2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 complaints

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK IN THEY SAID IT WAS THE BALANCE SHAFT GEAR $7500 IN MD. I COULDN'T AFFORD IT SO I LEFT AND DID RESEARCH TO SEE IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS TO ALL MLS OR I JUST AVE BAD LUCK. I FOUND OUT THEY RECALLED THIS PART AND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED AND APPROVED IN 2015. ITS TOO LATE TO CLAIM IT NOW, THERE WAS A TIME LIMIT WHICH I FEEL IS RIDICULOUS THAT'S LIKE PUTTING A TIME LIMIT ON SOMEONES LIFE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY PART MERCEDES KNEW ABOUT FOR A LONG TIME AND DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED WITHOUT HAVING TO COME OUT OF POCKET TO PAY OR TO GET A LAWYER TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAIN. SINCE THERE HAS BEEN MORE THAN ONE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FILED SHOULD SPEAK VOLUME AND WE SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. *TR

ON JAN. 6, 2017 NORTHBOUND ON HWY 52. DRIVERS SEAT HEATER HAD BEEN ON APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES WHEN I FELT A VERY HOT SPOT ON MY UPPER LEFT SIDE. THEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE SEAT HEATER HAD BURNED THROUGH THE UPHOLSTERY ON THE OUTBOARD BOLSTER OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND STARTED BURNING THROUGH MY COAT.

TURNED ON THE DRIVER SIDE HEATED CAR SEAT AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL. PULLED OVER AND FOUND IT HAD BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE FOAM AND LEATHER ON THE LOWER LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT ABOUT 1" WIDE AND 2" LONG.

MY 2006 MERC ML350, BROKE DOWN ON ME 10/22/16, AS SOON AS I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY BECAUSE I WAS HEARING A CRACKLING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IN A LOCAL PARKING LOT TO AVOID EMBARRASSMENT. THIS VEHICLE IS ALWAYS NEEDING SOMETHING, AND AT THIS TIME IT WAS HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO PARK IT BECAUSE THE SERPENTINE (VBELT) HAD UNRAVELED ITS WAY FROM THE ALTERNATOR PULLEY!! THE LORD HAD SAVED MY LIFE! SAME YEAR IN MARCH FREMONT DEALERSHIP SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY AIR CONDENSOR BUT NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MY BELT BEING WORN OR CRACKED OR ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTICED AT THAT PRESENT TIME. THEY MISINFORMED ME AT THAT TIME ABOUT THE VBELT NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AND TRIED TO SELL ME A AIR MASS SENSOR. MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT VEHICLE 2006 YEAR AND ALL THE PARTS THAT ARE MALFUNCTIONING AND WONT LIFT A FINGER TO RECALL OR REIMBURSE OR PAY ENTIRELY. I WOULD HAVE DIED ON THE FREEWAY HAD THIS V BELT WOULD HAVE CAME OFF! TOOKBITVIN FOR REPAIRS AND THE DEALER IS REQUESTING $2350 TO REPLACE AIR CONDITION UNIT AND THEY WILL HAVE TO OPEN UP ALTERNATOR & ADJUST + VBELT. CAMPAIGN ANYONE OR BOTCOTT MBUSA!! *TR

AFTER DRIVING ONLY 30 MIN IN MORNING TRAFFIC W/SEAT HEAT ON, I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND THE HIP AREA OF THE SEAT WAS VERY HOT. PULLED OVER, TURNED CAR OFF, AND FOUND SEAT HEAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT UPHOLSTERY MAKING A HOLE APPROX. 1" H X 1/2" W. QUESTION BELOW ASKS Y/N IF THERE WAS A FIRE. ANSWERED Y DUE TO BURNING; DID NOT SEE ANY FLAMES. USED SOME WATER ON IT IMMEDIATELY AND A FEW MINUTES LATER AT HOME TO MAKE SURE THERE WAS NO BURNING/SMOLDERING INSIDE THE SEAT. *TR

MY CAR STARTED TO GIVE LESS POWER WHILE DRIVING INITIALLY AND THEN COUPLE OF DAYS THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE BALANCE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THERE WAS A LAW SUIT AGAINST MB. THE SETTLEMENT IDENTIFIED MY CAR AS A CANDIDATE FOR A FUTURE REPAIR. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND NOTHING LIKE THIS WAS MENTIONED. I WAS TOLD TO PAY FULL PRICE.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND GOT BOTH CODES P0016 AND P0017. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN DEFECT BY MERCEDES BENZ FOR THE BALANCER SHAFT WORN SPROCKET ISSUE. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, ALMOST THE COST OF THE VEHICLE! MBUSA PICKS AND CHOOSES WHO THEY WILL HELP? WOW, WISH I NEVER GOT THIS CAR!

THE BALANCE SHAFT ON MY ML350 HAS GONE BAD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A LOCAL STREET WHEN IT SUDDENLY STARTED TO STALL AND EVENTUALLY CUT OFF. THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF AND I HAD TO FORCEFULLY TURN IT TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START IT AGAIN IT WOULD ONLY REPEAT WHAT IT'S DONE BEFORE WHICH IS STALL AND CUT OFF. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT THE BALANCE SHAFT IS BAD. MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME TO CALL MERCEDES TO SEE IF THEY WOULD FIX IT OUT OF GOOD FAITH BUT THAT GOT ME NO WHERE. THERE ARE COUNTLESS BLOGS ABOUT MERCEDES OWNERS WHO ARE HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THE M272 ENGINE. A REP FOR MERCEDES ADMITTED TO ME THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT STILL REFUSES TO RECALL. THE REPAIR QUOTE IS @ ABOUT $5000 WHICH IS OUT OF MY RANGE SO THE VEHICLE REMAINS PARKED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BUT THE TIME FRAME HAS EXPIRED BY THE TIME I PURCHASED THIS CAR.

"TAKATA RECALL". IN HOUSE WIRING,3RD BRAKE LIGHT, TURN MARKERS ,BRAKE LIGHTS ALL NON OPERATIONAL. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP PROBLEM STILL OCCURS!

RECENTLY I WAS DRIVING AND MY CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORTED THE BALANCE SHAFT AND INTAKE REPAIR WAS NEEDED. THE ISSUE IS THAT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT AGAINST MBUSA FOR FAULTY BALANCE SHAFTS. AT NO POINT IN TIME WAS I INFORMED OF THE CLAIM ON MY VEHICLE. I NEED ASSISTANCE IN HAVING MY VEHICLE REPAIRED BEFORE THE TIME EXPIRES. MB USA HAS DEFECTIVE PARTS AND THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE REPAIR.

LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON RE CONSTITUENT RE 2006 ML MERCEDES BENZ SUV ML 350 RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST MERCEDES BENZ, DUE TO AN INFERIOR BALANCE SHAFT IN THE ENGINE. A NUMBER OF VEHICLES INCLUDING HIS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE REPAIR FOR THE VEHICLE ENDS ON JUNE 16, 2016. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE, BECAUSE HIS VEHICLE EXCEEDED 125,000 MILES. *JB

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED,SOME DECREASE IN POWER. TOOK TO MB DEALER,PULLED THE CODE FOR CAM SHAFT SENSOR,POSSIBLY CAM SHAFT BALANCER.WAITING TO HEAR ABOUT COST & POTENTIAL FUTURE PROBLEMS.

RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT HAD AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE WIRE HOUSING. THE CAR WAS PARKED (STATIONARY)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,763.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ABS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE SPEED DECREASED AND FAILED TO INCREASE OVER 30 MPH. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V303000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

MY 2006 ML350 (AUTOMATIC) HAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHERE SHIFTING DOWN CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. ALL GEAR SHIFTS (UP OR DOWN) ARE HARD AND CAN BE FELT BY THE OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR IN THE FORM OF A JERKY MOTION. SCOURING THE INTERNET FOR THIS ISSUE SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHO OFFERED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FOR $7500. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE ISSUE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT KNOW UNTIL THEY TAKE THE TRANSMISSION APART AND WOULD END UP COSTING ROUGHLY THE SAME AS REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION. THE DOWN SHIFTING PRESENTS A DANGER WHEN MAKING SUDDEN STOPS DUE TO UNFORESEEN TRAFFIC CHANGES IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS BRAKING HARD CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO DOWN SHIFT QUICKLY WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD.

I HAD A 2006 ML350. IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE AS IT WAS PARKED FOR TWO HOURS AFTER I HAD DRIVEN IT. THE FIREMEN STATE IN THE REPORT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AND STARTED FROM A SHORT IN THE REAR TAILLIGHT HARNESS.I BROUGHT THIS TO MERCEDES BENZ USA'S ATTENTION AND THEY WERE CARELESS ABOUT THE SAFETY DANGERS THAT THIS CAUSED/POSED. THEY SAID IT WASNT A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AFTER THE 2 MONTH LONG INVESTIGATION WAS STAMPED INCONCLUSIVE.THEY WERE OF MORE CONCERN ABOUT THIS BEING LEAKED OR EXPOSED AND TRIED TO SWEEP MY CASE UNDER THE RUG. THEY ONLY GAVE ME ONE CASE MANAGER AND LIMITED ME ONLY TO SPEAK WITH HER AFTER BEGGING TO SPEAK WITH ANOTHER MANAGER. AFTER BEING TRAPPED IN THIS CORPORATE COVER UP I HAD NO WHERE ELSE TO TURN. SUSAN M( MY WEST COAST REGIONAL CASE MANAGER) HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLE CASES DID THEY SWEEP UNDER THE RUG LIKE MINE? I DO NOT EXPECT THIS KIND OF COVER-UP FROM MERCEDES AND WOULD EXPECT THEM TO STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. HTTP://WWW.MERCEDESDEFECTS.COM/2008/04/WIRE-HARNESS-DEFECT.HTML PLEASE GET THIS TO THE NEXT STEP BEFORE PEOPLE LOOSE THEIR LIFE! I COULD HAVE DIED THIS NIGHT! THIS IS THEIR FACTORY RECALL MERCEDES BENZ USA SAID THEY DIDNT HAVE FOR MY VEHICLE AFTER THE FIRE. POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM WATER DAMAGED LIFT GATE CONTROL MODULE FOR MODELS: MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 BLUETEC, MERCEDES-BENZ ML350, MERCEDES-BENZ ML550, MERCEDES-BENZ ML63 AMG ELECTRICAL & LIGHTS, MAY 1, 2009 REPAIRPAL EXPERT OVERVIEW: DUE TO A FAULTY SEAL AROUND THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

MY CAR STALLED ON THE STREET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CALLED DEALER, THEY SAID TURN OFF AND TURN ON TO RESET. THIS WORKED, HOWEVER IT CONTINUED TO HAPPENED UNTIL I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID IT WAS THE BALANCE SHAFT AND COST $6000. I CALLED CORPORATE AND GAVE THEM LAW SUIT DOCUMENTATION, ,EMAILS, TESTIMONIALS AND BULLETINS SHOWING THE ISSUES OF THIS VEHICLE. BECAUSE OF THE MILES AND CAR NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THEY WOULD REDUCE COST BY 25%. THAT IS STILL TO HIGH. THIS CAR AT THE TIME SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED AND THE DEALER RECOMMENDED TURNING OFF/ON THE CAR TO RESET. FOR A NEW CAR TO BE GIVEN THAT ADVISE IS INSANE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THEIR TONS OF INFORMATION ON THE WEB,EMAILS AND ETC. REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I NEED MY CAR FIXED ASAP. I CAN'T AFFORD THIS HIGH REPAIR. *TR

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO MY REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD A BAD BALANCE SHAFT AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED FOR REPAIR. THE ESTIMATE COST COULD REACH $6,000 OR MORE AND WOULD TAKE MORE THAN WEEK TO COMPLETE. *TR

I WAS DRIVING WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRIC SEAT HEATER TURNED ON. I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND FELT A BURNING PAIN ON MY BACK. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE I SAW THAT THE SEAT HEATER HAD BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER DRIVER'S SEAT AND THROUGH MY JACKET. *TR

