Owners have filed 93 complaints
about the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 7 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 — 50
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz ML350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2008 compares with every other Mercedes Benz ML350
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
22.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
68.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
45.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2636.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1216.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2027.8%
150,000+ miles
22.8%
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.
Jun 2008peak 6Apr 2024
Recalls on the 2008 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 167,000 milesSavage, MNFire1 injured
SEATS
AFTER STARTING UP THE CAR AND TURNING ON THE SEAT HEATERS WE NOTICED A STRONG BURNING SMELL. WE HAD JUST ENTERED A SLIP ROAD AND MY WIFE (WHO WAS DRIVING) FELT A BURNING IN HER LOWER LEFT SIDE. NEXT THING... SHE WAS ON FIRE! HER WINTER COAT BUST INTO FLAMES AND AFTER PULLING OVER I GRABBED HER OUT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND ROLLED HER IN THE SNOW TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, WE WERE AMAZED THAT THE SEAT HAD A LARGE BURN HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANY SAFETY SHUT OFF FOR THE SEAT HEATER INITIATED BY THE VEHICLE. AFTER A DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED,WE WERE TOLD THAT A $2578 REPAIR WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM... WE WERE AMAZED AT HOW UNCARING THEY WERE AND THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL ACTIVE FOR THIS DEFECTIVE WIRING PROBLEM. WE WERE RELIEVED THAT THIS DIDN'T CAUSE ANY FATALITIES TO US OR ANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED IF WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A FREEWAY AT A HIGHER SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #11310224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frisco, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT. TWO DAYS LATER THE BATTERY CAUSED A FIRE INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION AT THE TIME
NHTSA complaint #11099554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesMuscadine, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
MERCEDES ML350 WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD ON A RURAL HIGHWAY, FRONT END DROVE STRAIGHT INTO WOODED AREA STRIKING A TREE JUST RIGHT OF DRIVERS SIDE HEADLAMP WITH SERIOUS DAMAGE TO BUMPER AND HOOD PUSHING INTO RADIATOR...DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED...BOTH SIDE CURTAIN BAGS DEPLOYED...LUCKILY WITH LOW SPEED AND SEAT BELT ON DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED...
NHTSA complaint #10616426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesMuscadine, ALCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
MERCEDES ML350 WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD ON A RURAL HIGHWAY, FRONT END DROVE STRAIGHT INTO WOODED AREA STRIKING A TREE JUST RIGHT OF DRIVERS SIDE HEADLAMP WITH SERIOUS DAMAGE TO BUMPER AND HOOD PUSHING INTO RADIATOR...DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED...BOTH SIDE CURTAIN BAGS DEPLOYED...LUCKILY WITH LOW SPEED AND SEAT BELT ON DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED...
NHTSA complaint #10616426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesChula Vista, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #10607448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesEdgewood, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER MERGING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT AND IN A MATTER OF MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10554313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chandler,, AZ
STEERING
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11583631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler,, AZ
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11583631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler,, AZ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11583631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbourne, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, he was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for 2 months. The contact later received the recall notification. 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 and advised the contact that parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11484778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Canaan, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2008 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11483473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Picayune, MS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2008 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11479841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Treasure Island, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2008 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11472787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesChandler, AZ
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond as designed. The contact drove the vehicle safely off the road. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a power steering rack leak. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V682000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Louis Park, MN
SEAT BELTS
REAR LEFT AND RIGHT PASSENGER SEATBELT MECHANISMS (RETRACTING FUNCTION) ARE DEFECTIVE; BELTS DON'T WANT TO RETRACT BACK IN AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN PULLED OUT/USED
NHTSA complaint #11378595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesSavage, MNFire1 injured
SEATS
AFTER STARTING UP THE CAR AND TURNING ON THE SEAT HEATERS WE NOTICED A STRONG BURNING SMELL. WE HAD JUST ENTERED A SLIP ROAD AND MY WIFE (WHO WAS DRIVING) FELT A BURNING IN HER LOWER LEFT SIDE. NEXT THING... SHE WAS ON FIRE! HER WINTER COAT BUST INTO FLAMES AND AFTER PULLING OVER I GRABBED HER OUT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND ROLLED HER IN THE SNOW TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, WE WERE AMAZED THAT THE SEAT HAD A LARGE BURN HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANY SAFETY SHUT OFF FOR THE SEAT HEATER INITIATED BY THE VEHICLE. AFTER A DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED,WE WERE TOLD THAT A $2578 REPAIR WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM... WE WERE AMAZED AT HOW UNCARING THEY WERE AND THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL ACTIVE FOR THIS DEFECTIVE WIRING PROBLEM. WE WERE RELIEVED THAT THIS DIDN'T CAUSE ANY FATALITIES TO US OR ANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED IF WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A FREEWAY AT A HIGHER SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #11310224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FAULTY WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS THAT COULD CAUSE FIRE. WIRING COMMONLY ARCS CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. MERCEDES HAS OTHER CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT WON'T ADDRESS IT ON THE ML350'S. THEY EVEN MADE A PART TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, BUT DEMAND CAR OWNERS PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX MERCEDES FAULTY WIRING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11218579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FAULTY WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS THAT COULD CAUSE FIRE. WIRING COMMONLY ARCS CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. MERCEDES HAS OTHER CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT WON'T ADDRESS IT ON THE ML350'S. THEY EVEN MADE A PART TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, BUT DEMAND CAR OWNERS PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX MERCEDES FAULTY WIRING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11218579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
