Mercedes-Benz ML550 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz ML550, across 7 model years (2008–2014). The 2008 model year has the most complaints (18). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
Mercedes-Benz ML550 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical ML550 year: 2008. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2008 ML550: 18 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2011 ML550: 6 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2010 ML550: 4 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2012 ML550: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
- 2013 ML550: 3 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2014 ML550: 3 complaints, 3 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 ML550 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes-Benz ML550 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 ML550 | 3 | 3 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2013 ML550 | 3 | 3 | — | Power Train | |
| 2012 ML550 | 1 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2011 ML550 | 6 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2010 ML550 | 4 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2009 ML550 | 4 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2008 ML550 | 18 | 2 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz ML550 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2008 (18) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical ML550 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 ML550?
Air Bags, with 9 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz ML550 have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.