Owners have filed 128 complaints
about the 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350 with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 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 — 64
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz ML350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other Mercedes Benz ML350
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
36.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
510.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1531.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1327.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
918.8%
150,000+ miles
12.1%
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.
May 2012peak 8Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V298000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
22V315000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
16V081000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Palmdale, CACrash
ENGINE
an Exhaust recycle hose cracked; causing cabin to fill with carbon dioxide. Driver, (me) became disorented.. ran off right shoulder, ran into center divider cement, before rearending truck. Engine light later came on indicating (HVOC?) ERROR Mechanic was able to locate leak and repair. Vehicle now performing properly. A DEFECT THAT ALLOWS CARBON DIOXIDE INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN, IS A SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11593805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyandanch, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained an injury where the glass scratched her face. The doctors prescribed pain medicine No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed a lot where it was deemed totaled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11548282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyandanch, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained an injury where the glass scratched her face. The doctors prescribed pain medicine No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed a lot where it was deemed totaled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11548282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, COCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
Nearest dealership refused to complete the recall repairs. On March 6, during a moving traffic accident that totaled both cars, the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in injury to the driver (me).
NHTSA complaint #11521252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesMount Pleasant, SCFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR BRAKE LIGHT GROUND OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE DAMAGING WIRE HARNESS AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY DURING DRIVING. ALL TAIL LIGHTS AFFECTED.
NHTSA complaint #11404911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesMount Pleasant, SCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REAR BRAKE LIGHT GROUND OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE DAMAGING WIRE HARNESS AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY DURING DRIVING. ALL TAIL LIGHTS AFFECTED.
NHTSA complaint #11404911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 88,000 milesReading, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60–65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle started sliding. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesReading, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60–65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle started sliding. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watervliet, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was brake fluid leaking from the vehicle with the BRAKE warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11732942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesVan Nuys, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the daughter was driving at an unknown speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The driver heard an abnormal hissing or squeaking sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact’s son then drove the vehicle to a shopping center, and when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle unexpectedly entered SAFE Mode. The contact was unable to shift to drive(D). The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the dealer had inspected the brake booster, but no parts were replaced. The contact related the brake failure to the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clover, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
Corroded brake lines. This is a well known issue for many ML350s built during this time period. This car was built with steel brake lines that easily corrode and present a serious safety issue. While driving a few months ago, the car suddenly lost the ability to brake because a line rusted completely through. The mechanic noted the lines are rusted in many other places as well. Mercedes refuses to correct this under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11688721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piscataway, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS Pump defective. Dealer refuses to replace this safety item.
NHTSA complaint #11675862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I believe the electrical system may be defective as ever since I have had it the light bulbs frequently have to be changed. We own three vehicles in my households (the other 2 are non-Mercedes) and none of my other vehicles do this. The latest issue with the electrical system is that the rear tail lamp and power lift gate. I was told there was water that was getting in from somewhere but mechanic could not find where. I need a new SAM module and that is why my power lift gate motor does not work. As I did some research online, the same exact problem was recalled on a the same model but the 2009 model and I have the 2011 model. I believe my car should be part of the same recall which I believe is Mercedes recall number 2009030003. That appears to be a faulty seal around the rear tail lamp assembly. I believe this is a manufacturer's defect that should be covered and would likely explain why I have had to change out light bulbs so many times over the years.
NHTSA complaint #11647608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melrose, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving locally and when I put on the brakes for a car exiting a street. Immediately my car sensor went on and my car brakes started to fail. It was a very scary situation. This is a known problem with Mercedes. Mercedes has a recall for the brake booster but will not fix the booster without the brake like being fixed. I have reached out to foreign motor car dealerships and this issue with the brake line is a known problem and a safety issue but Mercedes is not taking responsibility for this issue that can kill someone for their parts that are corroding and rotting. Mercedes too years to take responsibility for the brake booster which can kill people and now they are not taking responsibility for their brake line issues that again can injure and kill people.
