FaultScore

2011 Mercedes Benz ML350 brake problems

19 of the 128 complaints about the 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350 are about the braking system — 15% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 100,000 miles.

F

19

Complaints

3

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 10 52.6%
Service Brakes 9 47.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 88,000 miles Reading, 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.

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 miles Van 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.

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.

Wyandanch, NY Crash 1 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.

Wyandanch, NY Crash 1 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.

at 100,000 miles Thousand 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.

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.

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 193,044 miles Laurel, 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

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 miles Greenville, 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.

Frederick, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11465401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Wellington, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS RANDOMLY ACTIVATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP ERRONEOUSLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING UP TO 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WEST PALM BEACH (3341 N. DIXIE WHY, STE 6, POMPANO BEACH, FL) AND THE ABS SENSORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA complaint #11246625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Avenal, CA Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF BAKERSFIELD, 5600 GASOLINE ALLEY DR, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313, (661) 451-1400) EVERY THIRTY DAYS TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO WHAT WAS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12E028000 (EQUIPMENT). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN NECESSARY; HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT THE FLOOR MAT THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, AS NOTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. WHILE EXITING A CAR WASH TERMINAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RELEASE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST PAINS, PAINS TO THE BREASTS, A BRUISED MOUTH THAT WAS BLEEDING, AND A HEAD INJURY. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11140453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350 problems

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