2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Problems
- Complaints
- 166filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles, 105 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 15 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe unintended brake application tied to the ESP/BAS system, and loss of power steering assist from leaking fluid. Other recurring themes in the sample are engine stalling or sudden loss of power at speed and the SRS/airbag warning light coming on because of the passenger seat sensor.
- Electronic stability control
Brakes engage on their own (ESP/BAS light)
- 27 complaints (16%)
- median 109,000 mi at 10.9 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2023
Drivers describe the brakes grabbing and locking without the pedal being pressed, sometimes for a few seconds and sometimes long enough to stop the vehicle or pull it to one side. The BAS/ESP warning light usually comes on during or just after the event, and several owners say restarting the engine clears it for a while. Complaints mention the dealer replacing a yaw rate sensor or telling owners the cause could not be found; some owners also report that only one wheel or one side brakes. Often reported between roughly 75,000 and 150,000 miles, and in some cases after several separate episodes.
What to check: Ask whether the yaw rate sensor and ESP controller have been serviced, and test drive at steady speed on a straight road. Note any BAS/ESP light and whether the previous owner kept repair records for the stability system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Was driving truck at highway, when brakes activated by itself, ABS, traction light, brake lamp and hazards flashed. Had to immediately move to side of road, while brakes where activating. Felt as if ABS was activating as if I was sliding on and icy road. Had to have vehicle towed as I was not able to move more that 5 feet”
NHTSA complaint #10744220, filed 2015-07, 160,020 miles“While driving around 50mph on the bqe road (ny), suddenly the bas/esp light came on, all the brakes engaged and car was coming to a stop. Warning light on a dashboard was flashing and at first I thought the engine died. Not realizing what is happening, I tried to add power/gas to the car, but the engine didn't want to go past 1000 RPM. Being in a fast lane and having hard time controlling the movement of the car, I??ve noticed overpowering smell of the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10470361, filed 2012-08, 109,000 miles - Steering
Loss of power steering assist, fluid leaks
- 30 complaints (18%)
- median 66,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2020
Owners report the steering becoming suddenly heavy, with warnings of fluid loss from hoses or clamps on the power steering system. Several say the fluid leaked again after repairs, and some complaints mention the dealer pointing to the rack and pinion instead. A few owners describe having to fight the wheel to pull off the road. Reported from about 20,000 miles upward, with many complaints in the 50,000-125,000 mile range.
What to check: Check power steering fluid level and look for wetness around the hoses, cooler lines and rack. Ask whether the hose and clamp service described in the bulletin was performed and whether the rack has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 miles“While pulling out the driveway as it suddenly became hard to steer. As I drove on and turned again steering returned to normal. About 1 month later the same thing happened only it lasted a was bit longer. The more recent event occurred on 12-22-13. Now its very hard to steer so hard that to drive is too risky. I checked the power steering fluid and it was ok. Now the mechanic says that it may be the rack.”
NHTSA complaint #10504500, filed 2013-03, 144,000 miles - Engine cooling
Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- 27 complaints (16%)
- median 92,005 mi at 6.8 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2019
Complaints describe the engine quitting without warning at speed or at idle, taking away power steering and braking assist, and sometimes needing 20-45 minutes before it will restart. Owners report that replacing the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft sensor resolved the stalling, and one noted it happened more often in hot weather. Others describe hesitation and a check engine light with air flow and oxygen sensor faults cited. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 140,000 miles, sometimes repeatedly in warm conditions.
What to check: Ask for records of crankshaft and camshaft position sensor replacement, and have a scan done for stored engine codes. A test drive that includes a warm start helps show whether stalling recurs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My ml 320 year 2000 Mercedes-Benz stopped suddenly while I was going 30 miles and hour. No sign of any problem (than engine stalled). This is scary and must be investigated. I almost hit a car. It did not start for 20 minutes and then it started. It will crank-start for 20 seconds and engine will stop again. Car started working fine after 45 minutes wait.”
NHTSA complaint #10419401, filed 2011-08, 90,010 miles“The vehicle lost all power suddenly. Other owners have also experienced similar problems. I found this out by searching the internet. I followed what others have done. I had a local garage replace the cps-crankshaft position sensor and the problem has resolved. I suspect faulty design of the crankshaft position sensor. Very fortunate that no one was injured. My 16 year old daughter was driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10397750, filed 2011-04, 112,500 miles - Air bags
SRS light on / passenger seat sensor fault
- 13 complaints (8%)
- median 51,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2020
Owners describe the SRS or airbag-off light staying lit, with dealers attributing it to the passenger seat occupancy sensor (sometimes called the child seat sensor). Repair estimates in the complaints are in the several-hundred to roughly $1,000 range, and some owners report the light returning after a repair. One complaint notes the sensor can disable the passenger airbag and belt tensioner. Reported from around 45,000 to 120,000 miles, often after the vehicle has been in use for several years.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm all SRS lights go out after the bulb check, and check that the airbag-off indicator behaves correctly with a passenger seated. Ask whether the seat occupancy sensor has been replaced and keep the receipt if it is.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Srs light came on 2006. I called dealer who told me it was likely a failed child sensor in the passenger seat. I was advised the srs was still intact and that these sensors are known to fail [mb 2000 ml 320]. August 2008 dealership advised me that I've had no srs working since the light went on and so I paid $900 to have a $291 part replaced - $700 in labor. My complaint is that a safety feature light warning like the srs - and a failed sensor - needs to be a manufacturers responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10238468, filed 2008-08, 90,000 miles“This is a complaint concerning a 2000 mercedes benz ml 320. The srs warning light comes indicating that the air bag system is not functioning. First time was april 2006, vehicle was taken to napervill mercedes benz. Advised that there would be a $300 diagnostic charge. Problem was baby smart sensor in right front seat. I was told that I could either eat the $300 charge or have it fixed. Final bill was $1,063.86 problem re-appeared february 2008. Called same dealer and was advised that same procedure would be required to fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10217442, filed 2008-02, 79,533 miles - Electrical system
Sudden loss of electrical power / ignition cutout
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Some owners report the vehicle losing all electrical power or cutting out entirely, including a case where a heavy key ring was said to wear the ignition switch so bumps brought the engine to a stop. Another complaint describes wiring harness insulation breaking down and shorting across circuits, damaging the control computer. A parked vehicle fire originating under the hood is also reported. Reported across a wide mileage range, including under 30,000 miles in a few cases.
