2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Do not drive

Owners filed 83 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the seats. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,000 milesMedian miles at failure

71 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Seats19
1133
Power Train11
100
Electrical System10
030
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler8
072
Steering5
000
Service Brakes4
200
Engine and Engine Cooling4
000
Engine4
000
Structure › Body3
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission2
100

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum24V298000Do not drive
Filed Apr 26, 202415,604 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum22V315000Do not drive
Filed May 9, 2022350,294 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 16, 2024OH

I bought a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic in late 2023 from auction with a salvage title and I can't take it to inspection center to get plates, because a lot of things such as signal lights, seats power, key fob, radio, wipers, and rear gate to work because the rear SAM module is damage by rain water, which I found on YouTube that at least 3 models from 2006 to 2012 (including my model) suffering from same problem and yet Mercedes company didn't forced to considered as a recall so we can fixed for free since it is not our fault.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 6, 2023110,000 milesIL

The contact owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that his son had to apply pressure and pump the brake pedal multiple times to coast the vehicle to a stop however, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact’s vehicle crashed into a pole. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact then stated that she received NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer nor manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2023IL

Received recall notice dated August 2022. Phoned local Mercedes Benz of Chicago on 1520 W. North Avenue and Mercedes Benz of Chicago Service Center on 949 N. Elston Ave. Scheduled a mobile inspection multiple times but they never showed. I was instructed to contact Brake Booster Hotline to have them tow the vehicle but Tarek at this company informed me that I needed to coordinate a date/time with MB dealer to accept the vehicle upon towing. Left a couple of messages with Maya at MB dealer to coordinate appointment for towing company to tow the vehicle but have not received a response. I phoned MB dealer again today and spoke with Jenny who informed me that she would notify the manager, Vince. Jenny informed me that the vehicle cannot be serviced even if it is towed to their dealership. Her experience has been that they have been unable to service these vehicles from this particular recall. This recall issue has continued to go unresolved and the recall notice clearly states that owners are advised not to drive the vehicle until inspection is performed. The vehicle has not been driven for many months and we are currently just waiting for any response from Mercedes Benz.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 18, 2022167,000 milesAZ

The contact's wife owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while they were out of town, the vehicle was parked in their driveway. The contact stated that a neighbor contacted them and made them aware that the vehicle had caught on fire. A bystander contacted the fire department and the fire was extinguished. The fire department informed the contact that the fire had originated from an electrical failure in the rear of the vehicle. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Filed Jun 30, 2022146,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where unknown repairs were completed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving, the ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose motive power and stall inadvertently while at a complete stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where unknown repairs were completed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at the traffic light. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was pushed to her friend's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated they could not assist as the vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2022TX

2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 DEFECTIVE BALANCE SHAFT CAUSING PAUSE & STOP IN TRAFFIC This is a known defect and has been resolved previously in customers favor in class action and private lawsuits against Mercedes Benz USA. Mercedes refuses to take responsibility for a defective and unsafe build THAT PUTS EVERYONE IN THE PATH OF THIS CARS LIFE IN JEOPARDY. PLEASE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC WILL YOU FORCE THEM TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE BALANCE SHAFT before I have to get an attorney! Balance Shaft - UNSAFE!! BALANCE SHAFT has made this a suicide/weapon on wheels. When driving the car will suddenly and with no notice lose power, slow down substantially or stop on its own and sometimes will not moved forward at all. This has happened in traffic and I was almost hit. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE COULD KILL ME OR ANYONE AROUND ME. Each time I have had to turn on emergency flashers, turn off the car and restart. I drove home with Emergency flashers on all the way. 2 mechanics, including dealer advise this is a known problem for my year and model. Mercedes knows this is defective workmanship & they putting lives at risk. Now I have NO TRANSPORTATION AS THIS CAR IS UNSAFE. I have been advised not to drive the car.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 202295,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving the front driver seat caught on fire while the seat heater was on. The contact stated that the back part of the seat was smoking and he stopped the vehicle, exited, and noticed the back of his jacket and seat had a hole. The contact stated that he was not injured. The contact did not see flames. The contact stated that he put his hand on the hole to stop the smoke. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure cause was not diagnosed as he only received an estimate to replace the seat and heating system. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Consumer has stated warranty has expired. Heated seat coil and electric wires/assembly was the cause of fire.

