NHTSA attached 2 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
07200072,000 milesMedian miles at failure
52 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,000–60,000 miles.
Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems
23 of the 67 complaints (34%) are about the steering.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Steering
22
0
0
0
Electrical System
9
0
2
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
4
0
0
0
Seats
3
0
3
2
Engine
3
0
1
0
Unknown or Other
2
0
0
0
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · body and frame
2
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
2
2
0
0
Seat Belts
2
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
2
0
0
1
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.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Apr 17, 2024AZ
See attached document for complaint
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 16, 2022NY
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, he was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for 2 months. The contact later received the recall notification. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact that parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 8, 2022CT
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 17, 2022MS
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 7, 2022FL
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering
Filed Mar 29, 202238,000 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond as designed. The contact drove the vehicle safely off the road. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a power steering rack leak. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V682000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Seat Belts
Filed Dec 8, 2020MN
REAR LEFT AND RIGHT PASSENGER SEATBELT MECHANISMS (RETRACTING FUNCTION) ARE DEFECTIVE; BELTS DON'T WANT TO RETRACT BACK IN AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN PULLED OUT/USED
SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Feb 19, 2020167,000 milesMN
AFTER STARTING UP THE CAR AND TURNING ON THE SEAT HEATERS WE NOTICED A STRONG BURNING SMELL. WE HAD JUST ENTERED A SLIP ROAD AND MY WIFE (WHO WAS DRIVING) FELT A BURNING IN HER LOWER LEFT SIDE. NEXT THING... SHE WAS ON FIRE! HER WINTER COAT BUST INTO FLAMES AND AFTER PULLING OVER I GRABBED HER OUT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND ROLLED HER IN THE SNOW TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, WE WERE AMAZED THAT THE SEAT HAD A LARGE BURN HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANY SAFETY SHUT OFF FOR THE SEAT HEATER INITIATED BY THE VEHICLE. AFTER A DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED,WE WERE TOLD THAT A $2578 REPAIR WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM... WE WERE AMAZED AT HOW UNCARING THEY WERE AND THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL ACTIVE FOR THIS DEFECTIVE WIRING PROBLEM. WE WERE RELIEVED THAT THIS DIDN'T CAUSE ANY FATALITIES TO US OR ANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED IF WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A FREEWAY AT A HIGHER SPEED.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 7, 2019AZ
FAULTY WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS THAT COULD CAUSE FIRE. WIRING COMMONLY ARCS CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. MERCEDES HAS OTHER CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT WON'T ADDRESS IT ON THE ML350'S. THEY EVEN MADE A PART TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, BUT DEMAND CAR OWNERS PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX MERCEDES FAULTY WIRING PROBLEM.
Steering
Filed Jan 10, 2019PA
STEERING WHEEL GET HARD THEN SOFT ON TURN CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND SAID ITS THE RACK & PINION I LOOK ONLINE FOR RECALL THIER IS ONE FOR STEERING RACK SO I CALL THE DEALER THEY SAID MINE IS NOT
Steering
Filed Aug 23, 201878,000 milesNJ
MILEAGE 80K AND A STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BROKEN PIN. I SEE A RECALL 2008120011 AND FOLLOWING THE DOCUMENTATION THIS VIN QUALIFIES FOR IT BUT THE MB DEALER IS SAYING THAT THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL FOR THIS CAR.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 9, 201895,000 milesMD
2008 MERCEDES ML 350 BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO SEND AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT SOMETIMES THEY ARE AND SOMETIMES THEY AREN'T ITS ISN'T THE LIGHT BULB AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR. WATER CONTINUES TO LEAK IN THROUGH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT DAMAGING THE SAM UNIT
Electrical System
Filed Aug 2, 2018110,000 milesFL
DUE TO A FAULTY RIGHT TAILLAMP SEAL, WATER GOT INTO A CONTROL MODULE AND DAMAGED IT BEYOND REPAIR. I WOKE UP AND WALKED OUTSIDE TO SEE MY HEADLIGHTS FLASHING AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION MY KEY FOB NOT WORKING, SRS DISABLED, AND MANY OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS DISABLED. SOME TIME BEFORE THIS, THE MOTOR TO THE REAR HATCH STOPPED WORKING, POSSIBLY FOR THE SAME REASON.
