODI 10262792 · 85,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V121000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT STILL EXPERIENCED FAILURES. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, IT WOULD MAKE A NOISE AS IF THERE WERE NO POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A SECOND RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000), WHICH STATED THAT AN EARLIER RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED MAY BE INS… Look up ODI 10262792 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10265698 · 95,000 mi TOOK THE 2000 ML430 IN FOR RECALL IN 11/08. CAR STARTED MAKING SAME NOISE AS BEFORE. TOOK IT BACK FOR THEM TO RE-FIX IT AGAIN. THEY REFUSED. WANTED ME TO PAY 285. SAID EVEN THOUGH CAR ACTED THE SAME AND WAS STILL LEAKING FLUID, IT WASN'T A RECALL REPAIR. I DISAGREE. I DON'T HAVE 285!!! I PUT MORE POWER STEERING FLUID IN AND LEFT. IT'S STILL DOING THE SAME THING. TR Look up ODI 10265698 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10310059 · 86,000 mi MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430 HAS A SEVERE POWER STEERING LEAKAGE. TWO RECALLS BY THE NHTSA HAVE BEEN ISSUED. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT MY LEAKAGE IS DUE TO SEVERE LEAKAGE AT THE POWER STEERING RACK SEALS AND RESERVOIR. I WANT TO NOTIFY THE NHTSA THAT THERE ARE MECHANICAL FAILURES RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING LEAKAGE THAT MAY BE IN ADDITION TO THE SPECIFIC RECALL ISSUES AND THE DEALERSHIP/MB DECLINES TO ADDRESS WITHOUT COMPENSATION. MY VEHICLE HAS 88,900 MILES I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND MUST CHEC… Look up ODI 10310059 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	110,500–185,603 mi	140,950 mi	7	ODI 10177447 · 48,000 mi PASSING ON THE INTERSTATE MY THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE IN 2 WEEKS FOR ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED. NM Look up ODI 10177447 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10414030 · 200,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT DECELERATE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILE AND SHE SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND MINOR BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000. Look up ODI 10414030 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10463425 · 121,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THREE OTHER VEHICLES. THE CONTACT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S CHEST, ARMS AND HEAD. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. Look up ODI 10463425 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	118,414–139,963 mi	130,000 mi	6	ODI 10346283 · 116,885 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IMMEDIATELY, THE "BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC STABILITY" AND "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROGRAM" WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPAR… Look up ODI 10346283 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10384392 · 123,000 mi I OWN A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML 430, ON 07/12/10, 07/15/10, 07/23/10, 07/25/10, 07/28/10 AND 07/29/10 WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT AND COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHCILE WOULD BRAKE-SKID-BRAKE-SKID THIS LASTED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE; THEN THE BAS/ESP AND EST LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON MY DASHBOARD, THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN BE DRIVEABLE WHILE THESE LIGHTS WERE ON, ONCE THESE LIGHTS WENT OFF THE VEHICLE WOULD START BRAKING & SKIDDING AGAIN. I REPORTED… Look up ODI 10384392 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10429573 · 112,000 mi THIS CAR HAS ALMOST WRECKED ME OVER 6 TIMES. THE BRAKES WOULD COME ON AND STOP THE CAR AND YOU COULD NOT GO FORWARD UNTIL YOU TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART. THIS EVEN HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE ONCE. EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT WOULD COME . THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE YAW SENSOR AND WOULD COST AROUND $1,000 TO REPLACE. THE MERCEDES DEALER ACTED LIKE THEY DIDN'T KNOW OF OTHER CARS LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING BUT WHEN I SEARCHED THE INTERNET THERE WERE MANY STORIES OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE ON THE INTERSTATE. HOW CAN … Look up ODI 10429573 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	101,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10463425 · 121,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THREE OTHER VEHICLES. THE CONTACT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S CHEST, ARMS AND HEAD. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. Look up ODI 10463425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10478630 · 101,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE AIR BAG SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. Look up ODI 10478630 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10694449 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. Look up ODI 10694449 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	137,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10896050 · 137,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE O-SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. Look up ODI 10896050 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10896063 · 137,000 mi ON 3 SEPERATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING MERCEDES BENZ ML430, AT EITHER SLOW SPEED OR 50+ MPH, BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY STOP THE CAR AND SKID THE TIRES. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY 5 CARS AT ONE TIME BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. TODAY, 8/15/16, WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. ITS A VERY SCARY SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A BABY IN YOUR BACK SEAT. THE CHANCES OF GETTING REAR ENDED OR HIT BY TRAFFIC IS A HUGE CONCERN. