76 of the
603 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz ML350
are about the engine —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
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.
NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT SUPPORTING STATEMENT Vehicle: 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a continuing safety concern involving water intrusion and electronic system damage in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. My vehicle was subject to a Mercedes-Benz recall involving water intrusion and related components. Despite recall-related repairs being performed, moisture and water intrusion concerns remain unresolved. During the diagnostic process, Mercedes-Benz personnel identified evidence of water and humidity in areas associated with vehicle electronics and control modules. The vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical and electronic issues following discovery of the water intrusion condition. Multiple repair facilities have been involved, and I have incurred significant diagnostic and repair expenses while attempting to determine the full extent of the damage. The primary concern is not ordinary wear and tear. The concern is that water intrusion has affected vehicle systems and that the recall remedy has not resulted in a complete resolution of the condition. I am concerned that moisture exposure may continue to impact vehicle electronics, control modules, sensors, and other safety-related systems. Mercedes-Benz USA has been notified and a case has been opened. The dealership has also been involved. However, despite escalation requests and requests for management review, I have not received a meaningful resolution. The dealership continues directing me back to Mercedes-Benz USA while Mercedes-Benz USA has not provided a final management response. I respectfully request that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy adequately addressed the water intrusion condition and whether additional investigation is warranted regarding continuing moisture intrusion, electronic system exposure, and potential safety risks associated with this condition. I am prepared to provide repair orders, recall documentation, photographs, diagnostic findin
NHTSA complaint #11741266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle lane. The driver was able to push the vehicle safely to the roadside. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The following day, it took two minutes to start the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable, but the vehicle eventually stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando (4301 Millenia Blvd, Orlando, FL 32839), where it was diagnosed with a faulty fuel sensor and control valve. The parts were replaced. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced four times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and escalated the failure was escalated to an engineer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11711198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine locked up after blowing the top part of the engine off, fire shot out of the engine and quickly went out like a flam thrower. I was driving on the expressway when the accelerator would not work without any warning I didn’t have any issues with this truck. The car cut off immediately thank God I was able to coast to the side of the expressway because it stopped in the left lane on the expressway I was scared for our lives. The dealership has the truck and they said the engine is locked up. This morning s unacceptable for a car I’ve had for a year.
NHTSA complaint #11686235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cam Shaft replacement diagnosed after week and half visit to Mercedes Benz dealership for engine rattling at cold start up. We are left with a $10,000 repair after performing all scheduled maintenance at the Mercedes Benz dealership since owning in 2015.
NHTSA complaint #11676806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a used Mercedes-Benz from Freehold Mitsubishi in early 2024. Within hours, serious safety issues appeared, including a check engine light, cylinder misfire, EVAP leak, traction control failure, and blind spot assist malfunction. The vehicle’s ECM and wiring harness were later found damaged due to oil leaks and electrical shorts. Despite multiple repair attempts, the vehicle was returned in worse condition and remains unsafe to drive. I am reporting these issues due to their potential risk to vehicle safety.
NHTSA complaint #11670372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased my car used at the Mercedes dealership in Tyler Texas June 2023. I took all my savings and paid cash and was told that the car was impeccable shape and there were no current issues and all the service records were up to date. November 2023 is when everything started happening and my engine light came on. It was revealed to me by a service tech that I was sold the vehicle with an existing major oil leak /seals broke. Etc. SEE Attached invoices. I have endured driving down the road and my car just giving out and losing power steering. The car has been sputtering and there have been misfires, fauled fuel injectors, coils, s and spark plugs, oil leaks, fuel pump leaking gasoline in the engine and smoke coming from the hood. I thought my car was going to start on fire it smelled like a hot electrical wires and gasoline. My nerves are frayed from this car because of how many times it has broke down. I have missed work because of the car, I'm behind on my home bills, I missed my airline flight to see my sick father, I have had to pay for rental cars, all due to this vehicle. I am very concerned for my safety in this vehicle and I would like the vehicle fixed at the expense of Mercedes or my money back. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11657305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My name is [XXX] My vehicle cut off on me 3 times twice while stationary and once at an intersection. Found oil in engine control module due to failed cam position sensors. Oil has traveled through the engine harness to ECM causing oil to get into module and cause it to shut down but it did start back up. This is very dangerous and could cause serious injury to someone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11637887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the abnormal shaking occurred at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while adding washer fluid to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the upper timing chain covers down onto the alternator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the upper timing chain covers needed to be removed and resealed. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the oil needed to be cleaned off the engine and the alternator. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, the contact became aware that the upper timing chain cover coating material did not allow the cover to seal properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11616163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
precense of some liquik oil from up motor litle meiby ist because change oil because i buy recently , i need observed ,ore time today i clean this area.
