2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 26%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 26% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,600 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.
“The 2005 ml 350 I believe is experiencing the same problems that LED to recalls for ml series in 2003, 2004 and possibly other years. The power steering system looses fluid caused by leaks in the plumbing of the power steering pump. The only sign of an initial problem was the noise made by the pump because of loss of fluid. This vehicle requires special fluid which is not commonly available. Loss of steering control is the result of the loss of fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #10377306, filed 2011-01, 45,000 miles“Bought the 2005 ML350 used last summer (2010). In the first few weeks of owning the vehicle while slowing down or stopped, the acceleration seemed to drop low enough to make the vehicle stall. No check engine light on, but took it back to the dealership and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Since then, it has happened multiple times over the year. Also, while starting the vehicle it will stall and I will have to keep retrying to start it and press the acceleration pedal to get it to finally start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10424590, filed 2011-09, 60,000 miles“I had went to a car wash & when I was leaving & turned right at the light my door flew open & few days later my steering wheel started to get hard to turn & it had started leaking bad .i had my kids in the car when both incident happened. Didn’t notify my insurance or police .”
NHTSA complaint #11641011, filed 2025-02“The contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz ML350. While attempting to change lanes at approximately 57 MPH, the contact noticed that the steering column became difficult to turn. When the brake pedal was depressed, the steering column completely locked. She attempted to pull the vehicle over to the emergency lane, but was headed towards a cement barrier because the steering column was inoperable. She applied the emergency brake and the vehicle stopped abruptly. There was no crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10258928, filed 2009-02, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10167002Feb 25, 2014Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- 10052151Apr 24, 2013Xentry (mercedes): rattling noise coming from the area of the steering column tube system, when driving over rough road and when accelerating or braking, there would be cracking…
- 10046319Aug 9, 2012Xentry (mercedes); electric steering control unit, in some vehicles, has implausible fault entry due to software needing updating. Models ml 350. No model years listed.
- 10044181Mar 12, 2012Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
- 10028646Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: groaning or dull, heavy cracking noises from steering shaft area. When turning steering wheel or moving off or braking. This may be emanating from the bearing and…
- 10028645Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: chrome plating peeling on decorative caps on the steering wheel spokes, this is due to less than optimal adhesion between chrome plating and base material. Models 164…
- 10025648Apr 22, 2008Rattling/thumping noise on rough roads and/or knocking noise when moving steering in both directions on all model 164 and 251 vehicles. Model years unknown.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 7% |
| 2012 | 7 | 11% |
| 2010 | 4 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 24 | 36% |
| 2007 | 8 | 10% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 6 | 26% |
| 2004 | 6 | 17% |
| 2003 | 11 | 44% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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