2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 7%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 7% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 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.
“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“I have a 2000 mercedes benz ML320 SUV. This vehicle shifts automatically from drive to first gear when going at lawful high speed and sometimes low speeds, dangerously slowing the vehicle putting my family's lives and other drivers in peril on the road. The above incident occurred eight times within the last year and a half. The mercedes benz dealer could not find the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10239777, filed 2008-08, 65,000 miles“The car was in drive, it suddenly went into reverse, accelerated at tremendous speed down my driveway, up onto my property where it hit a tree - still in drive. Damage was in access of $16,000. Mercedes denied any defect or malfunction after their inspection. I have since learned that an almost identical accident was reported in 2000 to another car - same year, make & model as mine.”
NHTSA complaint #10021455, filed 2003-06, 40,503 miles“Transmission keeps getting stuck in 3rd gear. When I take it to be serviced, they would initially tell me no computer errors were showing. A couple times later I drove to the dealer with it stuck in third, allowing them to drive it that way. When this occurred I was in the left lane and was unable to accelerate causing the vehicle behind me to nearly rear end us. This continues to happen but very sporadically and the dealer has unsuccessfully been able to repair. Their response now is they are not able to duplicate. This is a serious problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10026132, filed 2003-07, 49,500 miles“Dt: caller has had vehicle in 6 times for check engine light/spark plugs being corroded/loose wheel bearing/control module went out/for shaking and sputtering at idle, and the electric function check. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10125793, filed 2005-06, 57,127 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10025663Apr 2, 2008Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ml 320 and gl320); 211.022 (e320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2005 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 2 | 9% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 12 | 7% |
| 1999 | 19 | 15% |
| 1998 | 10 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320
45 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 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