RoadVitals

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
171
Latest May 14, 2025
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
29
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Dec 13, 2005

What this page shows

Our database holds 171 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 171 · page 1 of 7

AirbagsElectrical
Filed May 14, 2025

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 ID
11661071
Incident
May 14, 2025
BrakesEngine
Filed Feb 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V298000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle a week later, the brake warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated, and the message "Take to Service Center" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal rubbing and squeaking sound, and the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the failure to be corrected under the recall, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,450.

NHTSA ID
11641387
Incident
Jul 4, 2024
Mileage
163,450 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 9, 2024

My car was included in the balance right shaft recall as 2nd owner I was just made aware as a result my check engine light came on. It was also learned that the car was included in faulty “balance shaft”. I should be included because my car has same diagnosis as defective equipment

NHTSA ID
11564459
Incident
Jan 9, 2024
Fuel systemSteering
Filed Oct 31, 2023

The fuel system faild had it replaced twice gss leaking as well as the power steering leaking badly went out while driving I had both replaced power steering is out again several months later car been sitting since then i looked up to see if there were any safty recalls I did find both on Kelly blue book and a few other sites I contacted dealership was told I could bring vehicle the the recalls don't expire once the vehicle was there received a phone call they had my vehicle however the said they didn't know what kind it was or why it was there I asked how could u not know that was told they had keys but haven't went out to look I gave all my information before the vehicle was picked up I told them the issue again I was told then that as long as it's a recall problem no charge two days later I received another call same thing not knowing what type of vehicle I explained the situation again this time I was told they see 7 recalls all expired but 1 on the break system and I will have to pay $198 plus tax $233 for diagnostic ran and that price doesn't count towards repairs I waited a few hours called in act like someone else and was told recalls don't expire when I explained what was going on and who I was they told me my recalls closed and can't reopen and the was told they didn't see anything about power steering recalls however it was before I had my car towed if this was a safety recall hiw can I tell what information is correct with old recalls and how do I get them to fix this I do have a older model that I purchased 3 years ago from what I can see on there website when putting in Vin only show current recalls and shows my vehicle not having any recalls work ever done this information was on mercedes of louisville website I feel like I'm getting the run around please help with this safety recall I have small kids and won't to be safety

NHTSA ID
11552779
Incident
Oct 31, 2023
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 21, 2023

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 ID
11545931
Incident
Sep 21, 2023
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 18, 2023

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 ID
11533107
Incident
Jun 27, 2023
Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2023

THEY HAVE TIMING CHAIN ISSUES . THE BALANCE SHAFTS ABD TIMING CHSIN SPROCKETS FAIL AND CAUSE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE . THIS IS MY 3RD ML350 TO HAVE THE ENGINE GO OUT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING THE MANUFACTURER COULDBE PREVENTED IF IT WAS RECALLED YEARS AGO IF YOU DONT BELIEVE THEN RESEARCH IT THANK YOU

NHTSA ID
11531009
Incident
Jul 8, 2023
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed May 31, 2023

Brakes feel spongy,, when letting off accelerate feels as if transmission has a brake applied

NHTSA ID
11524733
Incident
Apr 1, 2023
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Sep 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the recall repair was not performed by the dealer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced phantom braking with the ABS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed and made an abnormal sound; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS sensor was faulty. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS sensor needed to be reset. The dealer reset the ABS sensor and informed the contact that the brake system housing was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,831.

NHTSA ID
11484390
Incident
Jul 27, 2022
Mileage
151,831 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact was given an appointment by the dealer weeks in advance and was notified in the recall notice to stop driving the vehicle immediately. The manufacturer assured the contact on multiple occasions that the dealer would provide an alternative form of transportation until the recall was serviced; however, the dealer failed to provide the contact another form of transportation. 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 ID
11475279
Incident
May 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2022

Balance shaft failure

NHTSA ID
11474203
Incident
Jul 15, 2022
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Jul 6, 2022
Crash reported

Brake delay. Caused an at-fault traffic accident on Saturday, April 16, 2022.

