AI DamageMercedes-Benz ML320: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Mercedes-Benz ML320 across 13 model years: 744 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 19% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 19% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 15% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 12% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 9% of all complaints
- 6 Electronic stability control 9% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 8% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 8% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 144 complaints (19% of all), 6 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Steering: 141 complaints (19% of all), 9 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine and cooling: 112 complaints (15% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 90 complaints (12% of all), 4 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel system: 67 complaints (9% of all), 6 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 744 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 144 | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 141 | 9 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 112 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 90 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 67 | 6 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 64 | 2 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 57 | 6 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 56 | 14 | 0 |
| Air bags | 43 | 19 | 0 |
| Visibility | 41 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 32 | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 26 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 26 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 23 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I was in an accident a week ago my airbags did not deploy under serious impacts my car rolled serveral times before comming to a stop on its side not one airbag went off also there was a warning light lit up about the bas system and some other malfunction the two warning lights never went off they stayed on constant…
Next thing I know my 2002 ml320 mercedes benz did a whole 360 degree spin around I didn't panic I was just and total shock I got out the car and walk to the car to check in see was the person okay or not because I didn't know who was driving the car when I look in realize it was a senior citizen I ask him are you okay…
Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration. The consumer stated while making a turn and releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated and hit a concrete column. This damaged the main metal frame behind the front bumper. The airbags did not deploy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz ml320. While the vehicle was moving through the automated car wash conveyor at approximately 1 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic.
The side airbags didn't deploy. I am concerned that they were defective; therefore, I am requesting a safety investigation regarding possible defects in the airbags or devices controlling side airbag deployment.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes ml320. The contact stated that while turning a corner, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle did not respond to the brakes and did not stop until crashing into a boulder. There were no injuries from the accident.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.