2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 5%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 5% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“Transmission is having problems accelerating and shifting gears. Would rev up then not shift and not allow my car to accelerate while I was on the highway, causing cars to back up behind me and putting me in danger. At other times it will not allow me to even accelerate. Have to consistently restart my car in dangerous places on the road to get it to eventually work. Went by body shop and turns out to be a speed sensor code issue with the transmission. Needs some form of a valve body repair, but unsure to what extent. This is one of many problems with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10486587, filed 2012-11, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10165841Jul 10, 2014Under certain circumstances, the 2-3 and/or 3-4 upshift can be uncomfortable when the transmission oil is cold.
- 10025663Apr 2, 2008Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ml 320 and gl320); 211.022 (e320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
- 10023863Nov 1, 2007Models ml350, ml500, ml63, ml320, ml550, gl450, gl320, gl550, r350, r500, r63, r320 - model year 2008 -- update engine control module software -- check transmission control…
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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