Owners have filed 65 complaints
about the 2001 Mercedes Benz ML430 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2025.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 3 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 — 51
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz ML430. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 4
2% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Mercedes Benz ML430
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
24.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
612.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1123.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1736.2%
150,000+ miles
1021.3%
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.
Feb 2001peak 4Jan 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Mercedes Benz ML430
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE10050Opened 21 Dec 2010Closed 4 May 2011EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Brake lamp switch failure.
ODI opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also reported the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel.The switch contains three sets of electrical contacts and a (normally extended) spring loaded plunger that actuates the contacts as it moves.As installed in the vehicle, the plunger contacts the brake pedal arm and...
EA08009Opened 28 Apr 2008Closed 16 Dec 2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKE LINE CHAFE
ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MERCEDES AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA SUBMITTED BY MERCEDES INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS OCCURRED AT A LOW RATE (36.5 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND 0.29 PERCENT WARRANTY CLAIM RATE), WITH NO DISCERNABLE DEFECT TREND INDICATING THAT THE RATE OF CHAFING RELATED BRAKE LINE FAILURES IS INCREASING.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW COMPLAINTS SINCE JANUARY 2009.WHEN THE ANALYSIS IS LIMITED TO INCIDENTS OF BRAKE LINE LEAKAGE THAT RESULTED IN ALLEGATIONS OF REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, THE RATE DROPS EVEN FURTHER (22.3 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND 0.04 PERCENT W...
PE07007Opened 1 Feb 2007Closed 11 Jul 2007ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION
ODI OPENED PE07-007 AFTER RECEIVING 4 COMPLAINTS WITHIN A 6 WEEK PERIOD ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF UNCOMMANDED BRAKE APPLICATION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 THROUGH 2001 MERCEDES M CLASS SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE REPORTS OR GATHERED IN SUBSEQUENT CONSUMER INTERVIEWS INDICATED THAT THE INCIDENTS WERE CAUSED BY FAULTS IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) SYSTEM WHICH WERE REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE YAW RATE SENSORS.ALTHOUGH THE SAME YAW RATE SENSOR IS USED IN APPROXIMATELY 800,000 OTHER MERCEDES M-CLASS, C-CLASS AND SLK MODELS, TO DATE THERE HAS BEEN ONLY ONE RELATED COMPLAI...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,000 milesSAN Diego, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING FROM 50 TO 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE BRAKES WOULD SPORADICALLY ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE AS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED BASED ON THE FAILURE CODES PROVIDED BY THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10509722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesColton, CACrash
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY IN RAINY CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE MOVED. SHE WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 25 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME FAILED COMPONENT FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR THE DAMAGES REFERENCED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10258589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesHomestead, FLCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BRIDGE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES AND THE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS NOT DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000. VEHICLE VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10232164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
University Park, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was driving 50 miles per hour when the car slammed on the brakes, nearly getting me rear ended. The throttle would not respond until the car was doing maybe5 miles per hour - on an interstate! The BAS/ESP light was on solid. I got onto an off ramp, called the dealer, was told it could be several causes, drove home carefully, and took it to the dealer. The dealer found nothing. Several times since, the car was being driven at speeds in the 20-30 miles per hour range, and the system would slam on the brakes and pull hard to the left. I could smell the brake dust in the car. Other times, it will ALMOST engage (ESP light flashes as well) then backs off.
NHTSA complaint #11637080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
University Park, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Was driving 50 miles per hour when the car slammed on the brakes, nearly getting me rear ended. The throttle would not respond until the car was doing maybe5 miles per hour - on an interstate! The BAS/ESP light was on solid. I got onto an off ramp, called the dealer, was told it could be several causes, drove home carefully, and took it to the dealer. The dealer found nothing. Several times since, the car was being driven at speeds in the 20-30 miles per hour range, and the system would slam on the brakes and pull hard to the left. I could smell the brake dust in the car. Other times, it will ALMOST engage (ESP light flashes as well) then backs off.
