Owners have filed 164 complaints
about the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 68
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz ML320. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 compares with every other Mercedes Benz ML320
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Belts AND Associated Pulleys
1320.3%
Hose, Piping, AND Connections
1218.8%
Automatic Transmission
1218.8%
Gasoline
69.4%
Fuel Pump
69.4%
Engine
69.4%
Hydraulic Power Assist System
69.4%
Catalytic Convertor
34.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
44.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
33.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
99.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3638.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1819.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1617.0%
150,000+ miles
88.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1998peak 8Aug 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE03058Opened 17 Dec 2003Closed 22 Apr 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER-STEERING ASSIST.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 546 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES USING THE SUBJECT COMPONENT.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES ARE PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANT CLAIMS INVOLVED A FAILURE THAT HAD PROGRESSED FAR ENOUGH TO EFFECT POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE (6 OF...
PE03006Opened 13 Feb 2003Closed 4 Apr 2003STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE CONNECTION.THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN GRADUAL REDUCTION IN POWER STEERING ASSIST (I.E., INCREASED STEERING EFFORT) OVER TIME, WITH POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A FEW INCIDENTS OF HOSE SEPARATION FROM THE FITTING, THAT HAVE RESULTED IN MORE RAPID REDUCTIONS OF POWER STEERING.TESTING CONDUCTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ INDICATES THAT THE LEAKED FLUID IS NOT LIKELY TO BE EXPOSED TO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS.T...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fresno, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 WHILE DRIVING I HAVE SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO NO AIRBAGS GOING OFF IM VERY DISSAPPOINTED IN THE FACT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED AND PREVENTED ANOTHER FRIEND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DO AND WILL FILE THEIR OWN COMPL;AINT NOW I DONT HAVE A VEHICAL PERIOD WHAT AM I SUSPOSED TO DO? IF MY KIDS WERE WITH ME I WOULD SUE FOR SURE THANK GOD THEY WERE NOT WITH ME !!! COME ON MERCEDES FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE MORE PEOPLE GET HURT YOUR WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALREADY DO SOMETHING!!
NHTSA complaint #11437033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesChester, NJCrash
AIR BAGS
MY 1999 MERCEDES ML-320 WAS TRAVELING ON A THROUGH HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN IT WAS BROADSIDED AT THE INTERSECTION BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH APPARENTLY DIDN'T STOP AT THE STOP SIGN. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, MY VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE. 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.
NHTSA complaint #10596878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHallandale Beach, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN
WENT TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEM TO SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR AN ACCELERATING, CAUSING IT TO LUNGE FORWARD INTO A LIGHT POLE.
NHTSA complaint #10520325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHallandale Beach, FLCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WENT TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEM TO SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR AN ACCELERATING, CAUSING IT TO LUNGE FORWARD INTO A LIGHT POLE.
NHTSA complaint #10520325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesWestland, ORCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #10424446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesWestfield, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
CAR STRUCK IN DRIVER'S SIDE, DAMAGING BOTH FRONT AND REAR DOOR ,AS WELL AS PARTIALLY BENDING THE POST BETWEEN THE DOORS. HOWEVER, THE SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10191083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 220,000 milesDeming, NM
STEERING
The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she refilled the power steering reservoir several times and noted that there was a stain underneath her vehicle after parking overnight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to a closed NHTSA Action Number: PE3006 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
NHTSA complaint #11536152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deming, NM
STEERING
There was a recall on the steering on my 1999 Mercedes Benz . The Manufacturer said its closed . The steering is leaking and hard to drive and I fear the power steering pump will go out while I am driving the Vehicle. I fear for my safety. How can I get this recall opened and my vehicle fixed .