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jun 7, 2018150,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED STEERING FLUID, WHICH MADE THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR ABOVE. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A THUMPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND APPROACHING A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONTACTED AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF JACKSONVILLE, 10231 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225), BUT NO REPAIRS OR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 4, 2018TX
BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT. TWO DAYS LATER THE BATTERY CAUSED A FIRE INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION AT THE TIME
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2017121,000 milesNY
MONDAY MORNING, JULY 24, 2017 THERE WERE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS IN THE EARLY MORNING LEAVING LOTS OF STANDING WATER ON ROADWAYS. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR AND GOING THROUGH STANDING WATER ON ROADWAYS, CAR LOST POWER AND THEN ENGINE STOPPED. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY AND CAME TO A SAFE RESTING PLACE. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. I WAS STRANDED WITH AN INOPERATIVE VEHICLE.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 7, 2017112,110 milesPR
THE INSULATION OF THE CABLES FOR THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM IS MISSING.THE WIRES ARE WITHOUT ANY INSULATION AT ALL.I CAN NOT USE THE LIGHTS BECAUSE I'M AFRAID OF A SHORT .OTHER WISE, I CAN USE THE CAR AS LONG AS I DON'T TURN THE FRONT LIGHTS ON.
Steering
Filed Nov 17, 201690,000 milesCA
STEERING FEELS WEIRD
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Filed Jul 6, 201623,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE POWER LIFTGATE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL UNIT FOR THE POWER LIFTGATE FAILED DUE TO WATER CONTAMINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY HAVING THE SEAL OF THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY REPLACED, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V076000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Steering
Filed Jul 1, 201664,745 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND A SQUEALING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE AND THE POWER STEERING CONTROL HEAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,745.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 1, 2016105,000 milesNY
REAR HATCH WOULD NOT COMPETELY CATCH WHEN CLOSING. IT REQUIRED OPENING AND RECLOSING SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COULD CATCH. SOON THEREAFTER IT WOULD NOT OPEN USING THE AUTOMATIC RELEASE. IT HAD TO BE OPENED USING THE MANUAL RELEASE ON THE INTERIOR SIDE OF THE DOOR. HAD TO CHANGE THE MECHANISM THAT CONTROLLED THE LOCKING AN OPENING OF THAT.
Structure
Filed Jul 1, 2016105,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LIFTGATE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEAL. THERE WAS FOUR INCHES OF WATER IN THE SPARE TIRE HOUSING AND THE POWER LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC MOTOR WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 7, 2016FL
MY MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR HP 255/50 R19 TIRES ARE LOSING CHUCKS OF RUBBER. THE TIRES HAVE MULTIPLE CHUCKS OF RUBBER MISSING ALL THROUGH THE TIRE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE, AND I AM WORRIED FOR MY SAFETY REGARDING THESE TIRES. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MICHELIN AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THESE AT THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, AND THEY ARE EXTREMELY POOR QUALITY AND UNSAFE. I AM AFRAID THE WHOLE TIRE IS GOING TO FALL APART WHILE I'M DRIVING.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 8, 201670,000 milesNY
REAR HATCH WOULD NOT COMPETELY CATCH WHEN CLOSING. IT REQUIRED OPENING AND RECLOSING SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COULD CATCH. SOON THEREAFTER IT WOULD NOT OPEN USING THE AUTOMATIC RELEASE. IT HAD TO BE OPENED USING THE MANUAL RELEASE ON THE INTERIOR SIDE OF THE DOOR. HAD TO CHANGE THE MECHANISM THAT CONTROLLED THE LOCKING AN OPENING OF THAT.
Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2016MD
TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF WHILE SITTING AT THE STOP LIGHT AND ONCE WHILE TAKING OFF AT THE LIGHT AND WOULDN'T START BACK AFTER A FEW TRY'S
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Dec 30, 2015128,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LIFTGATE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEAL. THERE WERE FOUR INCHES OF WATER WITHIN THE SPARE TIRE HOUSING AND THE POWER LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC MOTOR WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Filed Dec 28, 2015128,500 milesSC
I PURCHASED A USED 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 VIN: [XXX] TODAY, MY POWER LIFT GATE STOPPED OPERATING. I CAN HEAR THE MOTOR RUNNING WHEN I PRESS THE OPEN/CLOSE BUTTON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, AND ALSO ON MY REMOTE, BUT THE POWER LIFT GATE DOESN'T OPERATE. UPON DOING SOME BASIC RESEARCH, I UNDERSTOOD THAT RECALLS WERE MADE ON THE 2009 AND NEWER ML350 DUE TO A FAULTY SEAL WITH THE REAR LIGHTING ASSEMBLY UNIT, WHICH WOULD CAUSE WATER TO LEAK INTO THE SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY AREA AND CAUSE THE POWER LIFT GATE TO STOP WORKING; IT MAY ALSO CAUSE A FIRE. UPON REMOVING THE SPARE TIRE TO INSPECT THE AREA, I SAW A LARGE POOL OF WATER IN THE AREA. THERE WAS ALSO WATER NEAR THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE WATER APPEARS TO HAVE EVEN CAUSED DETERIORATION OF WIRES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY UNIT. FOLLOWING MY ABOVE OBSERVATIONS, I CHECKED RECALLS AND NOTHING WAS SHOWN FOR MY 2008 ML350, BUT CLEARLY THIS IS ASSOCIATED PROBLEM OF MY YEAR AS WELL. HOW CAN WE GO ABOUT GETTING THIS COVERED? THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 29, 201555,000 milesCA
ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLES CAMSHAFT SOLENOID SYSTEM. ANNUALLY I HAVE THIS ISSUE. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THAT ONCE A YEAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND I AM BEING TOLD BY REPAIR SPECIALISTS THAT THE CAMSHAFT SOLENOID MUST BE REPLACED. I REPLACE THEM AND THE NEXT YEAR I HAVE THE SAME CHALLENGE. I FIND IT STRANGE THAT MERCEDES HAS YET TO DO A RECALL ON THIS AS I'VE SEARCHED ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH ALL OF THEIR VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Jun 24, 201578,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTED BLINKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE SYSTEM MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND SEIZED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ALSO FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON REMOVING THE SPARE TIRE, THERE WAS WATER IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT AS WELL IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND ON THE TAIL GATE MODEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING FROM THE SEAL AROUND THE REAR TAIL LAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ UPDATED 12/8/2015*JS
Steering
Filed May 18, 2015106,000 milesCA
THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING SINCE APRIL 2015. CHECK BY THE DEALER AND SAID IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS NOT RECALLED. BUT WHEN CHECK THE CONSUMER REPORT MECERDEZ BENZ 2008 ML 350 HAS POWER STEERING RECALL.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 2015101,250 milesFL
MY ML350 KEPT BLOWING IT'S BRAKE LIGHTS. AFTER AWHILE OF THIS I REALIZED THAT SOMETHING WAS OBVIOUSLY WRONG. AT THIS POINT BOTH LIGHTS WERE OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I TOOK IT IN TO FIND THAT THE SOCKETS WERE BURNT OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THE WIRING ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MERCEDES BENZ HAD A FIX FOR IT ALL BUT AT A PRICE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE C SERIES HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY ARE THERE NO RECALL FOR THE ML OR THE M SERIES? *TR
