2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 32%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 32% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,500 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.
“Hello, ref: ML350 camshaft solenoid leak! I am seeking out for your help wrt to a situation with 2012 ML350. Enclosed herewith is an inspection report from a recent service visit requiring close of $8k in repairs for your reference. Engine harness (oil lled harness and various components have oil in them, all components with oil should be replaced, quick insp found a few components but there may be more that need to be replaced) after reviewing the inspection report, I did some research and came across campaign no. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414943, filed 2021-05, 92,000 miles“After being into authorized mercedes benz dealership only for an strong diesel fuel smell and oil leak 3 times in less than 4 months on our ML350 bluetec engine fuel smell is strong enough that we have a sever headache ,nauseous feeling and have to stop the car and get out for fresh air, opening windows only gets more of the smell in of fuel and burning plastic. This happens while vehicle is in motion ,both on city streets and on highways, more pronounced when driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11090864, filed 2018-04, 49,000 miles“Vehicle loses power after a few hours of driving. This problem does not show any error message on the dashboard, and the dealer cannot fix this problem after multiple attempts. Last trip to the dealer which was 2 weeks ago, they insisted that nothing was wrong. Here are examples of how serious the problem is, I was stranded and had to shut the car down for 30 - 45 minutes to let the car reset before continue driving. I was stranded on grapevine while driving back from san francisco to los angeles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10479969, filed 2012-10, 3,000 miles“I stopped at a red light. The 2012 ML350 engine stalled. I could have been in a accident. Luckily, the car behind me did not hit me. I had to start the engine again.”
NHTSA complaint #10548636, filed 2013-10, 3,600 miles“My wife was driving my ML350 on the freeway with my 7 year old son in the back. She said the vehicle started to shake in an unusual way so she decided to get off at the nearest exit and when she applied the brakes on the off ramp the car's engine stopped. Engine light came on, dash read inoperable yet all the electrical was still on. She tried to turn the key and restart it but the car would not start. Before this incident we had not experienced any problems. This is a 2012 model with just over 21,000 miles and was just serviced two weeks prior to the incident . It happened all of a sudden. …”
NHTSA complaint #10501076, filed 2013-03, 21,200 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…
- 11008064Aug 9, 2024In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class…
- 11031736Sep 6, 2023In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA ("MBUSA") is extending…
- 11031648Oct 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC will provide an Extended Modification Warranty for each vehicle that has received the Approved Emission Modification. The Extended Modification Warranty…
- 11031656Nov 6, 2020Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: The purpose of this letter is to advise you of additional benefits that Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is providing to you regarding your vehicle…
- 11031625Nov 6, 2020Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2012-2016 Mercedes-Benz Model 212, 221, X204 and 166…
- 10160738Apr 11, 2019Update engine electronics (ME-SFI) control unit software
- 10135598Mar 25, 2015Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
- 10056233Mar 13, 2014Xentry (mercedes): in the instrument cluster, an esp warning due to implausible accelerator pedal signal received from engine control unit. Model 2012 172, 212, 218, 207, 204.
- 10053732Sep 1, 2013Mercedes: the engine control module software fails to correspond with current configuration production and will be updated by an authorized dealer. Models 2012 166 (ml350, 550…
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350
16 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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