NHTSA complaint #11613011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmdale, CACrash
ENGINE
an Exhaust recycle hose cracked; causing cabin to fill with carbon dioxide. Driver, (me) became disorented.. ran off right shoulder, ran into center divider cement, before rearending truck. Engine light later came on indicating (HVOC?) ERROR Mechanic was able to locate leak and repair. Vehicle now performing properly. A DEFECT THAT ALLOWS CARBON DIOXIDE INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN, IS A SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11593805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfreesboro, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My vehicle jerks back and forth at low acceleration, and it often goes into limp mode which makes the vehicle only drive at around 20 mph at most. I was on the highway, when this happened. I have a 722.9 transmission, and this is a common problem. Why is the snapping recalled? I have had a checked with Mercedes-Benz of music City when I had gotten my recall work done, and they said that it just needs a whole new transmission. They said that they had never seen an issue like this. They want $16,000. I have been reading and reading and reading I don't know how they have not seen the issue when it's very very common. Again my question is, why has this not been recalled? There are soldering issues for a speed solenoid sensor, and the TCU it makes it go bad. What is going on, and why has this issue not been addressed? I have two toddlers that I drive in my vehicle every single day. God forbid we're not so lucky next time. The only reason why we did not get hit this time, is because we were on the highway at a slow hour of the day. My son is disabled and we are on the highway and in the car a whole lot. If this happens during rush hour, we will be no doubt smacked into by another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11585077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfreesboro, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle jerks back and forth at low acceleration, and it often goes into limp mode which makes the vehicle only drive at around 20 mph at most. I was on the highway, when this happened. I have a 722.9 transmission, and this is a common problem. Why is the snapping recalled? I have had a checked with Mercedes-Benz of music City when I had gotten my recall work done, and they said that it just needs a whole new transmission. They said that they had never seen an issue like this. They want $16,000. I have been reading and reading and reading I don't know how they have not seen the issue when it's very very common. Again my question is, why has this not been recalled? There are soldering issues for a speed solenoid sensor, and the TCU it makes it go bad. What is going on, and why has this issue not been addressed? I have two toddlers that I drive in my vehicle every single day. God forbid we're not so lucky next time. The only reason why we did not get hit this time, is because we were on the highway at a slow hour of the day. My son is disabled and we are on the highway and in the car a whole lot. If this happens during rush hour, we will be no doubt smacked into by another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11585077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyandanch, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained an injury where the glass scratched her face. The doctors prescribed pain medicine No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed a lot where it was deemed totaled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11548282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyandanch, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained an injury where the glass scratched her face. The doctors prescribed pain medicine No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed a lot where it was deemed totaled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11548282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesThousand Oaks, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled while driving in traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The message to remove-the-key was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer notified the contact of a diagnostic test and the cost for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesThousand Oaks, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled while driving in traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The message to remove-the-key was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer notified the contact of a diagnostic test and the cost for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pine Beach, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
Previously submitted to webmaster and recorded under Request # [XXX] I experienced catastrophic brake failure while driving the vehicle. As you see above all recalls have been completed and the vehicle has never been in an accident to my knowledge. I stopped the vehicle without incident or damage and had it towed to a repair shop. They determined that both rear brake lines were corroded and replaced them. I didn't think a catastrophic failure was possible in a vehicle with a dual brake system, but apparently that is not the case in this vehicle. How many similar cases have been reported? Do I have recourse to the manufacturer as it surely seems like a failure of the OEM part The vehicle has 101,000 miles on it and is in excellent condition. I am concerned that this type of catastrophic brake failure will be fatal to someone in the near future. I was lucky and was only traveling at about 5mph and was able to stop the vehicle on the curb. Please advise INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11537590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, COCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
Nearest dealership refused to complete the recall repairs. On March 6, during a moving traffic accident that totaled both cars, the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in injury to the driver (me).
NHTSA complaint #11521252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Petersburg, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes died in may, 2022 and it took the dealer to September to inspect as it was part of recall. They told me they had to order the part so i called every 3 weeks to see if it came in. In december they said they need to inspect to see if it is covered. Again they inspected and said yes it is and we need to order the part (this is Crown Eurocar Mercedes in St Petersburg). At the same time I called Mercedes USA (they gave me a case number 2-37306691522). They picked up the car in December and since then it has been the same run around. THEY ARE NOT ATTEMPTING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I am begging your department to help in this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11510751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesJacksonville, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the message indicating an EVAP leak was displayed. The contact checked and noticed that there was a leak underneath the vehicle coming from the fuel tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,044 milesLaurel, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the dealer performed NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the failure occurred after the recall was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she had to stand up in her seat while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake booster failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,044.
NHTSA complaint #11488768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boynton Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11487856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chelsea, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and contacted the dealer. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle at the residence. In the process of conducting the inspection, the dealer damaged the brake line and informed the contact the vehicle had failed the test. The vehicle was no longer drivable and was towed to the dealer where the brake line was replaced. The dealer then advised the contact that she could pick up the vehicle; however, they could not confirm that the vehicle was safe to drive. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue and inquired about a possible loaner. The manufacturer provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11485668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I DO NOT KNOW WHERE IS THE EXACLY PROBLEMS WITH THE RECALL FROM THE NHTSA
NHTSA complaint #11469649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I DO NOT KNOW WHERE IS THE EXACLY PROBLEMS WITH THE RECALL FROM THE NHTSA
NHTSA complaint #11469649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGreenville, RI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by a corroded brake booster. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11466088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.