86 of the
651 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz ML350
are about the electrical system —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the parkway, the contact heard a noise and several warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V678000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #11726683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy based on the Carfax history report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase in October 2024, the vehicle mileage was 146,743; however, the Carfax history report displayed that the mileage was 196,577 on July 15, 2024, while an Auction company was still in possession of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11680606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH in heavy rain, she observed smoke emanating from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there may have been unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, multiple unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the key pad stopped working, and multiple electrical components stopped working, and that she experienced sinus issues thereafter. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the SAM module got wet and there was an electrical fire because the wires were not covered and the SAM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed, but the SAM module was replaced. The failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where it has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After starting the car, two messages appeared on the dash board. Center Gauge read: SRS Restraint System Malfunction Service Required Fuel Gauge read: SRS (in red) Took the car to our certified mechanic. After his diagnostic check- He said it was the Air Bag Module is out. Needs to be replaced at Mercedes Dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11661071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
These models were recalled on March 9, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09v076000. my vin number apparently did not fall within the selected vin numbers. However my auto even though it is the same year as the recall has this same exact defect and condition and is deemed to be a fire hazard. what are my options.
NHTSA complaint #11654619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic in late 2023 from auction with a salvage title and I can't take it to inspection center to get plates, because a lot of things such as signal lights, seats power, key fob, radio, wipers, and rear gate to work because the rear SAM module is damage by rain water, which I found on YouTube that at least 3 models from 2006 to 2012 (including my model) suffering from same problem and yet Mercedes company didn't forced to considered as a recall so we can fixed for free since it is not our fault.
NHTSA complaint #11602503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
i encountered a major issue with the Mercedes ML350, while doing a 3 point turn in a busy suburban Toronto street.The electronic shift module left me stuck in Road way. Causing traffic back up and could not move vehicle.neither forward or reverse.tried pushing and different tactics to move vehicle off road. Had to call CAA-AAA. It was a caos situation,first tow truck could not load vehicle,all wheels were locked in drive and would not shift. Had to wait for special tow Have all four wheels lifted off onto dolly. Tow truck driver said it is a common problem.with MB,BMW and Audi.Vehicles towed to dealer sat at dealer. parts on back order and Not available for repair.Since was in Toronto away from Home. Had to source original equipment supplier to purchase part.Dealer and factory Mercedes could Not source part.back ordered.The dealer agreed to install the factory OEM part they could not source. My concern to all owners including myself in line traffic a basic traffic maneuver stuck in blocking traffic. Cannot moving vehicle jammed in gear that controlled by a shift module.no safe limp mode or emergency shift to neutral to move vehicle safely.
NHTSA complaint #11545931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driver Side Low beam headlight turns off and on randomly whether the vehicle is off or on. I lose view of the road because lights turn off randomly and others cannot see me at night as well. I've tried taking my vehicle to the shop, but no one can trace down this problem. No warning was shown until recently.
NHTSA complaint #11533107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and his children in the rear seats, his wife smelled a strong burning odor and saw smoke coming from underneath the front passenger seat. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. Both the contact and his family exited the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle. The contact stated that approximately 30 seconds after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle caught on fire and exploded several times, causing a nearby tree to catch on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was awaiting to be totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11499523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's wife owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while they were out of town, the vehicle was parked in their driveway. The contact stated that a neighbor contacted them and made them aware that the vehicle had caught on fire. A bystander contacted the fire department and the fire was extinguished. The fire department informed the contact that the fire had originated from an electrical failure in the rear of the vehicle. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11489804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since my significant others and I purchased this 2006 Mercedes Benz SUV - ML-350, over three months ago, we were wondering why the "Engine check light was always on" so we purchased (4) sensors and replaced the sensors of where OBD tests pointed out for the engine, deleted the Engine Check Light several times but it will go back on after we driven it for another 50 to 100 miles away to normal highways and freeways driving to relearn the computer system and the Check Engine Light On again and again but not blinking? We called our friendly mechanics and he said it maybe faults recalled that part of the electronics or maybe the computer is giving that "engine check" light on because it has some safety components is malfunctioning, the braking is also hard and sometimes it is too soft when I push it with my right foot to stop the car and also the car is using too much gas. So, we kept postponement of bringing this car to the dealership for repairs because we cannot afford the repairs. Then today, I check to my email and I see the Recall email from NHTSA about MB - ML-350 / recall number 2022050015 / NHTSA # 22V315, since we cannot smog check it because of the "Engine Check On" it is always on we were puzzled why this light and this car cost too much to use and sometimes hard and sometimes soft to push on it's braking power? Please let us know on what to do next? Shall we call the MB-Dealerships to tow this car to their shop because we have stop using this car about over (3) months ago since we bought it ? Braking System is sometimes is too hard and sometimes too soft and using too much gas and the "Engine Check is always On " even we have replaced the (4) electronic sensors that the OBD machine pointed out but is still doing the same thing. Please advise us of what to do to resolve these operational safety of our 2006 - ML-350 Mercedes Benz, it is stored in our car garage. The rear reverse camera also stops working and it is saying braking lights are not functioning?
