2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 14%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 14% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,500 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.
“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. The contact stated that while going approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to shift into gear. The engine would rev and the vehicle would not respond. The contact then shifted into gear and the vehicle accelerated rapidly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and the contact was informed that the failure was unable to be determined. …”
NHTSA complaint #10461896, filed 2012-06, 45,000 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.
- 10038977Apr 4, 2011Mercedes-benz: the auto-transmission switches to limp home mode or has no power. There are multiple possible fault codes. A piston may be damaged.
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 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsEngine cooling
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