2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 27%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 27% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,500 miles. 3 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.
“While driving the vehicle heated seats caused second degree burns to the driver's bottom. There was no damage to the vehicle's seat. This problem also cause some redness to another driver's bottom. After visiting doctor for treatment of burns, took vehicle to dealer the same week. Was informed by three different mechanic's problem could not be found or resolved. Pictures enclosed the vehicle seats were heated.”
NHTSA complaint #10059309, filed 2004-02, 14,500 miles“Driver's seat heater shorted out while vehicle was being driven. The event ocurred so quickly and was so severe that it burned through the leather seat upholstery and a very heavy pair of denim jeans I was wearing almost imediately and unexpectedly. The consequences are pretty much obvious and could range from severe burns, to the vehicle burning to causing a serious accident because of the spontaneous happening. No response from mercedes benz to date.”
NHTSA complaint #10102096, filed 2004-12, 22,600 miles“The heated seat in my 2003 mercedes ML320 burned through my leather seats and leaving a small mark on my left thigh. My injury healed; however, there is still a burnt mark on my seat. After explaining it to mercedes and my extended warranty service, both decided to help me stating it was a cosmetic defect. Now I'm stuck with a driver side seat that has 3 cm hole in it along with heated seats that mercedes suggest that I should never turn on, even though I paid extra for it.”
NHTSA complaint #10144571, filed 2005-12“I own a 2003 mercedes ML320, while I was driving w/the heated seats on I started to notice a burning odor. The odor got stronger & it smelt like burning plastic. I noticed my rear was starting to get a tad too warm so I put my hand down on the seat & almost burn my hand. I immediately turned off the seat warmer & called mercedes the following morning to arrange for service. When I arrived at mercedes the manager informed me that this was not the first incident & that a gentlemens suit had been replaced b/c it burnt through his clothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10129270, filed 2005-07Related service bulletins
- 10248162Dec 4, 2023Crease 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…
- 11031635May 18, 2018To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement…
- 10034608Feb 5, 2010Mercedes: the electrically folding 3rd seat row makes noises while folding up and down, or the folding function does not work at all. A warning message about locking the 3rd seat…
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320
6 complaintsBrakes
4 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