2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 28%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,278miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 28% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,278 miles. 3 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.
“Front drivers side seat, burns when heater is turned on. Burn smell, burned skin of driver. Has there been a recall on this. I have read of many instances of this same complaint on the internet. Mercedes needs to replace seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10621045, filed 2014-08, 40,000 miles“Heated seat, driver side, burnt through seat on left side of thigh and through clothing. Skirt and jacket damaged. Car is under warranty. Would like to know why a national recall has not been done. I understand others, including mgr at mercedes of greenwich who experienced the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10179355, filed 2007-01, 36,555 miles“I own a 2003 mercedes benz ml 350. When turned on, the seat warmer in this vehicle is extremely hot, I have received a slight burn and I notice a burning smell. There has not been property damage or a fire (to my knowledge, there may be under the seat cover) only because I have turned the seat warmer off in time.”
NHTSA complaint #10289476, filed 2009-10“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ML350. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact smelled a burning odor. He noticed that the driver's seat was burning. If it had not been for his wallet in his backpocket, his pants would have caught fire. The electrical wires burned through his leather seats. The contact searched the internet, but found no recalls pertaining to this failure. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was 51,400.”
NHTSA complaint #10249773, filed 2008-11, 51,400 miles“Driver side heated seat burned through the seat causing a burn hole in the seat . Damaged drivers pants and wallet. Dealer to repair/replace seat in mid july”
NHTSA complaint #10126701, filed 2005-06Related service bulletins
- 10248162Dec 4, 2023Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged…
- 11031635May 18, 2018To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement…
- 10034608Feb 5, 2010Mercedes: the electrically folding 3rd seat row makes noises while folding up and down, or the folding function does not work at all. A warning message about locking the 3rd seat…
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 30 | 36% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 13% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 7 | 28% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350
11 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
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 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