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BrakesPart report

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Brakes Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
17%of 111 total for the year
Median mileage
100,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 17% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“I was driving locally and when I put on the brakes for a car exiting a street. Immediately my car sensor went on and my car brakes started to fail. It was a very scary situation. This is a known problem with Mercedes. Mercedes has a recall for the brake booster but will not fix the booster without the brake like being fixed. I have reached out to foreign motor car dealerships and this issue with the brake line is a known problem and a safety issue but Mercedes is not taking responsibility for this issue that can kill someone for their parts that are corroding and rotting. …”

NHTSA complaint #11613011, filed 2024-09

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60–65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle started sliding. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11751996, filed 2026-07, 88,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign. The contact swerved to the right and struck the curb. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11767350, filed 2026-09, 129,000 miles

“Corroded brake lines. This is a well known issue for many ML350s built during this time period. This car was built with steel brake lines that easily corrode and present a serious safety issue. While driving a few months ago, the car suddenly lost the ability to brake because a line rusted completely through. The mechanic noted the lines are rusted in many other places as well. Mercedes refuses to correct this under warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #11688721, filed 2025-09

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the daughter was driving at an unknown speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The driver heard an abnormal hissing or squeaking sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact’s son then drove the vehicle to a shopping center, and when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle unexpectedly entered SAFE Mode. The contact was unable to shift to drive(D). The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. …”

NHTSA complaint #11722017, filed 2026-03, 111,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2015612%
201411%
201359%
201235%
20111917%
201066%
200966%
2008812%
200756%
20062112%
200529%
2004411%

Other parts of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Air bags
59 complaints
Electrical system
16 complaints
Engine
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 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