Mercedes-Benz ML350 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 28, 2026 · 952 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 952 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz ML350, across 14 model years (2001–2015). The 2006 model year has the most complaints (172). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Peak: 2006, with 172 complaints
2001: 1200112003: 252003252004: 352004352005: 232005232006: 17220061722007: 832007832008: 672008672009: 932009932010: 10120101012011: 11120111112012: 652012652013: 562013562014: 682014682015: 52201552

n = 952 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Mercedes-Benz ML350 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical ML350 year: 2006. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2006 ML350: 172 complaints, 2 recalls
  2. 2011 ML350: 111 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 2010 ML350: 101 complaints, 3 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2001 ML350: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2005 ML350: 23 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2003 ML350: 25 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags problems1971117
Electrical System problems158124
Engine problems121123
Power Train problems1011112
Steering95128
Seats67101
Service Brakes531113
Exterior Lighting48122
Fuel/propulsion System46122
Seat Belts4282
Engine and Engine Cooling4191
Structure38129
Service Brakes, Hydraulic32103
Vehicle Speed Control29912
Fuel System, Gasoline1670
Lane Departure1340
Suspension1371
Fuel System, Diesel1240
Electronic Stability Control (esc)960
Tires962
Visibility970
Equipment750
Wheels753
Latches/locks/linkages640
Visibility/wiper650
Forward Collision Avoidance330
Parking Brake320
Equipment Adaptive/mobility220
Child Seat110
Fuel System, Other110
Service Brakes, Electric110

Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems by model year

Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.

All Mercedes-Benz ML350 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2015 ML350525—EngineFewer complaints than other years
2014 ML350684—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
2013 ML350564—EngineAbout as many complaints as other years
2012 ML350653—EngineAbout as many complaints as other years
2011 ML3501113—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2010 ML3501013—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2009 ML350933—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2008 ML350672—SteeringAbout as many complaints as other years
2007 ML350832—SeatsMore complaints than other years
2006 ML3501722—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2005 ML350230—SteeringFar fewer complaints than other years
2004 ML350350—SteeringFewer complaints than other years
2003 ML350250—SteeringFar fewer complaints than other years
2001 ML35010—Child Seat

More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Mercedes-Benz ML350 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2006 (172) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical ML350 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes-Benz ML350?

Air Bags, with 197 complaints across 11 model years.

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz ML350 have?

9 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.