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS?!?! I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS UPON HUN… Look up ODI 10896063 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11046947 · 187,300 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON EXPRESSWAY, CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ONLY THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. BRAKING WAS A SEVERE PUMPING THAT LASTED ABOUT 2 SECONDS. WAS ABLE TO MOVE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ONTO AN EXIT RAMP WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS NOT HEAVY AND CARS BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME AS THE CAR BUCKED AND I MOVED TO THE SIDE OF TH ROAD ONTO AN EXIT RAMP. I STOPPED TO SEE WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED. NOTING NOTHING RELATED TO THE LEFT RONT WHEEL, I EXITED THE EXIT RAMP AND PROCEEDED DOWN A SIDE STR… Look up ODI 11046947 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	135,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10019738 · 44,934 mi WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE DRIVER SUDDENLY HEARD A POP AND THEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS BEGAN TO RETRACT INTO THE RETRACTOR. THE CONSUMER ALSO STARTED TO SMELL GAS. NLM ALL FOUR OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPIED SEAT BELTS BECAME TIGHT AND THE SIRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ALONG WITH BOTH REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. THE SIRS CONTROL MODULE WAS ALSO REPLACED. CB NLM Look up ODI 10019738 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11014717 · 172,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (BOBBY RAHAL MOTORCAR COMPANY, 10701 PERRY HWY, WEXFORD, PA 15090, [phone removed]) WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE WITH THE DTC PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER'S MECHANIC(S). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD PROVIDE A TECHNICIAN AND A SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE… Look up ODI 11014717 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11418728 · 135,000 mi The contact owned a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML430. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph the ABS light had illuminated and smoke was present coming from the steering column. Moments later flames were present coming from under the hood and the subframe of the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and the local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A police report was filed at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determ… Look up ODI 11418728 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	116,885 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10175534 · 95,000 mi NO MATTER WHAT REPAIR IS DONE TO FRONT & REAR BRAKES THEY WILL NOT STOP SQUEAKING. JB Look up ODI 10175534 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10346283 · 116,885 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IMMEDIATELY, THE "BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC STABILITY" AND "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROGRAM" WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPAR… Look up ODI 10346283 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10478258 · 140,950 mi ON FRIDAY (09-28-2012 02:35 PM), I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT 30 MILES NE OF DALLAS, TX, I WAS TRAVELING ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 75. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE HWY 75 SOUTH BOUND AND I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH. ALL THE SUDDEN, MY SUV STARTED BRAKING AND I SAW THE SPEEDOMETER DROP FROM 65 DOWN AND I COULD HEAR MY TIRES CATCHING AS IT WAS BRAKING BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I TRIED THE GAS PEDAL TWICE BUT NO RESPONSE AND I SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. LUCKILY THE MINIVAN BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO RED… Look up ODI 10478258 at NHTSA ↗
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	Too few reports for a range	74,686 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10025259 · 10,000 mi POWER STEERING FAILURE ON POWER ASSIT - HOSE COMES OFF - ALSO MAKES LOAD GINDING NOSIE LOST POWER ASST. MAKES CAR VERY HARD TO TURN MB SAYS ALSO HOSE CLAMP CAN FAL OFF CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL ON STEERING - THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX . AK Look up ODI 10025259 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10124687 · 74,686 mi 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430 HOSE CLAMP CAME OFF AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE PUMP RESULTING IN THE STEERING BECOMING STIFF.NO ANSWER REQUIRED. MR THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CLAMP WERE REPLACED UNDER RECALL THE POWER STEERING RACK ALSO LEAKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE RACK FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE CLAMP FAILURE AND BELIEVES IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. NM Look up ODI 10124687 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10303918 · 83,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A POWER STEERING RECALL RELATED TO THE HOSE AND THE CLAMP ON THE RACK AND PINION. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS ACCORDING TO RECALL#03V121000, STEERING, HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. Look up ODI 10303918 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
2024-11	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	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (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

2000: 6 complaints · 2001: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2000	2	3	6
2001	1	1	4

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2000	46	1	0
2001	39	3	2

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	Vehicle Speed Control	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Air Bags	Service Brakes	Electrical System	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
Steering	—	1 ODI 10965771 · 199,205 mi MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS SERVICED ON FEB 9TH 2015 FOR BRAKE SWITCH DEALING WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND POWER STEERING LOW PRESSURE HOSE ON 3/11/2017 THE SAME PROBELMS OCCURED AND IT IS A MANUFACTOR ISSUE AND NOT GETTING JUSTICE FOR GETTING MY VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR SAME ISSUE VEHICLE AS I WAS DRIVING CAR IT WAS FIXED BY MERCEDES-BENZ OF WAPPINGERS FALLS ON FEB 9TH 2015 BUT SAME ISSUE RETURNED. Look up ODI 10965771 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	1 ODI 10965771 · 199,205 mi MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL AND WAS SERVICED ON FEB 9TH 2015 FOR BRAKE SWITCH DEALING WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND POWER STEERING LOW PRESSURE HOSE ON 3/11/2017 THE SAME PROBELMS OCCURED AND IT IS A MANUFACTOR ISSUE AND NOT GETTING JUSTICE FOR GETTING MY VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR SAME ISSUE VEHICLE AS I WAS DRIVING CAR IT WAS FIXED BY MERCEDES-BENZ OF WAPPINGERS FALLS ON FEB 9TH 2015 BUT SAME ISSUE RETURNED. Look up ODI 10965771 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10478258 · 140,950 mi ON FRIDAY (09-28-2012 02:35 PM), I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT 30 MILES NE OF DALLAS, TX, I WAS TRAVELING ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 75. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE HWY 75 SOUTH BOUND AND I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH. ALL THE SUDDEN, MY SUV STARTED BRAKING AND I SAW THE SPEEDOMETER DROP FROM 65 DOWN AND I COULD HEAR MY TIRES CATCHING AS IT WAS BRAKING BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I TRIED THE GAS PEDAL TWICE BUT NO RESPONSE AND I SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. LUCKILY THE MINIVAN BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO RED… Look up ODI 10478258 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10463425 · 121,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THREE OTHER VEHICLES. THE CONTACT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S CHEST, ARMS AND HEAD. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. Look up ODI 10463425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10694449 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. Look up ODI 10694449 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10478258 · 140,950 mi ON FRIDAY (09-28-2012 02:35 PM), I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT 30 MILES NE OF DALLAS, TX, I WAS TRAVELING ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 75. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE HWY 75 SOUTH BOUND AND I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH. ALL THE SUDDEN, MY SUV STARTED BRAKING AND I SAW THE SPEEDOMETER DROP FROM 65 DOWN AND I COULD HEAR MY TIRES CATCHING AS IT WAS BRAKING BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I TRIED THE GAS PEDAL TWICE BUT NO RESPONSE AND I SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. LUCKILY THE MINIVAN BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO RED… Look up ODI 10478258 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	0	1 ODI 10478258 · 140,950 mi ON FRIDAY (09-28-2012 02:35 PM), I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT 30 MILES NE OF DALLAS, TX, I WAS TRAVELING ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 75. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE HWY 75 SOUTH BOUND AND I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH. ALL THE SUDDEN, MY SUV STARTED BRAKING AND I SAW THE SPEEDOMETER DROP FROM 65 DOWN AND I COULD HEAR MY TIRES CATCHING AS IT WAS BRAKING BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I TRIED THE GAS PEDAL TWICE BUT NO RESPONSE AND I SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. LUCKILY THE MINIVAN BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO RED… Look up ODI 10478258 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	2 ODI 10896063 · 137,000 mi ON 3 SEPERATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING MERCEDES BENZ ML430, AT EITHER SLOW SPEED OR 50+ MPH, BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY STOP THE CAR AND SKID THE TIRES. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY 5 CARS AT ONE TIME BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. TODAY, 8/15/16, WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. ITS A VERY SCARY SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A BABY IN YOUR BACK SEAT. THE CHANCES OF GETTING REAR ENDED OR HIT BY TRAFFIC IS A HUGE CONCERN. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS?!?! I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS UPON HUN… Look up ODI 10896063 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11046947 · 187,300 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON EXPRESSWAY, CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ONLY THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. BRAKING WAS A SEVERE PUMPING THAT LASTED ABOUT 2 SECONDS. WAS ABLE TO MOVE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ONTO AN EXIT RAMP WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS NOT HEAVY AND CARS BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME AS THE CAR BUCKED AND I MOVED TO THE SIDE OF TH ROAD ONTO AN EXIT RAMP. I STOPPED TO SEE WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED. NOTING NOTHING RELATED TO THE LEFT RONT WHEEL, I EXITED THE EXIT RAMP AND PROCEEDED DOWN A SIDE STR… Look up ODI 11046947 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10346283 · 116,885 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IMMEDIATELY, THE "BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC STABILITY" AND "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROGRAM" WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPAR… Look up ODI 10346283 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10478258 · 140,950 mi ON FRIDAY (09-28-2012 02:35 PM), I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT 30 MILES NE OF DALLAS, TX, I WAS TRAVELING ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 75. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE HWY 75 SOUTH BOUND AND I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH. ALL THE SUDDEN, MY SUV STARTED BRAKING AND I SAW THE SPEEDOMETER DROP FROM 65 DOWN AND I COULD HEAR MY TIRES CATCHING AS IT WAS BRAKING BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I TRIED THE GAS PEDAL TWICE BUT NO RESPONSE AND I SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. LUCKILY THE MINIVAN BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO RED… Look up ODI 10478258 at NHTSA ↗	0
Air Bags	0	2 ODI 10463425 · 121,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THREE OTHER VEHICLES. THE CONTACT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S CHEST, ARMS AND HEAD. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. Look up ODI 10463425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10694449 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. Look up ODI 10694449 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes	0	0	2 ODI 10896063 · 137,000 mi ON 3 SEPERATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING MERCEDES BENZ ML430, AT EITHER SLOW SPEED OR 50+ MPH, BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY STOP THE CAR AND SKID THE TIRES. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY 5 CARS AT ONE TIME BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. TODAY, 8/15/16, WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. ITS A VERY SCARY SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A BABY IN YOUR BACK SEAT. THE CHANCES OF GETTING REAR ENDED OR HIT BY TRAFFIC IS A HUGE CONCERN. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS?!?! I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS UPON HUN… Look up ODI 10896063 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11046947 · 187,300 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON EXPRESSWAY, CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ONLY THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. BRAKING WAS A SEVERE PUMPING THAT LASTED ABOUT 2 SECONDS. WAS ABLE TO MOVE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ONTO AN EXIT RAMP WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS NOT HEAVY AND CARS BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME AS THE CAR BUCKED AND I MOVED TO THE SIDE OF TH ROAD ONTO AN EXIT RAMP. I STOPPED TO SEE WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED. NOTING NOTHING RELATED TO THE LEFT RONT WHEEL, I EXITED THE EXIT RAMP AND PROCEEDED DOWN A SIDE STR… Look up ODI 11046947 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10498921 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML-430. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKES AND HAD THE ISSUE ADDRESSED. HOWEVER, SHE FELT THERE WAS STILL A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED ABS, SRS, BAS, ESP AND ETS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE SHE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. SOME OF THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, WHILE SOME HAVE REMAINED ON. Look up ODI 10498921 at NHTSA ↗	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	1 ODI 10478258 · 140,950 mi ON FRIDAY (09-28-2012 02:35 PM), I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT 30 MILES NE OF DALLAS, TX, I WAS TRAVELING ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 75. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE HWY 75 SOUTH BOUND AND I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH. ALL THE SUDDEN, MY SUV STARTED BRAKING AND I SAW THE SPEEDOMETER DROP FROM 65 DOWN AND I COULD HEAR MY TIRES CATCHING AS IT WAS BRAKING BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I TRIED THE GAS PEDAL TWICE BUT NO RESPONSE AND I SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. LUCKILY THE MINIVAN BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO RED… Look up ODI 10478258 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10346283 · 116,885 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IMMEDIATELY, THE "BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC STABILITY" AND "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROGRAM" WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPAR… Look up ODI 10346283 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10478258 · 140,950 mi ON FRIDAY (09-28-2012 02:35 PM), I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT 30 MILES NE OF DALLAS, TX, I WAS TRAVELING ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 75. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE HWY 75 SOUTH BOUND AND I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH. ALL THE SUDDEN, MY SUV STARTED BRAKING AND I SAW THE SPEEDOMETER DROP FROM 65 DOWN AND I COULD HEAR MY TIRES CATCHING AS IT WAS BRAKING BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I TRIED THE GAS PEDAL TWICE BUT NO RESPONSE AND I SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. LUCKILY THE MINIVAN BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO RED… Look up ODI 10478258 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10498921 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML-430. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKES AND HAD THE ISSUE ADDRESSED. HOWEVER, SHE FELT THERE WAS STILL A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED ABS, SRS, BAS, ESP AND ETS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE SHE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. SOME OF THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, WHILE SOME HAVE REMAINED ON. Look up ODI 10498921 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	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

