2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 18%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 18% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“Bas light turns on while driving on the freeway and the car shuts off on freeway while driving. The gas pedal didn't work so I pulled over. I feel like its a dangerous to drive and putting other driver in danger so I stopped driving it. There was a recall for 2000-2002 ML320 but my car is 2003 and its doing the same issues that the 2000-2002 ML320”
NHTSA complaint #10838717, filed 2016-02, 160,000 miles“My wife drove the vehicle to work one day and when she was pulling out of the parking lot onto a busy street, the yellow triangle with exclamation point started to flash and engaged the brakes. My wife quickly pull over to the side of the street and made her way back into the parking lot while the brakes where engaging. My wife was unable to drive the vehicle home from work. We let the vehicle sit for several minutes and I was able to get the vehicle moving but the brakes were engaging again. I was able to get the vehicle back home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10936005, filed 2016-12, 187,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ML320. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brakes were engaged numerous times before there was a reduction in the speed. The contact smelled an unusual odor inside of the vehicle. In addition, on separate occasions a burning odor of brakes emitted throughout the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to detect a problem. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10450251, filed 2012-03, 30,000 miles“While parking vehicle accelerated. Consumer applied the brake pedal but the brakes failed. This caused consumer's vehicle to collide with the vehicle in front. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The cause had not been determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10079386, filed 2004-06Related service bulletins
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily…
- 10033607Jan 1, 2010Mercedes benz: check for installation of spacer between brake and fuel line, install if necessary. The spacer between the brake line and fuel line may not have been installed…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 19% |
| 2003 | 4 | 18% |
| 2002 | 25 | 28% |
| 2001 | 48 | 35% |
| 2000 | 34 | 20% |
| 1999 | 11 | 9% |
| 1998 | 16 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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