1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 9%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,308miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 9% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,308 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.
“Laundry list of failures. Jack has almost killed me while changing tire. Vehicle fell, almost hitting me but catching side of vehicle before landing on me! Hood latch has failed on a few occasions, causing hood to open while vehicle was in motion. Air mass meter failed. Has required 5 (five!) alignments in two years. When brought to dealer's attention, was told nothing was wrong. A month later requires another alignment. Alignment problems causes wear on tires, which has caused hydroplaning and loss of control of vehicle. Vehicle swerves uncontrollably when hits anything other than flat road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068171, filed 2004-05, 97,615 miles“The contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz ML320. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the door locks on all four doors independently lock and unlock continuously. The driver side door would not unlock from the outside and the contact had to enter from the passenger side door. The failure recurred numerous times. The dealer was notified and stated that while there were a lot of complaints there was no recalls at that time. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 157,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10483353, filed 2012-11, 157,000 miles“My 1998 mlk 320 is going into the shop for the tenth time in 31 months, and the only reason it hasn't been in more often is I live 30 miles from the dealer. The car has been a nightmare. The problems are numerous; many have never been successfully repaired. The main problem that started not long after I purchased the car (new) is, when I start it the car dies. I have to repeat the process and eventually the car will start. There are also a myriad of small, continuous problems; windows that won't go up, locks that lock and unlock on their own, plastic parts that have fallen off. …”
NHTSA complaint #741865, filed 2001-03“The consumer has been experiencing problems with automatic transmission/motor/ power windows/ door handles and panels, and suspension system. Consumer has been experiencing these problems ever since vehicle was purchased. The manufacturer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #831300, filed 1998-11“Rear windows goe down on their own. Also, when consumer gets out of the vehicle all the doors will automatically lock, and the alarm system will go off.”
NHTSA complaint #844560, filed 1999-08Related service bulletins
- 10033074May 1, 2013Xentry: outside door handle no longer returns to end position. Due to a bent pin in the dynamic balancer, the support spring of the bearing bracket can slide out of place or…
- 10028664Jan 12, 2009Mercedes: a nonfunctional blower motor (blower motor runs continuously) or water drops in front passenger footwell after engine wash. Caused by an insufficient sealing of…
- 10025647Mar 7, 2008Water entry into vehicle interior for all model 164 vehicles.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
31 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsAir bags
7 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