2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 5%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 126,088miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, 5% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 126,088 miles.
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 was driving home came to a curve in the road about 15 MPH the car started to jerk as if the brakes were being engaged, I pulled over turned the car off turned it back on the esp-bas light came on. Ever since then the car is unpredictable it happens everyday but when it wants to.”
NHTSA complaint #10471302, filed 2012-08, 114,176 miles“In approximately august 2010, I had an esp light on. Took it to the dealership (3 hours away) and they replaced the steering column. I picked up the car and drove approx 20 mins when I noticed the steering wheel was not aligned. Called the dealership and had to bring it back in because they forgot to align the wheels. Started off on my drive back home, stopped for gas and on the way out the driveway (10 MPH), I heard a grinding/squeaking noise. Got my car home and found that it was leaking power steering fluid from a clamp. I kept ps fluid in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466514, filed 2012-07, 138,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430
23 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430
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