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EnginePart report

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Engine Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
6%of 111 total for the year
Median mileage
88,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 6% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“I have a mercedes benz ml- 350 year 2011. The vehicle has a little over 60,00 thousand miles. The engine light from my dash board started coming on. I brought the car in to the mercedes dealership for a diagnostic test. The test results indicated there's a problem with the balance shaft. The repair quote I received was $9,300.00. This is quite absurd ... To say the least ! As I researched this issue regarding the balance shaft this has been an occurring problem in the ml- 350 and c class models such as the c 220. …”

NHTSA complaint #10902071, filed 2016-08

“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

“an Exhaust recycle hose cracked; causing cabin to fill with carbon dioxide. Driver, (me) became disorented.. ran off right shoulder, ran into center divider cement, before rearending truck. Engine light later came on indicating (HVOC?) ERROR Mechanic was able to locate leak and repair. Vehicle now performing properly. A DEFECT THAT ALLOWS CARBON DIOXIDE INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN, IS A SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.”

NHTSA complaint #11593805, filed 2024-06

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled while driving in traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The message to remove-the-key was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer notified the contact of a diagnostic test and the cost for the diagnostic test. …”

NHTSA complaint #11548031, filed 2023-10, 100,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the srs and ABS warning indicators illuminated, and the side view and blind side indicators were inoperable. The gear shifter failed to engage in the park position. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 95,000. The VIN was not available.”

NHTSA complaint #11102382, filed 2018-06, 95,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20151121%
20141624%
20131323%
20122132%
201176%
201055%
200834%
200756%
20063621%
200514%
200426%
200328%

Other parts of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Air bags
59 complaints
Brakes
19 complaints
Electrical system
16 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 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