2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 16%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,246miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 16% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,246 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.
“I own a mercedes ml 350 2003; while driving the car to work this morning the car stopped accelerating, became disabled and steering, became impossible. The car slowed on its own while I was in traffic on a major road with speed limits up to 40 MPH and I was unable to move the car into the shoulder creating a major safety issue. Eventually the car coasted onto the shoulder and all lights became illuminated on the dashboard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10229634, filed 2008-06, 93,000 miles“In regarding to safety recall #2003-040005: 1. Hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler failed to provide sufficient clamping force for this connection. 2. Its consequences: a. Power steering pump failing b. Valve covers leaking 3. Mercedes-benz of south charlotte replaced power steering pump, replaced valve cover gaskets. Total charges were $1,544.62 ($775.40 for parts, the rest was for labor). …”
NHTSA complaint #10264171, filed 2009-04, 49,492 miles“Steering is making a wheezing noise and it feels hard to steer compared to other vehicles. Engine fells like stalling after hitting brakes; engine is shaking on the drive mode when you are not moving and on brake mode; more than 10 times, will take to the dealership soon.”
NHTSA complaint #10135564, filed 2005-09, 19,000 miles“The contact stated while driving 50mph there was a noise coming from the engine. The power steering went out preventing the vehicle from turning. After the vehicle was pulled off the road side a warning light illuminated on the dash. The vehicle was towed to a dealership were it is currently being inspected.”
NHTSA complaint #10149378, filed 2006-02, 35,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10166978Feb 6, 2014Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up - Fault code entry (FC) 14A600 or 14A700
- 10044199Mar 28, 2012Xentry: mercedes benz: vehicle stumbles and bucks for a few minutes after a cold start when outside temperature is low (no dtcs). Engine runs rough in a warm up phase. No model…
- 10033070Dec 16, 2009Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209…
- 10022893Apr 24, 2008Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. Mercedes-benz model c230, c280, c350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, e350, e550, cls550, s600…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350
11 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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