NHTSA complaint #11565307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought my vehicle into Mercedes Benz for a recall related to water collection in spare tire well which can cause a fuel pump control malfunction, NHTSA recall # 22V955. A few days ago, my vehicle could not start and I found water in my spare tire well. My OBD scanner tells me it is related to the fuel pump. I informed Mercedes Benz and they would not fix it. Obviously the work performed did not correct the recall. I'm writing here hoping I can get connected to the right channel to get this resolved as my vehicle is currently unusable. Thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11549073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
CUANDO ENCIENDO MI GUAGUA HACE UN RUIDO MUY FUERTE Y SE SIENTE COMO SI SE VA A APAGAR. EL MOTOR SE PUEDE ROMPER EN CUALQUIER MOMENTO. SI SE HA LLEVADO A DIFERENTES TALLERES PARA CONFIRMAR EL RUIDO Y ME REFIEREN QUE SON MAS DE 80 GUAGUAS QUE HAN VISITADO SU TALLER CON EL MISMO PROBLEMA. NO PRESENTA NINGUNA ADVERTENCIA CUANDO APARECIO POR PRIMERA VEZ. EN EL TALLER ME DICEN QUE SE DEBE CAMBIAR EL MOTOR POR QUE SON LOS MOTOR STROKER Y ESO PUEDE CAUSAR UN FEO ACCIDENTE. WHEN I TURN ON MY BUS IT MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE AND IT FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO TURN OFF. THE ENGINE CAN BREAK AT ANY TIME. IF IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DIFFERENT WORKSHOPS TO CONFIRM THE NOISE AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE ARE MORE THAN 80 BUSES THAT HAVE VISITED THEIR WORKSHOP WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT PRESENT ANY WARNING WHEN IT FIRST APPEARED. IN THE WORKSHOP THEY TELL ME THAT THE ENGINE MUST BE CHANGED BECAUSE THEY ARE THE STROKER ENGINES AND THAT CAN CAUSE AN UGLY ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11546781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blind spot assists and turn signals go out without warning. This model should have been included in the previous recall for timing. Having the same issues as other recalled cars.
NHTSA complaint #11540845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing in regards to my 2014 ML 350 Suv. The check engine light came on and upon taking it to the mercedes dealership, I was told the issue is that the camshaft adjusters have failed and need to be replaced. The cost quoted is over $11,000 to repair. Upon further investigation I found reports on multiple lawsuits for the Mercedes C series for the same year (2012-2014) that resulted also in a recall whereby customers were given a recall to replace at no charge the camshaft adjusters up to 120k miles. My car only has 83k and I am told by two independent mechanics that the camshaft adjuster should not be failing like this and that this has been an ongoing issue with Mercedes. The safety issue is that I am told by independent mechanics that what could happen over time is that I could be driving and the entire engine/power just shuts off. This could even happen at high speeds on the highway. The mercedes dealer tells me there is no safety issues that could result from camshaft adjuster problems which doesn't appear to be true as per the other independent mechanics. I request further investigation into this issue because as per the independent mechanics its the "same engine" as the 2012-2014 that are under the recall . I'm requesting a recall on this for my car that Mercedes pays for. This should not be failing especially in a car with only 83k on it . If the C series 2012-2014 received recall on this part then I also think my ML 350 should be covered. Mercedes customer service tells me they cannot pay for the repair, they said I could file complaint for recall through NHTSA Thank you .
NHTSA complaint #11511621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Known defect with timing issues that give code P0016. All cars should be part of this recall regardless of mileage on a known defect. This repair is extremely expensive and wouldn’t be needed if built correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11510655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.