NHTSA complaint #11637080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
University Park, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
Was driving 50 miles per hour when the car slammed on the brakes, nearly getting me rear ended. The throttle would not respond until the car was doing maybe5 miles per hour - on an interstate! The BAS/ESP light was on solid. I got onto an off ramp, called the dealer, was told it could be several causes, drove home carefully, and took it to the dealer. The dealer found nothing. Several times since, the car was being driven at speeds in the 20-30 miles per hour range, and the system would slam on the brakes and pull hard to the left. I could smell the brake dust in the car. Other times, it will ALMOST engage (ESP light flashes as well) then backs off.
NHTSA complaint #11637080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSunset, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RE: 2001 MB ML430 ELECTRONIC BRAKING SENSOR THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE INITIALLY LOCKED UP AT LOW SPEED UPON ACCELERATION. AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON THE SYSTEM WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THEN ONE DAY I WAS TRAVELING AT NEAR 70 MPH IN THE PASSING LANE OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER BRAKE LOCKED UP AND BRAKE TIRE SMOKE BILLOWED FROM MY VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED TRAFFIC BEHIND ME TO SWERVE AND BRAKE BEHIND AND ON THE SIDE OF ME. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, AFTER WHICH MY VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. I PROCEEDED TO DO AN ONLINE SEARCH AND LEARNED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON SORT OF PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL.. PARTICULARLY AT LOW SPEEDS. IN MY CASE IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS AND THEN THE ONE TIME AT 70 MPH. I LEARNED THAT THE YAW SENSOR WHICH IS PART OF THE ABS SYSTEM WAS COMMONLY REPORTED AS THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.. I PROCEEDED TO DISCONNECT THE YAW SENSOR AND HAVE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. I AM FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS NOT A RAINY DAY, OTHERWISE THE RESULTS MAY HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC WITH SO MANY VEHICLES BEHIND ME AND TRAVELING AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED. THEYAW SENSOR MB PART # IS A 002 542 94 18 Q01 SYSTRON DONNER INERTIA DIVISION USA
NHTSA complaint #11035778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSunset, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
RE: 2001 MB ML430 ELECTRONIC BRAKING SENSOR THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE INITIALLY LOCKED UP AT LOW SPEED UPON ACCELERATION. AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON THE SYSTEM WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THEN ONE DAY I WAS TRAVELING AT NEAR 70 MPH IN THE PASSING LANE OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER BRAKE LOCKED UP AND BRAKE TIRE SMOKE BILLOWED FROM MY VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED TRAFFIC BEHIND ME TO SWERVE AND BRAKE BEHIND AND ON THE SIDE OF ME. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, AFTER WHICH MY VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. I PROCEEDED TO DO AN ONLINE SEARCH AND LEARNED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON SORT OF PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL.. PARTICULARLY AT LOW SPEEDS. IN MY CASE IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS AND THEN THE ONE TIME AT 70 MPH. I LEARNED THAT THE YAW SENSOR WHICH IS PART OF THE ABS SYSTEM WAS COMMONLY REPORTED AS THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.. I PROCEEDED TO DISCONNECT THE YAW SENSOR AND HAVE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. I AM FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS NOT A RAINY DAY, OTHERWISE THE RESULTS MAY HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC WITH SO MANY VEHICLES BEHIND ME AND TRAVELING AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED. THEYAW SENSOR MB PART # IS A 002 542 94 18 Q01 SYSTRON DONNER INERTIA DIVISION USA
NHTSA complaint #11035778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSunset, LA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
RE: 2001 MB ML430 ELECTRONIC BRAKING SENSOR THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE INITIALLY LOCKED UP AT LOW SPEED UPON ACCELERATION. AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON THE SYSTEM WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THEN ONE DAY I WAS TRAVELING AT NEAR 70 MPH IN THE PASSING LANE OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER BRAKE LOCKED UP AND BRAKE TIRE SMOKE BILLOWED FROM MY VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED TRAFFIC BEHIND ME TO SWERVE AND BRAKE BEHIND AND ON THE SIDE OF ME. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, AFTER WHICH MY VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. I PROCEEDED TO DO AN ONLINE SEARCH AND LEARNED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON SORT OF PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL.. PARTICULARLY AT LOW SPEEDS. IN MY CASE IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS AND THEN THE ONE TIME AT 70 MPH. I LEARNED THAT THE YAW SENSOR WHICH IS PART OF THE ABS SYSTEM WAS COMMONLY REPORTED AS THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.. I PROCEEDED TO DISCONNECT THE YAW SENSOR AND HAVE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. I AM FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS NOT A RAINY DAY, OTHERWISE THE RESULTS MAY HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC WITH SO MANY VEHICLES BEHIND ME AND TRAVELING AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED. THEYAW SENSOR MB PART # IS A 002 542 94 18 Q01 SYSTRON DONNER INERTIA DIVISION USA
