2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 24%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,885miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class, 24% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,885 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my 2000 ml320 mercedes, the car suddenly applies brakes while traveling at various speeds. The bas/esp warning lights come on. This is a very dangerous malfunction and someone should make mercedes address this defect immediately before someone is killed! If you do a search on the internet, it will amaze you how many people have experienced this horrifying ordeal. Please do not ignore my complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #10380051, filed 2011-02, 160,000 miles“I was driving my 2000 mercedes benz ml 430 at approximately 40 MPH, when without any warning lights being displayed it abruptly stopped. The brake pedal had not been depressed. The vehicle then skidded, stopped, skidded again and stopped. This went on for approximately 45-60 seconds then the bas esp malfunction light came on. I was then able to drive the vehicle while the light was illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348202, filed 2010-08, 116,885 miles“The antilock braking system can take over throttle and braking. Vehicle will automatically apply brakes to various wheels. It will pitch the car left or right and require driver to counter steer to keep the vehicle straight. There is no warning on when this will happen. Can cause accident or cause vehicle to spin. Mercedes dealer service manager advise me it is a faulty sensor and it is replace at owners expense for $600. I complaint that it is dangerous and should be replaced. Service advisor simply replied yes it is, you should pay for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10293268, filed 2009-11, 120,000 miles“At highway speed car jerked violently to the left as off the from right brake was being applied on its own. Turned the esp (electronic stability control) off and proceeded and the event happened again, car jerked to left and headed to ditch but was able to overcome with steering wheel. It appears a car system failed crash rather than fail safe.”
NHTSA complaint #10459727, filed 2012-05, 67,600 miles“While traveling with my family (wife and 2 kids) on the freeway returning from an family outing. We were traveling approximately 65 MPH on the freeway when all the sudden without any warning the cars brakes are activated and the car pulls to the right, fortunately there was no car on the right lane next to me. The car braking on its own did not stop until the car came to a complete stop. After removing our hearts from our throats and changing our soiled undergarments we decided to head straight home 45 miles away. This same thing occurred about 3 times during our trip back home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228166, filed 2008-05Electronic stability control: other model years
Other parts of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology