2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 22%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550, 22% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 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.
“On two occasion while the vehicle was in traffic/operationthe engine stalled on turning the car. Engine had to be restarted in order to unblock the steering wheel and restart the engine. This is a certified vehicle and mercedes benz claimed the incident -a did never happen and b-could not be duplicated.”
NHTSA complaint #10453355, filed 2012-03, 51,355 miles“The contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz ML550. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and force was applied. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was diagnosed however, not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08v682000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10748023, filed 2015-08Related 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…
- 10038225Dec 8, 2010Mercedes-benz: diagnostic procedures for the driver authorization system.
- 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.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 4 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550
5 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550
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