NHTSA complaint #11035778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesGranite BAY, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TWICE NOW WHILE DRIVING AND GOING OVER MINOR BUMPS (DOTS ON THE ROAD TO WARN OF CROSSWALKS AND A DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE CURB) THE BAS/ESP AND HAZARD LIGHTS HAVE COME ON AND THE CAR HAS AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED VIOLENT BREAKING THAT TOOK CONTROL OF THE DIRECTION THE CAR WAS HEADING. THIS BREAKING CONTINUED UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. BOTH TIMES THE CAR WAS GOING LESS THAN 20 MPH, BUT CONTROL OF THE CAR WAS LIMITED DURING THE EVENT. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, IT WOULD BE VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. BAS/ESP LIGHT TURNS OFF AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11022910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesGranite BAY, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TWICE NOW WHILE DRIVING AND GOING OVER MINOR BUMPS (DOTS ON THE ROAD TO WARN OF CROSSWALKS AND A DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE CURB) THE BAS/ESP AND HAZARD LIGHTS HAVE COME ON AND THE CAR HAS AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED VIOLENT BREAKING THAT TOOK CONTROL OF THE DIRECTION THE CAR WAS HEADING. THIS BREAKING CONTINUED UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. BOTH TIMES THE CAR WAS GOING LESS THAN 20 MPH, BUT CONTROL OF THE CAR WAS LIMITED DURING THE EVENT. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, IT WOULD BE VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. BAS/ESP LIGHT TURNS OFF AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11022910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesStaten Island, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE'S FRONT WHEEL BRAKES BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING AND THE EPS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AFTERWARDS. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN HIGHWAY DRIVING. HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED, BUT NOTHING WRONG. ONLINE COMPLAINTS SUGGESTS A FAILURE IN YAW RATE SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11005565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING ABOUT 60 MPH, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED APPLYING THE BRAKES ON ITS OWN. NEARLY GOT ME INTO AN ACCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER LUCKILY. I HAD MY TODDLER IN THE CAR AND IT WAS A VERY SCARY THING. WHEN THE BRAKES STARTED ENGAGING BY ITSELF, A YELLOW TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASH FOLLOWED BY THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE SEEN OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS VERY SAME ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE THE YAW RATE SENSOR. I AM SHOCKED THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED WITH ALL THE ISSUES I'VE READ ON THIS. I BARELY JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT'S ALREADY NOT DRIVABLE. VERY HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10991966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING ABOUT 60 MPH, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED APPLYING THE BRAKES ON ITS OWN. NEARLY GOT ME INTO AN ACCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER LUCKILY. I HAD MY TODDLER IN THE CAR AND IT WAS A VERY SCARY THING. WHEN THE BRAKES STARTED ENGAGING BY ITSELF, A YELLOW TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASH FOLLOWED BY THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE SEEN OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS VERY SAME ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE THE YAW RATE SENSOR. I AM SHOCKED THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED WITH ALL THE ISSUES I'VE READ ON THIS. I BARELY JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT'S ALREADY NOT DRIVABLE. VERY HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10991966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ALL ACTIVITY MODULE (AAM) DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY TO WHICH NEITHER SIDE MIRRORS CAN BE ADJUSTED BECAUSE THE WINDOWS NO GO UP AND DOWN OR LONGER OPERATE. THEN THE DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AND VARIOUS OTHER COMPONENTS RELY SOLELY OFF OF THIS MIDDLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE AAM CONTROLS WHICH ARE THE CAUSING AFFECT OF THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10934046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesCordova, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOBIK UTILIZED AND THE LOCKS BEGAN TO LOCK AND UNLOCK SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED AND UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, LOCKED AND UNLOCK SEVERAL TIMES WHEN THE FOBIK WAS UTILIZED TO LOCK THE DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE LOCKED MANUALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE FOBIK OR DOOR LOCK WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALL ACTIVITY MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V061000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
NHTSA complaint #10778174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,675 milesWyandanch, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE AND THE BAS ESP WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRIC POWER DOOR LOCK FUNCTION WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE A/C LINE FRACTURED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PLASTIC PIECE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V208000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,675. UPDATED 11/23/15*LJ THE CONSUMER FIXED THE VEHICLE AT HIS/HER EXPENSE. UPDATED 01/29/16.
