2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Do not drive

Owners filed 93 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

51 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags40
001
Seat Belts17
000
Electrical System14
041
Service Brakes4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000
Exterior Lighting3
020
Vehicle Speed Control1
101
Unknown or Other1
000
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate1
000

3 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V081000
Filed Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 2026148,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the parkway, the contact heard a noise and several warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V678000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 148,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 21, 2025NV

Subject: Complaint Regarding Failure to Repair Safety Recall – Brake Booster (STOP DRIVE ORDER) Background In August 2022, I received a “STOP DRIVE ORDER” recall notice from Mercedes-Benz, informing me that my ML350 was unsafe to drive due to a defective brake booster. Despite repeated attempts over nearly three years, the recall repair has not been completed. Attempts to Obtain Recall Repair Initial Attempts: Contacted Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz (Las Vegas) twice; they refused to schedule service citing workload. Henderson Dealership: Scheduled inspection with Mercedes-Benz of Henderson. Technician inspected my ML350 at my home, confirmed the brake booster issue, and arranged for towing. Improper Repair Demands: After holding my vehicle two weeks, Henderson dealership issued an $8,200 estimate for unrelated repairs (tires, control arms, starter). I refused, as these were unnecessary and unrelated to the recall. The service manager demanded I remove the vehicle from the lot immediately or he would have it towed to impound. Recall Parts Unavailable When I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA, I was told parts for the brake booster recall were not available, contradicting the dealership’s prior statements. My vehicle was returned unrepaired. Vehicle Mishandling •Tow company returned the vehicle at the wrong time, left it on the street with a window down, and failed to return the key. •Despite repeated requests, the key has never been returned. •The ML350 sat exposed for months, regist

Steering
Filed Sep 10, 202590,000 milesVA

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

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Aug 14, 2025196,577 milesGA

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy based on the Carfax history report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase in October 2024, the vehicle mileage was 146,743; however, the Carfax history report displayed that the mileage was 196,577 on July 15, 2024, while an Auction company was still in possession of the vehicle.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jun 23, 2025140,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH in heavy rain, she observed smoke emanating from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there may have been unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, multiple unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the key pad stopped working, and multiple electrical components stopped working, and that she experienced sinus issues thereafter. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the SAM module got wet and there was an electrical fire because the wires were not covered and the SAM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed, but the SAM module was replaced. The failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where it has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 14, 2025IA

These models were recalled on March 9, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09v076000. my vin number apparently did not fall within the selected vin numbers. However my auto even though it is the same year as the recall has this same exact defect and condition and is deemed to be a fire hazard. what are my options.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring
Filed Jun 24, 2024230,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the brake sensor warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause someone to be injured in the event of a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 13, 2023CA

Fuel tank on driver side of vehicle is leaking. Heavy gas smell inside car and leakage around fuel tank. Took the vehicle in to mechanic today (04/13/23).

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 30, 2022140,000 milesAR

The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and his children in the rear seats, his wife smelled a strong burning odor and saw smoke coming from underneath the front passenger seat. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. Both the contact and his family exited the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle. The contact stated that approximately 30 seconds after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle caught on fire and exploded several times, causing a nearby tree to catch on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was awaiting to be totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 27, 2022PA

2009 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-315.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 7, 2022CO

Driver side front door and driver side back door do not unlock or lock. You have to Manually unlock and lock.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2022104,284 milesFL

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that while attempting to open the door with the key fob, the fob failed to open the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the headlights failed and the gas gauge also failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) board was corroded, and the rear SAM module needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,284.

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Jul 19, 202185,000 milesOH

The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she detected a smoke odor inside the vehicle and pulled over. The contact saw that there was smoke coming from the trunk before the vehicle caught on fire. The SRS and battery warning lights were illuminated. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was not filed. No medical attention was received. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer and another dealer Mercedes-Benz of Bedford (18122 Rockside Rd, Bedford, OH 44146) were made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a representative. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V076000 (Exterior Lightning). The failure mileage was 85,000.

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Jul 19, 2021OH

THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11425551*DJR The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 350. The contact stated while at the stop light, the warning message "SRX Malfunction, Service Required" appeared and the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated as she smelled a burning odor, she veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke coming out of the windows of the vehicle. The contact stated fire had started in the trunk of the vehicle and she was able to extinguish it with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V076000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 25, 2021115,000 milesMN

THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT ONCE PULLED OUT. OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL DAYS, THEY SLOWLY WORK THEIR WAY BACK UP. NO VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A SEATBELT FAIL; IT IS EVEN MORE RIDICULOUS THAT THIS PART FAILED IN A CAR THAT IS THIS EXPENSIVE OR THAT HAS HAD SUCH A LONG HISTORY OF SAFETY. IT ISN'T SAFE FOR ANYONE TO SIT IN THE BACK SEATS BECAUSE THE SEAT BELTS ARE OUT-STRETCHED SO FAR THAT A PERSON WOULD BE THROWN FORWARD A WAYS BEFORE THE SEATBELTS STOPPED THEM. THAT IS DANGEROUS.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 19, 202040,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOW SPEED, THE EXTERIOR LIGHT WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PARK PLACE MOTORCARS MERCEDES-BENZ DALLAS (113 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209; (214) 736-5753) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 7, 202045,351 milesFL

STRONG GAS ODOR, CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE FIRE. THE WAS IN MOTION, THE ODOR KEPT GETTING STRONGER AS I DROVE THE CAR. ONCE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, THE ORDER STARTED TO GO AWAY. THE ISSUE WAS SPECIALLY STRONG WHEN THE AC WAS TURNED ON. IT WAS HARD TO BREATHE WHEN RIDING IN THE CAR. THE ISSUE WAS WHEN EVER THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN CITY STREET AND IN THE HIGHWAY.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 15, 2019116,500 milesWA

FAILING/FAULTY EIS ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE HAS 117,000 MILES AND HAS INTERMITTENT IGNITION ISSUES. I PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION A MESSAGE ON THE DASH, "KEY DOES NOT BELONG TO VEHICLE", CAR WILL NOT TURN TO START, TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE CAR START. THE MERCEDES DEALER IN MY AREA DIAGNOSED THE ISSUES AS NEEDING TO REPLACE EIS, ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM, EST. COST OF $3,700.00. THE ISSUE HAS GONE TO INTERMITTENT TO EVERY TIME I TRY TO START THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS LOW MILES AND HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT

Electrical System
Filed May 15, 2019102,000 milesPA

THE LIFTGATE ON MY CAR QUIT WORKING RECENTLY. I DISCOVERED THAT THE LIFTGATE MOTOR WAS IN A POOL OF WATER. THERE IS A RECALL 09V076000 THAT IS ALREADY ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. FOR SOME REASON MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST EVEN THOUGH IT IS THAT MODEL YEAR AND THE EXACT PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 29, 201970,000 milesID

BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. THEY ARE FULLY EXTENDED.

20 of 93 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201552500Routine
201468420Routine
201356530Routine
201265410Routine
2011110330Do not drive
2010101320Do not drive
2009 — this page93360Do not drive
200867260Do not drive
2007832250Do 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.