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Engine coolingPart report

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
10%of 172 total for the year
Median mileage
59,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 10% of the 172 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“2006 ML350 mercedes benz - balance shaft needs to be replaced in a car with under 50,00 miles on it. They want 8,000 to do the job and I am finding more and more people who are having the same issue with this car. I was directed to you by a facebook site that is for people who have the same issue with their mercedes. I think this is a flaw in the car and they should be recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #10356196, filed 2010-09, 49,000 miles

“Around 45,000 miles the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to a mercedes benz dealer service department and was notified that the balance shaft needs to be replaced. In order to replace the balance shaft, the engine needs to be taken out of the vehicle and taken apart. Estimated cost $6,000. The service dept. Told me that it was due to a part that was not hardened properly during manufacturing. …”

NHTSA complaint #10426711, filed 2011-09, 45,000 miles

“On may 18, 2011, I took my 2006 ML350 to an authorized mb dealer due to the check engine light indicator being illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with the balance shaft failure. The cost to repair is approx 5k.”

NHTSA complaint #10401524, filed 2011-05, 115,000 miles

“I am the owner of a mercedes 2006 ML350. I have had my cam sensor and crank shaft sensor repaired 3 times since I have owned the vehicle. I initially had my car serviced at park place in dallas on lemmon avenue. My check engine light is on again after having this same issue repaired several times. I can no longer afford to keep repairing for a problem that is going to continue to cause problems. After having these items repaired I took my vehicle to get an inspection and I failed the inspection. …”

NHTSA complaint #10413501, filed 2011-07, 95,000 miles

“Balance shaft problem on the 2006 mercedes benz ML350 - I live in south fl and I have a 2006 mercedes ML350 with less than 50,000 miles and just last week got a check engine light. Took it to the dealership in pompano beach and they told me that the balance shaft has to be replaced and it will cost $6600. This is a known problem and the manufacturer makes no effort to recall the vehicles and replace the parts for free. I cannot afford to pay for this factory defect, mercedes benz should pay for it.”

NHTSA complaint #10422927, filed 2011-09, 47,800 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201512%
201411%
201223%
200811%
200778%
20061710%
2005522%
200439%
2003416%

Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Transmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsEngine
36 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 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