NHTSA complaint #10762937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,675 milesWyandanch, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE AND THE BAS ESP WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRIC POWER DOOR LOCK FUNCTION WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE A/C LINE FRACTURED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PLASTIC PIECE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V208000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,675. UPDATED 11/23/15*LJ THE CONSUMER FIXED THE VEHICLE AT HIS/HER EXPENSE. UPDATED 01/29/16.
NHTSA complaint #10762937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,675 milesWyandanch, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE AND THE BAS ESP WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRIC POWER DOOR LOCK FUNCTION WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE A/C LINE FRACTURED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PLASTIC PIECE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V208000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,675. UPDATED 11/23/15*LJ THE CONSUMER FIXED THE VEHICLE AT HIS/HER EXPENSE. UPDATED 01/29/16.
NHTSA complaint #10762937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML 430. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST PRESSURE DUE TO THE FUEL TUBE COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE BRAKE LINE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #10746348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML 430. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST PRESSURE DUE TO THE FUEL TUBE COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE BRAKE LINE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #10746348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,100 milesAlpharetta, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 285 EAST AT A SPEED OF 70MPH SUDDENLY THE THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CAR COULDN'T RUN. SO I TURNED OF THE ENGINE AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL EXCEPT THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND BAS/ESP WARING LIGHTS ARE STILL ON BUT THE CAR IS RUNNING. HOW DO I FIX THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHTS?
NHTSA complaint #10715649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,100 milesAlpharetta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 285 EAST AT A SPEED OF 70MPH SUDDENLY THE THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CAR COULDN'T RUN. SO I TURNED OF THE ENGINE AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL EXCEPT THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND BAS/ESP WARING LIGHTS ARE STILL ON BUT THE CAR IS RUNNING. HOW DO I FIX THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHTS?
NHTSA complaint #10715649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,100 milesAlpharetta, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 285 EAST AT A SPEED OF 70MPH SUDDENLY THE THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CAR COULDN'T RUN. SO I TURNED OF THE ENGINE AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL EXCEPT THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND BAS/ESP WARING LIGHTS ARE STILL ON BUT THE CAR IS RUNNING. HOW DO I FIX THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHTS?
NHTSA complaint #10715649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesWashington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THE ALL ACTIVITY MODULE ON 2001 M CLASS VEHICLES. THERE IS AN EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF DATA THAT OWNERS FROM THE RELEASE OF THE MERCEDES BENZ ML430 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS IDENTICAL TO THOSE IN THE ACTIVE RECALL. WHEN I CALL MERCEDES, THEY SAY MY CAR IS NOT IMPACTED. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES AND HISTORY ON 2001 M CLASS ALL ACTIVITY MODULES, I FEEL THIS RECALL SHOULD EXTEND TO ALL 2001 M CLASS CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10549512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,200 milesMonmouth Junction, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD SCREECHING SOUND FROM MY TIRES AND THE ORANGE TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT IN MY DASH LIGHT UP. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I NOTICES TIRE SKID MARKS FROM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I STARTED AND DROVE AND THE CAR DROVE NORMAL. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY WIFE ALSO. BASICALLY IT IS LIKE APPLYING THE BRAKES HARD WHILE DRIVING BUT WITH OUT EVEN TOUCHING THE BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #10547866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesLafayette, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE BRAKING SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS WORKING NORMAL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER REGARDING THE ABS SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THE ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10521433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesSAN Diego, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING FROM 50 TO 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE BRAKES WOULD SPORADICALLY ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE AS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED BASED ON THE FAILURE CODES PROVIDED BY THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10509722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.