NHTSA complaint #11475424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 WHILE DRIVING I HAVE SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO NO AIRBAGS GOING OFF IM VERY DISSAPPOINTED IN THE FACT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED AND PREVENTED ANOTHER FRIEND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DO AND WILL FILE THEIR OWN COMPL;AINT NOW I DONT HAVE A VEHICAL PERIOD WHAT AM I SUSPOSED TO DO? IF MY KIDS WERE WITH ME I WOULD SUE FOR SURE THANK GOD THEY WERE NOT WITH ME !!! COME ON MERCEDES FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE MORE PEOPLE GET HURT YOUR WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALREADY DO SOMETHING!!
NHTSA complaint #11437033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
THE YAW RATE SENSOR IS CAUSING THE CAR TO UNINTENDED BREAKING. IT STARTED THE BREAKING SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE, HOWEVER OVER A WEEK AGO THE ACTUAL CAR WILL BREAK WHILE IM DRIVE AND BRING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP AND WILL NOT GO UNTIL I CUT THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR ABOUT 10-15 MIN AND TURN IT BACK ON AND THEN IT WILL DRIVE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11354739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE YAW RATE SENSOR IS CAUSING THE CAR TO UNINTENDED BREAKING. IT STARTED THE BREAKING SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE, HOWEVER OVER A WEEK AGO THE ACTUAL CAR WILL BREAK WHILE IM DRIVE AND BRING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP AND WILL NOT GO UNTIL I CUT THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR ABOUT 10-15 MIN AND TURN IT BACK ON AND THEN IT WILL DRIVE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11354739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesStafford, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED 65MPH, THE ML320 SLAMMED ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE BREAK CAUSING TRUCK TO SWERVE RIGHT NEARLY OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN STOPPING AND CHECKING THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE, HUB AND BRAKE PAD WERE SMOKING AND VERY HOT
NHTSA complaint #11184764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesStafford, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED 65MPH, THE ML320 SLAMMED ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE BREAK CAUSING TRUCK TO SWERVE RIGHT NEARLY OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN STOPPING AND CHECKING THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE, HUB AND BRAKE PAD WERE SMOKING AND VERY HOT
NHTSA complaint #11184764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212,000 milesClatskanie, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS IS IN REGARD TO NHTSA ID #10033607, ALSO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN #2009100002 DATED JAN 2010, FOR MODEL 163. MY VEHICLE ISN'T COVERED BY ABOVE MERCEDES SERVICE CAMPAIGN BECAUSE IT'S V-6 MODEL, BUT SHOWING EXACTLY THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM. I'VE TAKEN AND ATTACHED A FEW PHOTOS OF THE PROBLEM AREA SHOWING SEVERE DAMAGE TO FUEL LINE AND LESS SO TO BRAKE LINE. THE PHOTOS SHOWING SEVERE CHAFING BETWEEN FUEL LINE & BRAKE LINE JUST BELOW MASTER CYLINDER. THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN ONLY COVERS 8 CYLINDER MODELS, BUT MY 6 CYLINDER MODEL IS SHOWING EXACTLY THE SAME CHAFING AT THE SAME AREA. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM, BUT JUST NOTICED THIS ISSUE LAST FEW DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10995430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212,000 milesClatskanie, OR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS IS IN REGARD TO NHTSA ID #10033607, ALSO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN #2009100002 DATED JAN 2010, FOR MODEL 163. MY VEHICLE ISN'T COVERED BY ABOVE MERCEDES SERVICE CAMPAIGN BECAUSE IT'S V-6 MODEL, BUT SHOWING EXACTLY THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM. I'VE TAKEN AND ATTACHED A FEW PHOTOS OF THE PROBLEM AREA SHOWING SEVERE DAMAGE TO FUEL LINE AND LESS SO TO BRAKE LINE. THE PHOTOS SHOWING SEVERE CHAFING BETWEEN FUEL LINE & BRAKE LINE JUST BELOW MASTER CYLINDER. THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN ONLY COVERS 8 CYLINDER MODELS, BUT MY 6 CYLINDER MODEL IS SHOWING EXACTLY THE SAME CHAFING AT THE SAME AREA. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM, BUT JUST NOTICED THIS ISSUE LAST FEW DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10995430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,540 milesArden, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
UNCOMMANDED BREAKING OF FRONT WHEELS RESULTED IN DECELERATION AND SEVERE OVERHEATING OF FRONT BRAKES. THIS OCCURRED WITHIN ONE MILE OF DESTINATION. HIGH ENGINE REVS AND DOWNSHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION WERE REQUIRED TO OVERCOME THE UNCOMMANDED BREAKING FORCE AND REACH THE DESTINATION. A SIMILAR SECOND OCCURRENCE EFFECTED ONLY THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #10631476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesHomer Glen, IL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. DJR
NHTSA complaint #10617245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesHomer Glen, IL
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. DJR
NHTSA complaint #10617245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,700 milesWaipahu, HI
SERVICE BRAKES
99 MERCEDES ML320 FRONT RIGHT BRAKE OVERHEATED TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10605103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesChester, NJCrash
AIR BAGS
MY 1999 MERCEDES ML-320 WAS TRAVELING ON A THROUGH HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN IT WAS BROADSIDED AT THE INTERSECTION BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH APPARENTLY DIDN'T STOP AT THE STOP SIGN. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, MY VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE. 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.