FAULTY WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS THAT COULD CAUSE FIRE. WIRING COMMONLY ARCS CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. MERCEDES HAS OTHER CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT WON'T ADDRESS IT ON THE ML350'S. THEY EVEN MADE A PART TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, BUT DEMAND CAR OWNERS PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX MERCEDES FAULTY WIRING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11218579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, PA
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL GET HARD THEN SOFT ON TURN CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND SAID ITS THE RACK & PINION I LOOK ONLINE FOR RECALL THIER IS ONE FOR STEERING RACK SO I CALL THE DEALER THEY SAID MINE IS NOT
NHTSA complaint #11166211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesWhiting, NJ
STEERING
MILEAGE 80K AND A STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BROKEN PIN. I SEE A RECALL 2008120011 AND FOLLOWING THE DOCUMENTATION THIS VIN QUALIFIES FOR IT BUT THE MB DEALER IS SAYING THAT THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL FOR THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11121948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBaltimore, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2008 MERCEDES ML 350 BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO SEND AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT SOMETIMES THEY ARE AND SOMETIMES THEY AREN'T ITS ISN'T THE LIGHT BULB AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR. WATER CONTINUES TO LEAK IN THROUGH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT DAMAGING THE SAM UNIT
NHTSA complaint #11118762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBaltimore, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2008 MERCEDES ML 350 BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO SEND AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT SOMETIMES THEY ARE AND SOMETIMES THEY AREN'T ITS ISN'T THE LIGHT BULB AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR. WATER CONTINUES TO LEAK IN THROUGH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT DAMAGING THE SAM UNIT
NHTSA complaint #11118762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesJacksonville, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DUE TO A FAULTY RIGHT TAILLAMP SEAL, WATER GOT INTO A CONTROL MODULE AND DAMAGED IT BEYOND REPAIR. I WOKE UP AND WALKED OUTSIDE TO SEE MY HEADLIGHTS FLASHING AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION MY KEY FOB NOT WORKING, SRS DISABLED, AND MANY OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS DISABLED. SOME TIME BEFORE THIS, THE MOTOR TO THE REAR HATCH STOPPED WORKING, POSSIBLY FOR THE SAME REASON.
NHTSA complaint #11115405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesJacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DUE TO A FAULTY RIGHT TAILLAMP SEAL, WATER GOT INTO A CONTROL MODULE AND DAMAGED IT BEYOND REPAIR. I WOKE UP AND WALKED OUTSIDE TO SEE MY HEADLIGHTS FLASHING AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION MY KEY FOB NOT WORKING, SRS DISABLED, AND MANY OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS DISABLED. SOME TIME BEFORE THIS, THE MOTOR TO THE REAR HATCH STOPPED WORKING, POSSIBLY FOR THE SAME REASON.
NHTSA complaint #11115405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSaint Johns, FL
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED STEERING FLUID, WHICH MADE THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR ABOVE. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A THUMPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND APPROACHING A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONTACTED AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF JACKSONVILLE, 10231 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225), BUT NO REPAIRS OR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11100435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frisco, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT. TWO DAYS LATER THE BATTERY CAUSED A FIRE INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION AT THE TIME
NHTSA complaint #11099554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesBellmore, NY
ENGINE
MONDAY MORNING, JULY 24, 2017 THERE WERE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS IN THE EARLY MORNING LEAVING LOTS OF STANDING WATER ON ROADWAYS. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR AND GOING THROUGH STANDING WATER ON ROADWAYS, CAR LOST POWER AND THEN ENGINE STOPPED. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY AND CAME TO A SAFE RESTING PLACE. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. I WAS STRANDED WITH AN INOPERATIVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11011627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesBellmore, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MONDAY MORNING, JULY 24, 2017 THERE WERE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS IN THE EARLY MORNING LEAVING LOTS OF STANDING WATER ON ROADWAYS. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR AND GOING THROUGH STANDING WATER ON ROADWAYS, CAR LOST POWER AND THEN ENGINE STOPPED. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY AND CAME TO A SAFE RESTING PLACE. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. I WAS STRANDED WITH AN INOPERATIVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11011627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,110 milesFajardo, PR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE INSULATION OF THE CABLES FOR THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM IS MISSING.THE WIRES ARE WITHOUT ANY INSULATION AT ALL.I CAN NOT USE THE LIGHTS BECAUSE I'M AFRAID OF A SHORT .OTHER WISE, I CAN USE THE CAR AS LONG AS I DON'T TURN THE FRONT LIGHTS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10950124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
STEERING FEELS WEIRD
NHTSA complaint #10926785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.