Power Train
Filed Dec 22, 2021WA

The transmission fails to shift into second gear. Gets stuck in limp mode. Won’t accelerate more than 30 miles per hour.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2021132,945 milesNY

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and lost stability. The ABS warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and then drove the vehicle to her residence at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS system and the power steering system had failed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 132,945.

Steering
Filed May 22, 2021CA

Losing power steering pressure while driving the car: safety issue it appears Hard to steer the ML350

Electrical System
Filed Jun 30, 202080,105 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I SMELLED WHAT SMELLED LIKE WIRES BURNING THEN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON BY ITSELF AND WIPED AT A VERY FAST PACE, THEN THE HORN STARTED BLOWING (ON ITS OWN) VERY LOUDLY, I PULLED OVER AT A TIRE SHOP AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. WHEN I SPOKE TO A MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND THAT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY THE PROBLEM.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 21, 20195 milesCA

TODAY, AND WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, MY CAR AND I ALMOST BURNED WHEN I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER. I STARTED FEELING AN EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE LEFT BACK SIDE. I STOPED ON THE RIGHT OF THE FREEWAY TO DISCOVER THAT THE SEAT LEATHER WAS BURNED WITH HEATING WIRE, WITH SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE SEAT. MY SHIRT WAS DAMAGED WITH THE BURN. SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.

Seats
Filed May 22, 201934,000 milesMI

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT ENGAGE IN A LOCATION. IT SLIDES FORWARD AND BACKWARD AT WILL WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING. I SEE THIS AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MY DEALER SAYS I'LL NEED TO PAY FOR A COMPLETE NEW SEAT ASSEMBLY. ALL MY PASSENGERS SIT IN THE REAR. THANKFULLY, THEY ARE FEW. OTHERWISE I LOVE THE CAR'

Air Bags
Filed Dec 28, 201840,000 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING MY TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, SEAT CONTROLS, AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO THE SRS WARNING DISPLAYED MEANING THE AIRBAGS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. SEEMS THAT THE SAM MODULE IS THE CULPRIT BUT NOTHING SHOULD BE ABLE TO STOP SUCH VITAL SAFETY ISSUES FROM HAPPENING ALL AT ONCE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AND A RECALL IS NEEDED IN MY OPINION.

Power Train
Filed Dec 16, 201860,000 milesAZ

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE MOVING IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WILL JUMP FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL; THE ENGINE IS DISENGAGED AND REVS FREELY. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE BACK INTO DRIVE UNTIL THE IGNITION IS COMPLETELY TURNED OFF, WHICH LOCKS THE STEERING WHEEL, SO THE DRIVER MUST EXIT THE TRAFFIC LANES WITH NO POWER BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSE A COLLISION AS THE DRIVER HAS NO CONTROL OF THE CAR BUT MUST EXIT HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC LANES, OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A FREEWAY.

Power Train
Filed Jul 19, 2018127,000 milesNJ

CONDUCTOR PLATE TRANSMISSION ISSUE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 4, 2018MD

GAS GAUGE DON'T WORK AND INTERIOR STRONG FUEL SMELL NEAR LEFT BACK WHEEL WELL.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 7, 2018160,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF THE RESIDENCE WHEN A NEIGHBOR INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE POLICE WAS ALSO PRESENT, BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 14, 2017CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE PREMATURELY CORRODED AND THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF SACRAMENTO, 1810 HOWE AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825,1810 HOWE AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825) FAILED TO ENSURE THAT THE MODULE CASE WAS COVERING THE AREA WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM A MANUFACTURER RECALL AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

SeatsFire
Filed Apr 23, 201786,620 milesVA

ON APRIL 22, 2017 I PRESSED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WARMER BUTTON AND A FEW MINUTES LATER BEGAN TO FEEL BURNING AND SMELLING SMOKE. DETERMINED MY SEAT WAS ON FIRE AND DEPRESSED THE BUTTON AGAIN AND STOPPED THE FIRE. I WAS ON A CITY STREET AND ABLE TO PULL OVER. I HAVE CONTACTED MBUSA.

20 of 83 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201552500Routine
201468420Routine
201356530Routine
201265410Routine
2011110330Do not drive
2010101320Do not drive
200993360Do not drive
200867260Do not drive
2007 — this page832250Do not drive
20061722190Do not drive
200523030Routine
200435030Routine
200325040Routine
20011000Routine

Compare every ML350 year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 26, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.