2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 9%of 172 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 9% of the 172 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 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.
“I was driving in my car to work on the city street (santa anita ave going north in the city of arcadia ca), within few minutes after I left the house I felt my hands get hot probably the air bag deployed and the next thing I know my car ran over the center divider and flipped over. Fortunately, I came out of the car dazed and with multiple bruises.”
NHTSA complaint #11327806, filed 2020-06, 102,000 miles“Power steering fails, when turning into a parking space or parallels parking. This has happen for years and I was told that it can lock up . It was at one time a recall .and mercedes mention to me that the recall has ended. I dont have the money to fight this . But I have taking the car to mercedes to diagnostics and they wanted to charge me 100.00 . When I know this problem is part of the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11331689, filed 2020-06, 5 miles“I was stopped at a red light waiting make a left. When the light turned green to make a left, I started going and got to the middle of the intersection when my steering got stuck. I was able to pull the steering wheel to complete a wide left turn. I was safely able to pull into a parking lot, but without a real effort to turn the wheel and again having to make another wide left turn before an oncoming car almost hit me.”
NHTSA complaint #10621100, filed 2014-08, 119,000 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“While traveling in the center lane on a major parkway at the posted speed limit, our 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 experienced a complete engine failure. The car would not accelerate; steering was compromised, as was braking. Braking and steering were very difficult, but possible allowing the car to be guided to the shoulder. All four family members were present including our two young sons. After being towed to a local authorized dealer repair shop, 4 days after the incident...the problem was reported as ?engine jumped time? …”
NHTSA complaint #10621381, filed 2014-08, 96,000 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.
- 10019967Apr 26, 2006Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. On mercedes benz ml and r class models.
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 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350
43 complaintsEngine
36 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsEngine cooling
17 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