NHTSA complaint #11467959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that while attempting to open the door with the key fob, the fob failed to open the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the headlights failed and the gas gauge also failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) board was corroded, and the rear SAM module needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,284.
NHTSA complaint #11451820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During a rainstorm Dec 25 2021 brake lights gas gauge windshield wipers and truck all stopped working. Trunk will not open no automatic interior lights.
NHTSA complaint #11447909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving the front driver seat caught on fire while the seat heater was on. The contact stated that the back part of the seat was smoking and he stopped the vehicle, exited, and noticed the back of his jacket and seat had a hole. The contact stated that he was not injured. The contact did not see flames. The contact stated that he put his hand on the hole to stop the smoke. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure cause was not diagnosed as he only received an estimate to replace the seat and heating system. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Consumer has stated warranty has expired. Heated seat coil and electric wires/assembly was the cause of fire.
NHTSA complaint #11447496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SECOND YEAR OF THIS SAME COMPLAIN. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM MENTION THAT THE MERCEDES SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF MY ISSUES. BUT THAT ISNT HAPPENING. MERCEDES JUST WANTS TO KEEP CHARGING ME . I LOOK UP THE DEFECTS OF THE CAR AND IT TELLS ME EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING
NHTSA complaint #11331696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I SMELLED WHAT SMELLED LIKE WIRES BURNING THEN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON BY ITSELF AND WIPED AT A VERY FAST PACE, THEN THE HORN STARTED BLOWING (ON ITS OWN) VERY LOUDLY, I PULLED OVER AT A TIRE SHOP AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. WHEN I SPOKE TO A MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND THAT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11331697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ALTERNATOR FAILURE AND SUBSEQUENT BATTERY DISCHARGE, AND WAS THEN BOOSTED AND DRIVEN HOME. ONCE THE ENGINE WAS AGAIN RESTARTED. IT FAILED TO SHUT DOWN AFTER THE DRIVER REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. ACCORDING TO OUR PRIVATE AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER, THIS LACK OF DRIVER CONTROL OVER ENGINE OPERATIONS IS A FUNDAMENTALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION, AND REPRESENTS A POTENTIAL FIRMWARE AND/OR COMPUTER SYSTEM ERROR WITHIN THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11323254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TODAY, AND WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, MY CAR AND I ALMOST BURNED WHEN I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER. I STARTED FEELING AN EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE LEFT BACK SIDE. I STOPED ON THE RIGHT OF THE FREEWAY TO DISCOVER THAT THE SEAT LEATHER WAS BURNED WITH HEATING WIRE, WITH SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE SEAT. MY SHIRT WAS DAMAGED WITH THE BURN. SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11281676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FAILING/FAULTY EIS ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE HAS 117,000 MILES AND HAS INTERMITTENT IGNITION ISSUES. I PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION A MESSAGE ON THE DASH, "KEY DOES NOT BELONG TO VEHICLE", CAR WILL NOT TURN TO START, TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE CAR START. THE MERCEDES DEALER IN MY AREA DIAGNOSED THE ISSUES AS NEEDING TO REPLACE EIS, ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM, EST. COST OF $3,700.00. THE ISSUE HAS GONE TO INTERMITTENT TO EVERY TIME I TRY TO START THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS LOW MILES AND HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT
NHTSA complaint #11232097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.