NHTSA complaint #10596878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHallandale Beach, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN
WENT TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEM TO SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR AN ACCELERATING, CAUSING IT TO LUNGE FORWARD INTO A LIGHT POLE.
NHTSA complaint #10520325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHallandale Beach, FLCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WENT TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEM TO SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR AN ACCELERATING, CAUSING IT TO LUNGE FORWARD INTO A LIGHT POLE.
NHTSA complaint #10520325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesVAN Nuys, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCERDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 55 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUOUSLY BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND APPLIED BOTH FEET TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10449957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesSacramento, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 10/31/11 *BF UPDATED 12/08/11
NHTSA complaint #10428967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesWestland, ORCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #10424446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesBartow, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM PARK BUT THE SHIFTER REMAINED STUCK IN PARK. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND AFTER WAITING A FEW MINUTES, THE CONTACT WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10422566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOakland, CA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INQUIRY OVER 3 YEARS AGO; NO RESOLUTION PRESENTED. PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED AND GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ONLY WHEN RESEARCHING, WAS I MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION FROM MANUFACTURE OR DEALER. SUBSTANTIAL COSTS INCURRED AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEAK AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS. MOONROOF UNABLE TO CLOSE 100% - TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. ADVISED THE PROBLEM WAS SEEN ROUTINELY WITH THIS PARTICULAR MOONROOF. ADVISED TO FORE-GO REPAIR DUE TO COST. UPON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE CUSTOMARY AND UNSURE AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED OR REPAIRS MADE BY THE MANUFACTURER. WOULD LIKE A WRITTEN RESPONSE OUTLINING OPTIONS AND RESOURCES TO REMEDY THESE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10389979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOakland, CA
STEERING
CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INQUIRY OVER 3 YEARS AGO; NO RESOLUTION PRESENTED. PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED AND GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ONLY WHEN RESEARCHING, WAS I MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION FROM MANUFACTURE OR DEALER. SUBSTANTIAL COSTS INCURRED AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEAK AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS. MOONROOF UNABLE TO CLOSE 100% - TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. ADVISED THE PROBLEM WAS SEEN ROUTINELY WITH THIS PARTICULAR MOONROOF. ADVISED TO FORE-GO REPAIR DUE TO COST. UPON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE CUSTOMARY AND UNSURE AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED OR REPAIRS MADE BY THE MANUFACTURER. WOULD LIKE A WRITTEN RESPONSE OUTLINING OPTIONS AND RESOURCES TO REMEDY THESE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10389979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOakland, CA
STRUCTURE
CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INQUIRY OVER 3 YEARS AGO; NO RESOLUTION PRESENTED. PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED AND GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ONLY WHEN RESEARCHING, WAS I MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION FROM MANUFACTURE OR DEALER. SUBSTANTIAL COSTS INCURRED AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEAK AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS. MOONROOF UNABLE TO CLOSE 100% - TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. ADVISED THE PROBLEM WAS SEEN ROUTINELY WITH THIS PARTICULAR MOONROOF. ADVISED TO FORE-GO REPAIR DUE TO COST. UPON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE CUSTOMARY AND UNSURE AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED OR REPAIRS MADE BY THE MANUFACTURER. WOULD LIKE A WRITTEN RESPONSE OUTLINING OPTIONS AND RESOURCES TO REMEDY THESE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10389979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesBelle Mead, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE 2 COMPLAINTS AGAINST MERCEDES ML320 SUV. 1) WITH IGNITION OFF AND KEY REMOVED, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CAN BE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND THE TRUCK STARTS TO ROLL. IT POSTS EXTREME DANGER TO PASSENGERS, ESPECIALLY, KIDS LEFT IN A PARKED VEHICLE, AS WELL AS PEDESTRIANS IN FRONT OR BEHIND THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE STANDING IN BETWEEN THIS VEHICLE AND ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE ON A SLOPE. 2) THE WELL KNOWN POWER LOCK FAILURE CAUSES THE MANUALLY LOCKED DOORS (INCLUDING CHILD PROOF REAR DOOR LOCKS) TO BE UNLOCKED AUTOMATICALLY WHENEVER THE VEHICLE STARTS IN MOTION FROM FULL STOP. IT IS DUE TO THE AUTO-LOCK FEATURE WHICH ATTEMPTS TO LOCK ALL DOORS WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO MOVE FROM FULL STOP (E.G STOPPING FOR RED LIGHT). HOWEVER, DUE TO POWER LOCK FAILURE, IT CANNOT LOCK ALL THE DOORS AFTER 4-5 TIMES AND EVENTUALLY UNLOCKS ALL DOORS. THIS LEFT CHILDREN IN THE REAR IN DANGER OF OPENING THE DOORS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME TWICE; ONE AT 9700 MILES IN 2001 AND AT 70,000 MILES IN 2007. I HAD WRITTEN A LETTER TO MERCEDES BENZ USA TO COMPLAINT ABOUT THE POWER LOCK AND THEY JUST DENIED THAT IT IS A DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10312487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesBelle Mead, NJ
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I HAVE 2 COMPLAINTS AGAINST MERCEDES ML320 SUV. 1) WITH IGNITION OFF AND KEY REMOVED, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CAN BE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND THE TRUCK STARTS TO ROLL. IT POSTS EXTREME DANGER TO PASSENGERS, ESPECIALLY, KIDS LEFT IN A PARKED VEHICLE, AS WELL AS PEDESTRIANS IN FRONT OR BEHIND THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE STANDING IN BETWEEN THIS VEHICLE AND ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE ON A SLOPE. 2) THE WELL KNOWN POWER LOCK FAILURE CAUSES THE MANUALLY LOCKED DOORS (INCLUDING CHILD PROOF REAR DOOR LOCKS) TO BE UNLOCKED AUTOMATICALLY WHENEVER THE VEHICLE STARTS IN MOTION FROM FULL STOP. IT IS DUE TO THE AUTO-LOCK FEATURE WHICH ATTEMPTS TO LOCK ALL DOORS WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO MOVE FROM FULL STOP (E.G STOPPING FOR RED LIGHT). HOWEVER, DUE TO POWER LOCK FAILURE, IT CANNOT LOCK ALL THE DOORS AFTER 4-5 TIMES AND EVENTUALLY UNLOCKS ALL DOORS. THIS LEFT CHILDREN IN THE REAR IN DANGER OF OPENING THE DOORS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME TWICE; ONE AT 9700 MILES IN 2001 AND AT 70,000 MILES IN 2007. I HAD WRITTEN A LETTER TO MERCEDES BENZ USA TO COMPLAINT ABOUT THE POWER LOCK AND THEY JUST DENIED THAT IT IS A DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10312487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.