I WAS DRIVING AND I TURNED ON MY SEAT HEATER, AND I SAW SMOKE. I BURNED MY CLOTHING AND HAVE A LITTLE BURN ON MY BACK. THE SEAT WAS BURNING AND HAD A LITTLE FIRE. *TR

THE VEHICLE IS GETTING STUCK IN 7 GEAR ON THE FREEWAY AND NOT DOWN-SHIFTING TO ALLOW PASSING. EVEN WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR WILL REMAIN IN 7TH GEAR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DOES NOT KNOW THE CAR IS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY. MERCEDES IS AWARE OF VALVEBODY AND CONDUCTOR PLATE ISSUES WITH THESE CARS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOLENOID SENSOR AND THE CAM SHAFT FUSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALANCE SHAFT GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A MONTH AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONDUCTOR PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. ...UPDATED 02/11/15 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE BALANCE SHIFT GEAR ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/19/15

CONTACT WAS DRIVING, APPROX. 15 MIN. AFTER ENGINE START AND SEAT HEATER TURN-ON. CONTACT FELT A BURNING SENSATION ON POSTERIOR/HIP. CONTACT STOPPED CAR AND GOT OUT. THERE WAS A BURN HOLE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK AT LOWER LEFT. THERE WERE TWO BURN HOLES THROUGH CONTACTS PANTS. LATER EXAMINATION SHOWED A SECOND DEGREE (BLISTER) BURN ON CONTACTS HIP. THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY CLAIM AS THE DEALER SUGGESTS, BUT, RATHER A SERIOUS MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT CAUSES BURN INJURY (CHECK THE HISTORY OF DOCUMENTED COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET)... *TR

VEHICLE WAS MAKING A ROARING NOISE, REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS GONE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. FRONT DIFFERENTIAL IS ALSO BAD AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *TR

WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED THAT SAID TAKE TO WORKSHOP BEFORE PUTTING IN GEAR. VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIP OUT OF PARK. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES, FINALLY TURNED IGNITION OFF , TRIED AGAIN AND VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE. THIS SAME INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2014. *TR

CAM-SHAFT AND CRANK-SHAFT MALFUNCTION. VEHICLE WONT DRIVE PROPERLY AND ALSO EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL ISSUES. LIGHTS AND LOCKING MECHANISMS GOING ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. *TR

WHILE TRAVELING IN THE CENTER LANE ON A MAJOR PARKWAY AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, OUR 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE; STEERING WAS COMPROMISED, AS WAS BRAKING. BRAKING AND STEERING WERE VERY DIFFICULT, BUT POSSIBLE ALLOWING THE CAR TO BE GUIDED TO THE SHOULDER. ALL FOUR FAMILY MEMBERS WERE PRESENT INCLUDING OUR TWO YOUNG SONS. AFTER BEING TOWED TO A LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER REPAIR SHOP, 4 DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT...THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED AS ?ENGINE JUMPED TIME? AND THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT WOULD HAVE TO ?REMOVE ENGINE AND TEAR DOWN TO FIND CAUSE OF FAILURE?MOST LIKELY NEEDS ENGINE ASSEMBLY?. AS THAT THE QUOTED PRICE OF THE DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR EXCEEDS THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE CAR BY SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS, THE CAR WAS RETURNED WITHOUT FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. AT NO TIME IN THE PAST 4 YEARS HAS THERE BEEN A ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT NOR WERE THERE ANY INDICATORS OF ANY SERIOUS MECHANICAL ISSUES AS PER THE CAR?S ONBOARD COMPUTER REPORTING SYSTEM OR IN GENERAL DAILY OPERATIONS. AGAIN, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, THAT THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS OR WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IN JANUARY OF 2010, THE SAME AUTHORIZED DEALER REPAIR DEPARTMENT MENTIONED ABOVE CONDUCTED THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: ?REMOVED ENGINE, REPLACED BALANCE SHAFT, REPLACED OIL PUMP, REPLACED CAM SOLENOIDS, REPLACED GASKETS?? IN RESPONSE TO A PERSISTENT ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT. OUR RECORDS INDICATE THAT THE 2010 ?CHECK E