Steering
Filed Mar 20, 201562,483 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE R&R STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WHERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,483.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Filed Jan 30, 201586,000 milesTX
LATCH ON TAILGATE WILL NOT CATCH. THE GATE WILL CLOSE AUTOMATICALLY BUT WILL NOT LATCH. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ITEM, THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE. WHY DOESN'T MERCEDES RECALL THIS FEATURE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jan 5, 201589,000 milesSC
LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID RESULTING IN DIMINISHED OR TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THOUGH TOTAL LOSS DID NOT HAPPEN YET, THIS COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT ANY WARNING. 1998-2004 CLASS WAS RECALLED FOR THAT VERY REASON; WHY NOT THE MODEL YEARS THEREAFTER THAT HAVE SAME PROBLEM; LIKELY IN SAME FREQUENCY. *TR
Steering
Filed Dec 7, 201437,000 milesDC
CONSUMER RECENTLY NOTICED HARD, WHINING SOUNDS FROM STEERING/TURNING THE WHEEL ESPECIALLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR. SEEMS LIKE NOISE COMES FROM STEERING COLUMN. NOISE DISSIPATES AFTER CAR WARMS UP OR WHEN YOU SHUT IT OFF AND START UP AGAIN. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Nov 10, 201443,600 milesFL
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHIN SHORT PERIOD OF EACH OTHER. CHECKED WITH DEALER, WANTED TO REPLACE WHOLE LIGHT ASSEMBLY. CHECKED ONLINE, TURNS OUT TO BE FAULTY WIRING/INSTALL FOR WHICH MB ACTUALLY HAS A REPAIR KIT. SEEMS TO BE QUITE A FREQUENT PROBLEM. IN FACT THE MB C CLASS WAS RECENTLY RECALLED FOR THAT SAME REASON, WHY NOT THE ML350??? *TR
Steering
Filed Nov 10, 201450,600 milesFL
LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID RESULTING IN DIMINISHED OR TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THOUGH TOTAL LOSS DID NOT HAPPEN YET, THIS COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT ANY WARNING. 1998-2004 CLASS WAS RECALLED FOR THAT VERY REASON; WHY NOT THE MODEL YEARS THEREAFTER THAT HAVE SAME PROBLEM; LIKELY IN SAME FREQUENCY. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Oct 7, 201468,250 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES ML 350. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTED PREVENTING A CHILD SAFETY SEAT FROM BEING INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,250.
Steering
Filed Sep 30, 2014MD
THE ORIGINAL SYMPTOMS WERE THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO GET JERKY (FLAT SPOTS) MEANING THERE WAS POWER ASSIST FROM 12 O'CLOCK TO 2 O'CLOCK, THEN HARD EFFORT FROM 2 -4 O'CLOCK AND SO ON. IT INITIALLY WAS DRIVABLE BUT AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MORE MILES IT HAS BECOME DANGEROUS, AS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF EFFORT MUST BE USED WHEN TURNING, THEN GETS EASY, THEN TIGHT. I HAVE CHECKED AND THERE ARE NO FLUID LEAKS AND THE RESERVOIR IS FULL. MY MECHANIC CHECKED IT OUT, AND HE SAID IT APPEARED THAT THE STEERING RACK IS BAD. HE RECOMMENDED WE FLUSH AND CHANGE ALL THE FLUID WITH MBZ APPROVED:236.3 FIRST TO SEE IF IT IMPROVED. IT DID NOT AND HE SAID I WAS LOOKING AT $2000+ TO REPLACE THE RACK. AFTER OWNING TWO MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLES OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, I'VE BEEN LOYAL BUT HAVING ONLY PURCHASED THIS 2008 ML350 FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND ONLY 65K MILES I FIND IT DISCONCERTING THAT I'VE READ SO MUCH ON THESE PREMATURE STEERING RACK PROBLEMS ON THESE VEHICLES. I CHECKED WITH MB, ONLY TO LEARN THAT MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE LIST FOR 'RECALLS'. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE, AND MB NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! DOES SOMEONE NEED TO BE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED BEFORE MB IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS ISSUE??! *TR
