2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 21%of 172 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,730miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 21% of the 172 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,730 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.
“Driving 45mph approaching a stop, I hit the brakes and the car started to slow. Then the car lurched and accelerated by its self. I pushed the brake harder and tried to pump it but nothing slowed the vehicle. The brakes felt as if they were not working at all. Vehicle crashed at about 55mph and rolled severely injuring the driver. No adverse weather conditions, 77 degrees out, driving on a military installation road.”
NHTSA complaint #10971930, filed 2017-04, 63,000 miles“I was on my way to pick up my spouse from the airport one night without warning the vehicle started making a rocking motion and the orange check engine light came on. I pulled over, turned off the engine and exited the vehicle to see what was wrong, I re-entered the vehicle and tried to re-start the vehicle but it would not start. I called mercedes benz and they proceeded to have my car towed to the shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545199, filed 2013-09, 80,000 miles“Check engine light came on and when I took my truck in they said it was the balance shaft gear $7500 in md. I couldn't afford it so I left and did research to see if this is something that happens to all mls or I just ave bad luck. I found out they recalled this part and a class action lawsuit was filed and approved in 2015. Its too late to claim it now, there was a time limit which I feel is ridiculous that's like putting a time limit on someones life because of a faulty part mercedes knew about for a long time and didn't say anything. …”
NHTSA complaint #10945435, filed 2017-01, 61,000 miles“The balance shaft on my ML350 has gone bad. The vehicle was in motion on a local street when it suddenly started to stall and eventually cut off. The steering wheel got stiff and I had to forcefully turn it to pull to the side of the road. After attempting to start it again it would only repeat what it's done before which is stall and cut off. After having it towed to my mechanic I was told that the balance shaft is bad. My mechanic advised me to call mercedes to see if they would fix it out of good faith but that got me no where. …”
NHTSA complaint #10893800, filed 2016-08, 3 miles“My check engine light came on and I took the vehicle to a local mercedes dealer, and the tech told me that the balance shaft was the problem and that it will cost me about $8000.00 to fix it. He also said that there was no manufacturer warranty to fix it. It took the vehicle to independent mechanic who fixed the problem with about $7200.00. I researched the problem and found out that is common problem with the make and model, and there is a pending class action suit in nj against mercedes USA. …”
NHTSA complaint #10544620, filed 2013-09, 143,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
- 11031629Oct 30, 2015To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement…
- 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350
43 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsEngine cooling
17 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 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