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WAITING MAKE A LEFT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN TO MAKE A LEFT, I STARTED GOING AND GOT TO THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WHEN MY STEERING GOT STUCK. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL TO COMPLETE A WIDE LEFT TURN. I WAS SAFELY ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT, BUT WITHOUT A REAL EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEEL AND AGAIN HAVING TO MAKE ANOTHER WIDE LEFT TURN BEFORE AN ONCOMING CAR ALMOST HIT ME. *TR

IN A PARKING LOT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE STEERING MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. JS

MY ML350 HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PRIMARY BRAKE LIGHTS BURNING OUT. AUTOMATICALLY THE VEHICLE IS SWITCHING TO THE SUBSTITUTE BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS IS THE SECOND SET OF BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE IN LESS THAN 1-MONTH. I JUST REPLACED THEM 2-DAYS AGO WITH A NEW SET OF SYLVANIA BULBS PURCHASED FROM ADVANCED AUTO AS PER THE VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD ORIGINATE FROM A POSSIBLE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND/OR POOR GROUNDING. *TR

BALANCE SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED $6500 FROM MERCEDES BENZ DEALER QUOTE ORIGINAL OWNER OIL CHANGED 8 TIMES IN 72000 MILES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT WARMER OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE COILS TO BURN THROUGH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE SUSTAINED SECOND DEGREE BURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT HEATER HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED, WHO VERIFIED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE REAR TAIL LIGHT. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,357. *TR

TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. MY REGISTRATION IS UP NEXT MONTH AND NEED TO SMOG. IT WON'T PASS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALERSHIP SAYS ITS TIMING GEAR/CAMSHAFT ISSUE AND IT WILL BE $7500.00 TO REPAIR AND ITS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID MERCEDES WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY 25% OF PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WHICH WOULD BE AROUND $500.00. THIS I THOUGHT WAS STRANGE SO I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND THEIR ARE HUNDREDS OF STORIES AND A COUPLE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE FOR THIS ENGINE. MERCEDES BENZ OBVIOUSLY KNOWS ABOUT IT AND SHOULD RECALL IT. *TR

NIGHT BEFORE INCIDENT THE AUTOMATIC REAR LIFT GATE OPENED WHEN FRONT DRIVER DOOR WOULD BE OPENED OR CLOSED. WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, TAIL HAZARD LIGHT WERE ACTIVATED ALONG WITH WARNING ALARM FOR TAILGATE MALFUNCTION OR OPEN. DURING THE MORNING OF THE INCIDENT, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHOW SAME ISSUES. WHEN VEHICLE WAS LATER ENTERED, ISSUE WITH TAILGATE OPENING SEEMED TO HAVE STOPPED, AFTER DRIVING AN APPROXIMATE 5-7 MILES, ODDER OF SMOKE EMERGED, TAILGATE WARNING ALARM SOUNDED ALONG WITH NORMAL TRAFFIC HORN, IN ADDITION CABIN LIGHTS TURNED ON AND WARN MESSAGES APPEARED ON DASH FOR FLAT TIRE,BLOWN BULBS, ETC, DRIVER PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE TO INVESTIGATE. SOON AFTER TURNING OFF VEHICLE SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL CABIN, DRIVER IMMEDIATELY EXITED VEHICLE, FLAMES OVER TOOK VEHICLE WITHIN MINUTES. REMAINS SHOW UPPER HALF OF CABIN (SEATS AND UP) TOOK PRIMARY BURN, FLOORING WAS NOT BURNED. ENGINE BAY ONLY HAS MINOR FIRE DAMAGE FROM LARGE FLAMES AND HEAT GOING OUT OF FRONT WINDSHIELD. *TR

