1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,433miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 5% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,433 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“I put my seat belt (s/b) on and started the ignition. A loud bang, I was jerked back into my seat by the s/b and was trapped. White smoke escaped where the s/b comes out of the frame. The srs light was illuminated. I turned the car off, unbuckled the s/b, which didn't retract back into the feed, got out of the car and waited for the smoke to dissipate. I got back into the car, put my s/b on, which was stuck and would not adjust. I called mb dealership to report incid and make apt for car to be chkd. 8-30-07 I brought car into mb of reno, nv. …”
NHTSA complaint #10203560, filed 2007-09, 97,433 miles“1998 mercedes benz ml-320. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration. The consumer stated while making a turn and releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated and hit a concrete column. This damaged the main metal frame behind the front bumper. The airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10692464, filed 2018-01“Vehicle was at a gas station and driver got inside of the vehicle and driver 's side seat belt exploded. The seat belt was stuck in a upright position and would not move. Also, srs light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle home. Then, consumer called the dealer for an appointment.”
NHTSA complaint #10089631, filed 2004-08“Front crash at 25 MPH, passenger airbag did not deploy. Driver airbag opened, and driver suffered chemical burns to the face. $ 12000.00 damage to vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #8013305, filed 2002-07“Concerns regarding driver's air bag, consumer is 4'6 tall and 75 lbs, consumer is concerned about safety of short person and air bag; added on 09-07-1999.”
NHTSA complaint #539607, filed 1998-08Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 11% |
| 2008 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 1 | 5% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
| 2000 | 14 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
31 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
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