5 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

13 mentions · 27.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10007989

POWER STEERING OIL LEAKAGE RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING AND DIFFICULTY TURNING CORNERS

Look up ODI 10007989 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10021236 · 45,300 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID AT LOW SPEED, COOL ENGINE. *JB

Look up ODI 10021236 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10025259 · 10,000 mi

POWER STEERING FAILURE ON POWER ASSIT - HOSE COMES OFF - ALSO MAKES LOAD GINDING NOSIE LOST POWER ASST. MAKES CAR VERY HARD TO TURN MB SAYS ALSO HOSE CLAMP CAN FAL OFF CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL ON STEERING - THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX . *AK

Look up ODI 10025259 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 6.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 45,300 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10021236 · 45,300 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID AT LOW SPEED, COOL ENGINE. *JB

Look up ODI 10021236 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10025259 · 10,000 mi

Look up ODI 10025259 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10310059 · 86,000 mi

MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430 HAS A SEVERE POWER STEERING LEAKAGE. TWO RECALLS BY THE NHTSA HAVE BEEN ISSUED. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT MY LEAKAGE IS DUE TO SEVERE LEAKAGE AT THE POWER STEERING RACK SEALS AND RESERVOIR. I WANT TO NOTIFY THE NHTSA THAT THERE ARE MECHANICAL FAILURES RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING LEAKAGE THAT MAY BE IN ADDITION TO THE SPECIFIC RECALL ISSUES AND THE DEALERSHIP/MB DECLINES TO ADDRESS WITHOUT COMPENSATION. MY VEHICLE HAS 88,900 MILES I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND MUST CHEC…

Look up ODI 10310059 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 6.4% of complaints

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

ODI 10346283 · 116,885 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IMMEDIATELY, THE "BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC STABILITY" AND "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROGRAM" WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPAR…

Look up ODI 10346283 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10478630 · 101,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE AIR BAG SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Look up ODI 10478630 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10664283 · 174,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE ESP FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

Look up ODI 10664283 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 119,943 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10346283 · 116,885 mi

Look up ODI 10346283 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10384392 · 123,000 mi

I OWN A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML 430, ON 07/12/10, 07/15/10, 07/23/10, 07/25/10, 07/28/10 AND 07/29/10 WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT AND COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHCILE WOULD BRAKE-SKID-BRAKE-SKID THIS LASTED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE; THEN THE BAS/ESP AND EST LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON MY DASHBOARD, THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN BE DRIVEABLE WHILE THESE LIGHTS WERE ON, ONCE THESE LIGHTS WENT OFF THE VEHICLE WOULD START BRAKING & SKIDDING AGAIN. I REPORTED…

Look up ODI 10384392 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 44,934 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10019738 · 44,934 mi

WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE DRIVER SUDDENLY HEARD A POP AND THEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS BEGAN TO RETRACT INTO THE RETRACTOR. THE CONSUMER ALSO STARTED TO SMELL GAS. *NLM ALL FOUR OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPIED SEAT BELTS BECAME TIGHT AND THE SIRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ALONG WITH BOTH REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. THE SIRS CONTROL MODULE WAS ALSO REPLACED. *CB *NLM

Look up ODI 10019738 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b