Mercedes-Benz ML320 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 740 consumer complaints across the 10 model years of the Mercedes-Benz ML320 (1998–2009) that have at least 5 complaints. 2000 has the most, with 166. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (144 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All ML320 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 28 | 54,000 | 3 | 87 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2008 | 21 | 94,500 | 2 | 82 | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 16 | 43,000 | 2 | 83 | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 5 | 5,000 | 0 | 67 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 22 | 51,723 | 0 | 55 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 88 | 89,670 | 1 | 53 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 136 | 87,800 | 0 | 45 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 166 | 77,000 | 0 | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 125 | 71,500 | 0 | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 133 | 79,279 | 0 | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes144 19%
- Steering140 19%
- Engine cooling112 15%
- Electrical system90 12%
- Fuel system77 10%
- Electronic stability control64 8.7%
- Vehicle speed control56 7.6%
- Transmission and drivetrain56 7.6%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1999: “The yaw rate sensor is causing the car to unintended breaking. It started the breaking since I purchased the car in june, however over a week ago the actual car will break while im drive and bring the car to a complete stop and will not go until I cut the car completely off and let it sit for about 10-15 min and turn it back on and then it will drive again.”
NHTSA complaint #11354739, filed 2020-09, 35 miles2000: “As I noticed in other complaints they all focus in the power steering issues, fuel / oil leaks and loss, esp option , electrical mail functions that relate with the ecu, problem with the shifter. All these are safety concerns since all the above problems can cause an accident . I have the same problems in my car and it is really difficult to operate the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11288070, filed 2019-12, 25 miles2003: “Loss of power steering fluid, it appears to be from the hose connection to the radiator during driving and while stationery. This issue was previously recalled, I believe twice. Dealer requested $125 diagnostic charge. Mb USA informed in a phone conversation, that this problem was already fixed october 2008 under recall, and the warranty expired and I should fix on my own cost.”
NHTSA complaint #11060855, filed 2018-01, 79,500 milesOther Mercedes-Benz models
3,965 complaintsMercedes-Benz E350
2,215 complaintsMercedes-Benz E320
1,164 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML350
952 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLK350
901 complaintsMercedes-Benz C250
725 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLC 300
659 complaintsMercedes-Benz C230
653 complaints
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. Methodology