Steering
Filed Aug 28, 201456,000 milesCA
LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, DURING MONTH OF APRIL 2014, DIFFERENT ERROR MESSAGES STARTED TO APPEAR ON DASH INCLUDING ABS (BRAKE SYSTEM), SRS (AIR BAGS), AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING, HARD TO TURN WHEEL, A FEW TAIL/PARKING LIGHTS NOT WORKING. AT SHOP, THEY SAID SENSORS WERE BAD, AND DUE TO MY EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING SYSTEM ($272) BUT SAID TO REPAIR THE AIR BAGS WOULD COST $800. A DIFFERENT MECHANIC SAID UNDER $100 TO FIX AIR BAG SENSORS. NOW, AUGUST 2014, TRUNK LIFT MOTORS ARE KONKING OUT AND THE LOCK IS NOT LATCHING, POPS OPEN WHILE DRIVING, HAVE TO PULL OVER TO SHUT BEFORE EVERYTHING FALLS OUT. ALSO OTHER MOTORS FOR WINDOWS AND SUNROOF WORK INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN TURNING LEFT THE PARKING BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT POPS UP ON DASH....ALSO OUT OF THE BLUE ONE DAY THE WHOLE GPS SYSTEM WAS BLANK, TOTALLY WIPED OF ALL INFO DESTINATIONS, HISTORY ETC FROM PAST YEAR, ONLY A MAP SHOWS NOW. *TR
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 6, 2014133,500 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE THAT IS LOCATED UNDER THE SPARE TIRE WAS DAMAGED. THERE WAS A RED LIGHT THAT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE PASSENGER DOOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT GASKET AND CONTROL UNIT SAM MODULE WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,500. UPDATED 10/03/2014*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REFUNDED. UPDATED 5/12/2015 *JS
Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Jul 25, 2014128,000 milesAL
MERCEDES ML350 WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD ON A RURAL HIGHWAY, FRONT END DROVE STRAIGHT INTO WOODED AREA STRIKING A TREE JUST RIGHT OF DRIVERS SIDE HEADLAMP WITH SERIOUS DAMAGE TO BUMPER AND HOOD PUSHING INTO RADIATOR...DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED...BOTH SIDE CURTAIN BAGS DEPLOYED...LUCKILY WITH LOW SPEED AND SEAT BELT ON DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED... *TR
EngineFire
Filed Jul 1, 201487,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Steering
Filed May 3, 201451,765 milesPA
I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED MY VEHICLE WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD WHINING NOISE, SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP. THE OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID MY POWER STEERING FLUID WAS EMPTY AND I HAD A LEAK. I DECIDED TO MAKE A APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED MY POWER STEERING RACK HEAD RESEALED. I THINK THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND MERCEDES NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE NOTICED OTHER COMPLAINTS BESIDES MINE LISTED ON HERE. I SHOULDN'T HAVE SUCH SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS BRAND AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE, ITS RIDICULOUS. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Apr 1, 2014NH
ORIGINAL CAR, 2007 ML350,REPLACED WITH A 2008 BY DEALER AFTER MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, 2008 MANUFACTURED IN JANUARY,2008 THESE CARS A MANUFACTURED PROBLEM IN TO SPRING OF 2008,.CARS AT THAT TIME CONSIDERED WORST USED CAR IN CONSUMER GUIDE.. INTERNET SHOWS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM SEVERAL CUSTOMERS. NOT ABLE TO MAKE CONTACTS WITH THE HEAD OFFICE, WARRANTY GONE BECAUSE OF TIME,2008 HAS SAME PROBLEMS AS 2007, CAR HAS BEEN IN GARAGE MORE TIME THAN I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT, AIR BAGS ENGAGED AND DISENGAGED, WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON WHEN NO RAIN, BACK LIFT OPENS BY ITSELF, WINDOWS WILL GO UP AND DOWN AT WILL, GPS DOES NOT WORK, STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT ADJUST, SEATS WON'T FOLD DOWN, OIL LEAK, OCCASIONAL ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN CAR, HEATER COMES ON AUTOMATICALLY AND CAR GETS SO HOT, HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, YET WHEN YOU WANT HEAT YOU OFTEN TIMES CANNOT GET IT TRANSMISSION LEAK (ALL CONSIDERED UNUSUAL BY THE DISTRIBUTOR, HAVE ALL REPAIR BILLS AVAILABLE, TECHNICIANS HAVE FOUND MOST ALL OF THE PROBLEMS, REPAIR COSTS ABOUT 1500 A WHACK, THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SHOULD SOMEONE GET HURT IN THIS CAR, THEY WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE, CAN'T AFFORD TO TRADE, I AM HANGING OUT ON A LIMB IN AN UNSAFE CAR. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN- HAVE FRIENDS IN THE CAR THAT CAN VERIFY ALL HAPPENINGS. LETTERS TO IRA ROSENBURRG (?) FROM PRIME MOTORS, SCARBOROUGH, MAINE GO UNANSWERED, JUST ASKED TO SIT DOWN AND TALK, SOME RUDE ENCOUNTERS, PRESENTLY WANT TO DO A TRANSMISSION OIL REPAIR AT 1500, CAR C
Steering
Filed Mar 31, 201479,000 milesMI
RACK AND PINION LEAKED ALL THE FLUID DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PART. I REPLACED THE POWERSTERING PUMP FEW MONTH AGO AND PAID CLOSE TO $1200 (POSSIBLE THE BACK RACK DAMAGE IT THEN). NOW THE STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE DEALER WANTS CLOSE TO 2,000 TO FIX IT, THEY ARE USING REFURBISHED PARTS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER MB IS NOT SUPPLYING NEW STEERING RACKS ANYMORE, MB ONLY SUPPORTS REPAIRING KITS TO REFURBISH DEFECTIVE ONES. THIS IS COMPLETELY INSANE, FIRST THEY PUT A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE VEHICLE, THAT THEY CHARGE YOU AN ARM AND LEG TO REPLACE IT WITH A REFURBISHED ONE. E RECALL IS A MUST AND MB SHOULD BE FORCED TO PUT NEW PARTS AS THE STEERING SYSTEM IS VERY CRUCIAL TO SAFETY. *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 2, 2013112,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER MERGING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT AND IN A MATTER OF MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Nov 21, 201358,800 milesTN
ATM AT BANK WAS NOT OPERATING AND WAS GOING INSIDE BANK, AT REGIONS BANK IN HENDERSONVILLE TN. WHEN CAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THAT COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY BRAKING. THE RESULT BEING,HITTING TWO CARS, WHEN TRYING TO GO BETWEEN THEM, THEN STILL COULDN'T STOP UNTIL NOSE DIVE IN ROCK LINED FOUR FOOT DITCH . *TR
Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 20, 201372,000 milesTN
WHILE PARKING MY CAR, GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS, IT SUDDENLY, AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A PARKED CAR AND CRASHED INTO A TREE IN A YARD LOCATED ABOUT 12 YARDS OR SO AWAY, SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGING THE FRONT OF THE CAR, SIDE OF THE CAR, AND CAUSING THE AIR BAGS TO BE RELEASED. THIS WAS AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BY THE VEHICLE THAT AUTOMATICALLY OCCURRED. I SUFFERED BRUISES IN THE FOREHEAD AND RIGHT HAND, AND LACERATION OF THE LEFT KNEE.
Steering
Filed Sep 19, 201386,500 milesMO
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AT LOW SPEED, ESPECIALLY WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A WHILE. STEERING MECHANISM MAKES A TERRIBLE, MOANING, WAILING, SCREECHING NOISE. NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL DIRECTION OF VEHICLE. *JB
Complaints 1-50 of 67, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.