OWNER HAD ARRIVED HOME AT 7:00 P.M. FROM WORK AND WAS INSIDE HIS RESIDENCE. AT 10:00 P.M. POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL CAME TO HIS DOOR TO INFORM HIM THAT HIS CAR WAS ON FIRE. ONE RESIDENT SAID THAT, AS HE WAS WALKING IN THE PARKING LOT, HE NOTICED THERE WAS FIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT (AROUND 10:00 PM) AND WHEN HE LOOKED INSIDE, THERE WAS FIRE IN THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE REAR TAIL LIGHT. HE RAN FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND ALSO YELLED FOR HELP AND FOR SOMEONE TO CALL 911 FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. BOTH FIRE AND POLICE ARRIVED. CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR 3 HOURS AND WAS PARKED, WAS DRIVEN ONLY 7 MILES THREE HOURS EARLIER WITH NO STOPS. CAR HAS BEEN CONSIDERED TOTALED BY INSURANCE DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE INCURRED AND HAD BEEN OWNED FOR ONLY ONE YEAR, SERVICED REGULARLY BY MERCEDES BENZ, AND ALL RECALLS HAD BEEN UP-TO-DATE! THE SERVICING MERCEDES DEALERSHIP PROMPTLY INFORMED MERCEDES BENZ USA WHO ALSO PROMPTLY CONTACTED THE OWNER TO FILL OUT THE APPROPRIATE PAPERWORK AND SUBMIT PICTURES FOR REVIEW. THIS PAPERWORK/PICTURES WERE ALSO PROMPTLY SUBMITTED. HOWEVER, DUE TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS FIRE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC, THIS REPORT IS ALSO BEING SENT TO YOUR AGENCY FOR FOLLOW-UP. (NOTE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TAIL LIGHTS IN THE ML350 FOR POSSIBLE FIRE FOR 2007 AND YEARS ABOVE, BUT NOT THE YEAR OF THIS VEHICLE, 2006. A SIMILAR PROBLEM IS REPORTED IN THE C-CLASS AUTOMOBILES AND MAY BE MORE WIDESPREAD THA

I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK UP MY SPOUSE FROM THE AIRPORT ONE NIGHT WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A ROCKING MOTION AND THE ORANGE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, I RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ AND THEY PROCEEDED TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP. I WAITED 4 MONTHS FOR THEM TO ASSIST ME IN FIXING MY VEHICLE SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND I HAVE NO EXTENDED, THEY REFUSED TO ASSIST ME EVEN THOUGH THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MANIFOLD HAD BROKEN OFF AND MAY GET INTO THE ENGINE AND THAT I MAY NEED A NEW ENGINE OF WHICH I ENDED UP PURCHASING A LOW MILEAGE ENGINE. PRIOR TO THIS I PAID $1500. FOR THEM TO FIX 2 LEAKS ON MY POWER STEERING AND AS OF NOW MY VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL AND MAKING THAT SAME LOUD NOISE AS BEFORE THEY FIXED THE LEAKS. I HAVE BEEN VERY VERY UPSET WITH THEM, MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GIVING ME TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR NOT HAVING 100 THOUSAND MILES. PLEASE HELP. I CALL THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE AND EVEN WROTE A LETTER TO THEM AND ALL THEY OFFERED ME WAS $2000 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE, YOU MAY THINK THAT A MERCEDES BENZ WILL BE ABLE TO DO BETTER THAT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I WAS LIED TO BY THEM PERTAINING TO THE ENGINE, ONCE I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS BAD THEN I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT BAD. I TOOK MY CAR FROM THEM AND TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT CAR REPAIRING. *JS

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER, AND THE TECH TOLD ME THAT THE BALANCE SHAFT WAS THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT WILL COST ME ABOUT $8000.00 TO FIX IT. HE ALSO SAID THAT THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER WARRANTY TO FIX IT. IT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH ABOUT $7200.00. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT IS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MAKE AND MODEL, AND THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION SUIT IN NJ AGAINST MERCEDES USA. I CONTACTED MERCEDES USA IN AUGUST 2013 ABOUT REIMBURSING ME THE COST OF REPAIR, BUT THE MANAGER I SPOKE TO DENIED THE REQUEST. ACTION REQUESTED: I AM SEEKING THE HELP OF NHTSA IN RECOVERING MY COST OF REPAIR. *TR

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, THIS VEHICLE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHICH OCCURRED JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. AT FIRST, ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS DID NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE, SINCE THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. AFTER MY HUSBAND GOT INVOLVED, THEY AGREED TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR NO CHARGE. ANOTHER MINOR PROBLEM INVOLVED THE LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE VEHICLE'S HATCH -- IT HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY WORKED PROPERLY. I AM VERY DISMAYED THAT AFTER SEVEN YEARS AND 109K MILES, MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SUCH EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS AS THIS. *TR

THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. AT AROUND 32,000 IT NEEDED TRANSMISSION REPAIR. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS PAST THE THREE YEAR OFFERED WARRANTY. AT AROUND 45,000 MILES, I WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED NEW SHOCKS. ALL OF THE REPAIR MEN THAT I SPOKE WITH COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE WOULD NEED SUSPENSION WORK AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. AFTER READING THESE POSTS, IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION. MEANWHILE, I WENT THROUGH ANOTHER SET OF TIRES BECAUSE I AM STILL WAITING TO REPAIR THE SUSPENSION. I GUESS I CAN WAIT NO LONGER AND WILL NEED TO COME OUT OF POCKET AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND BASED ON THIS EXPERIENCE, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MERCEDES. *TR

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE HEATED SEAT IN ACTIVATION. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT, IN WHICH THE HEATER OVERHEATED AND CAUSED A BURNED HOLE IN THE CUSHION AND PADDING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MINOR BURN TO THE LEFT HIP AS A RESULT OF THE EXCESSIVE HEAT PENETRATION. THERE WERE NO FLAMES PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE HEATED SEAT WIRE WAS DISENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WINING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE HAPPENED AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS AS WELL AS WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

I HAVE A 2006 ME/BE ML350 WHERE THE TAIL LIGHTS AND STOP LIGHTS DON'T WORK PROPERLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE SYSTEM GOES INTO BACK UP MODE WHERE ANOTHER SET OF LIGHTS GO ON, THIS CAUSES THE COMPUTER TO GIVE FALSE MESSAGES. THE DEALER WANTS OVER $300 FOR A "REWIRING KIT" AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT HELP. I FEEL THE TAIL LIGHTS/STOP LIGHT WIRING SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR, WHICH HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR MISUSED. A REWIRING KIT TELLS ME THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I FOUND NHTSA # 10028025 WHICH RELATES TO THIS PROBLEM BUT I'VE HAD NO LUCK WITH THE MANUFACTURER OR THE DEALER. MY QUESTION IS-DOES THIS TSB APPLY TO MY CAR AND WHAT CAN I DO? THANK YOU *TR

AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES, MY HUSBAND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. HE COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM UNTIL HE FELT HIS BACK BEING BURNED. HE IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEAT AND PULLED OVER. THERE WAS SMOKE AND A HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT ABOUT 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER. THE SEAT BURNED A HOLE THROUGH HIS FLEECE JACKET & T-SHIRT LEAVING WHAT LOOKED LIKE A CIGARETTE BURN ON HIS BACK. IF MY HUSBAND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVING MY CAR, I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE MADE THE CONNECTION THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE HEATING MECHANISM, BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT ONLY THE BOTTOM OF THE SEATS WERE WIRED FOR THAT. THIS OCCURRED ON THE BACK PORTION OF THE SEAT ON HIS LEFT SIDE. I JUST FEAR THAT SOMEONE WOULD PANIC OR IT COULD TURN INTO A FULL BLOWN FIRE (I AM SURE WE WERE JUST SECONDS AWAY FROM SEEING FLAMES IF THE MECHANISM HAD NOT BEEN TURNED OFF SO FAST). FURTHERMORE, IF WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A HIGHER SPEED IT VERY EASILY COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT CAUSED HIM TO VEER INTO THE OTHER TRAFFIC LANE (LUCKILY NO CARS WERE IN THE LANE AT THE TIME). I HAVE READ MANY STORIES ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND I HAVE CHECKED ALL ONLINE SOURCES FOR SAFETY RECALLS ON THIS CAR. WHAT A DISSERVICE IT WOULD BE IF MERCEDES DOES NOT REPLACE THIS SEAT AND MAKE IT RIGHT FREE OF CHARGE. ONE BAD ACCIDENT IS TOO MANY, WE SHOULD NOT WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS BADLY BURNED OR KILLED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. WE HAVE AN APPT. TO DROP OFF THE CAR NEXT WEEK FOR EVALUATION O