2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 21%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 21% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,500 miles. 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.
“Our vehicle caught fire. My wife and I had just gotten off of the interstate when we started to smell an odd smell. We pulled into a hotel parking lot where we started to see smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. I stopped the vehicle in a hotel driveway, put the vehicle in park. We got out of the vehicle and saw flames underneath the vehicle. We called 911 and hotel staff tried to extinguish the fire but it continued to grow. The fire dept. Arrived and put out the fire. Photos are attached.”
NHTSA complaint #11308022, filed 2020-02, 89,000 miles“Ml320 bluetec, randomly loses power. The power will be restored once the car is turned off and on again. Car has been to the dealer 7 times for repair of this one issue, including twice in a state with limited power. Dealer has done multiple software updates, turbo replacement, exhaust valves replacement and the issue is still present. On one of the last occasions this happened, the car lost power when trying to merge on to the hwy. This almost resulted in me being rear ended by a big rig. Luckily I was able to pull to the shoulder before I was rear ended. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565170, filed 2014-02, 24,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 mercedes benz ML320. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the camshaft position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 4/30/15 the consumer also stated the glow plug control unit, heat element and door lock failed. Updated 05/07/15”
NHTSA complaint #10683919, filed 2015-02, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
- 11031648Oct 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC will provide an Extended Modification Warranty for each vehicle that has received the Approved Emission Modification. The Extended Modification Warranty…
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
- 10135598Mar 25, 2015Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320
9 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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