2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 8%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 8% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 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.
“Within the past 8 months I have taken my car to the dealership four times with the issue relating engine shut off and check engine light comes on. I was told the crankshaft needed to be replaced two times and as of today the problems remains. Mercedes benz has acknowledged this is problem in this vehicle but has not addressed it. I fear driving this vehicle with my children it shut off in the middle of the highway at one point and they haven't addrssed it. I've spent $4500 to repair and they cannot resolve the problem and I'm not certain they know how.”
NHTSA complaint #10761160, filed 2015-09, 97,000 miles“Random loss of power ' (the entire panel lights up) as the car suddenly and slowly powers off while taking off from a drop, driving, breaking, and turning, coming to a stop and on the highway. In the past 6 months we have spent more than 3800.00 for car repair on the ml 350. It shuts off more and more frequently. So much so we do not allow our daughter to drive unless I am there and now not even then until we have had it fixed for the 4th time (we thought) after crank shaft, spark plugs and now electrical work we are at a total loss. …”
NHTSA complaint #10861000, filed 2016-04Related 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…
- 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
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 11 | 21% |
| 2014 | 16 | 24% |
| 2013 | 13 | 23% |
| 2012 | 21 | 32% |
| 2011 | 7 | 6% |
| 2010 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 5 | 6% |
| 2006 | 36 | 21% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350
11 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 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