What to check: Inspect the engine bay wiring for brittle or exposed insulation, check for a single heavy key on the ignition, and ask about battery drain history or repeated jump starts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall I just bought a 2000 mercedes ml 320. My AC stopped working and took it to a mercedes certified mechanic. Told me it was a pressure sensor. He then called me back and told me that the wiring harness had fallen apart and all wires were touching each other making shorts thru out the car. He told me that the shorts had fried my computer and the only way to fix all this was to replace the wiring harness. At almost $2000.00 for the repair it seems that mercedes intentionally did this to make money. …”
NHTSA complaint #11111058, filed 2018-07, 169,780 miles“While driving the vehicle consumer experience engine . The dealer has been notified. It was determined that the weight of the keys caused the ignition to fail which resulted in the vehicle stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #8022142, filed 2002-11, 28,240 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with this generation is worthwhile, focusing on the stability control sensors, power steering hoses and rack, and the seat occupancy sensor. Service records showing sensor and hose repairs already done make the vehicle easier to assess.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 166 consumer complaints for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320. 105 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 16 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 37 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering45 27%
- Brakes34 20%
- Engine cooling27 16%
- Electrical system20 12%
- Electronic stability control16 9.6%
- Fuel system16 9.6%
- Air bags14 8.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain12 7.2%
- Vehicle speed control9 5.4%
- Body and structure8 4.8%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (7), Exterior lighting (5), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Suspension (5), Wheels (5), Other or unknown (3), Seat belts (3), Tires (3), Engine (2), Seats (2), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Driving on interstate 295 in jacksonville fl at approximately 70 MPH in the middle lane and the brakes locked up for 5-10 seconds and the bas/esp light came on. I nearly lost control of the vehicle and accidentally cut off several cars in the lane to my right. Fortunately nobody was injured, but it could have been very dangerous! After stopping, and shutting the car off, at an exit for so I could see if I could spot anything I tried to make my way home (off the interstate). The bas/esp light was off, and everything seemed to be alright. …”
NHTSA complaint #10523462, filed 2013-07, 145,500 milesBrakes: “Brake line rusted and brakes failed completely suddenly when my mechanic was moving auto from his garage after servicing my transmission I probably would have been in a serious accident had I picked up my car without that happening to him never expected a brake line to rust and cause brakes to suddenly be gone I am so worried another car will cause deaths if this defect is not known to owner”
NHTSA complaint #10723147, filed 2015-06, 16,000 milesEngine cooling: “I am the owner if a 2000 mercedes ML320. This morning as I came home on this car and suddenly it sped up and lost control when it came to the driveway. I leg was on the brake when I came to the driveway no way I could have put my leg on the accelerator. I believe there is a defect in its design and cause it to suddenly speed up. Please look into this since it can be a serious matter. My other 2 cars in the garage were badly damaged in addition to the this ML320.”
NHTSA complaint #10328445, filed 2010-05, 89,000 milesElectrical system: “My 2000 ml with 47k miles suddenly locked on the brakes. The esp light had been showing on very rare occasions for 2 months. I had three instances of sudden lock-up of one or more tires before the dealer found that the yaw sensor had failed. All instances were at low cruise 30-40 MPH with perfect conditions without the esp light showing. Some how I avoided accidents but this is very dangerous. The esp took control of the brakes and applied braking to one or more wheels in an attempt to bring the truck under control. …”
NHTSA complaint #10176935, filed 2006-12, 47,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 105 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 47,000 and 123,080 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML320 4WD/AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $5,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- PE03006Power steering hose assembly leakageClosed · Feb 13, 2003
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 37 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11009122Oct 23, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Electrical system. Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes…
- 11007974Sep 21, 2024Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
- 11007753Sep 10, 2024Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11005294Jul 23, 2024Exterior lighting. Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical…
- 10248162Dec 4, 2023Seats. Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10135598Mar 25, 2015Engine. Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
- 10166976Feb 3, 2014Equipment. Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz ML320
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 28 | 54,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2008 | 21 | 94,500 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 16 | 43,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 5 | 5,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 22 | 51,723 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 88 | 89,670 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 136 | 87,800 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 166 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 125 | 71,500 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 133 | 79,279 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Mercedes-Benz ML320 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
Owners of this model year most often describe unintended brake application tied to the ESP/BAS system, and loss of power steering assist from leaking fluid. The issues reported most often: Brakes engage on their own (ESP/BAS light); Loss of power steering assist, fluid leaks; Engine stalls or shuts off while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 have?
NHTSA recorded 166 consumer complaints for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 45 complaints (27% of the total), followed by brakes with 34.
Has the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 (ML320, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 reported?
Among the 105 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 47,000 and 123,080 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.