NHTSA ID
11472527
Incident
Apr 16, 2022
Brakes
Filed Jun 12, 2022

Hello, There is a safety recall from the manufacturer and they have advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle does take a little more press on the breaks for it to function so we are assuming that we are affected by this recall. I have writen emails and called the Mercedez hotline on June 1st 2022 and they assured me over the phone that the dealership will be able to help. When i called the dealerships in St Louis, namely Plaza motors and St Louis Mercedez they declined to inspect the vehicle and advised that i can keep driving untill they inspect the vehicle. The recall from mercedez clearly states that the vehicle should not be driven. When i told them about it they changed the story and told me they dont know when they can do the inspection. Upon calling Mercedes back, they told me that they are sorry about the misinformation ad that I can rent a vehicle for reembursement but when asked about the process of getting the money back, they could not provide an answer. We did not feel comfortable renting a vehicle before knowing the process in detail so we called Mercedes back and the next person told me that the rentals will not be reimbursed. We are really in a tough situation as the car is not safe to drive per the recall and neither Mercedes or the local dealers are willing to help even after a month of the recall notice. We are hoping that either they can inspect the vehicle, give us a loaner vehicle or reimburse us for a rental vehicle. We have a small family with a 3 year old and want to make sure that we are all safe. Thank you

NHTSA ID
11468905
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2022

car suddenly stalled out while driving in traffic and was told that the engine went out, was very dangerous and also seen on the website that 100s of other owners with the same problem and mercedes has not done anything about the problem.

NHTSA ID
11468358
Incident
Jun 29, 2018
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jun 7, 2022

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 ID
11467959
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2022

Engine has low power and a whine. Also has a Check Engine Light indicating Center Balance Shaft issue. I took it to Merz dealer and they said it’s known issue of soft metal sproket internal to engine that occurs often. Many times at 50k miles but I bought my car at 150k. Was told engine could stop moving forward at any time.

NHTSA ID
11467863
Incident
Jun 6, 2022
Brakes
Filed May 17, 2022
Crash reported

While trying to slow in to a corner, the brakes did not work, pushing harder on the brakes caused pulling and vibration. The vehicle left the road causing damage to right fender, bumper, wheel, tire and door. The vehicle has been inspected, brake pads and brakes seemed fine. This continues to happen on a rare occasion, maybe once every 30 times vehicle is driven. This is very scarry to have brake failure, so the vehicle is rarely driven now because no remedy has been offered.

NHTSA ID
11465027
Incident
Jul 15, 2020
Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2022

There was a class action suit regarding Balance Shaft issues. I was not aware and having issues now.

NHTSA ID
11459988
Incident
Feb 17, 2022
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Jan 18, 2022

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 ID
11447909
Incident
Dec 25, 2021
Engine
Filed Sep 25, 2021

Engine failure due to the engine balancer shaft

NHTSA ID
11434320
Incident
Jan 13, 2019
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 21, 2021

PULLING OUT INTO LANE OF TRAFFIC ACCELERATING WHERE CAR ABRUPTLY STARTS TO RUN VERY VERY ROUGH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND CAN BECOME UNSAFE WITH NO POWER AND ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING. SIMILARLY WHILE DRIVING OVER 60MPH SAME SCENARIO CAUSING CEL TO COME ON AND CAR TO DISENGAGE CRUISE AND SLOW EXTREMELY FAST. VERY ROUGH RUNNING AND IDLE. TERRIBLE FEELING OF BEING UNSAFE AND AT RISK. FINDING P0016 AND P0017 CODES AND ALL SYMPTOMS OF BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE THAT THE MB M272 IS KNOWN FOR. MY WIFE AND I ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOW KNOWING IT HAD A KNOWN DEFECTIVE ENGINE COMPONENT IN A SOFTWARE BALANCE SHAFT GEAR

NHTSA ID
11397247
Incident
Feb 20, 2021
Mileage
95,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 20, 2020

VEHICLE WAS SENT TO THE SHOP FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE SENSOR WAS CHANGED OUT BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME BACK ON. AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE BALANCE SHAFT LOCATED INSIDE OF THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE PART INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. CURRENTLY I CANNOT PASS EMISSIONS OR TAG REGISTRATION BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11384252
Incident
Oct 12, 2020
Mileage
167,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel systemSteering
Filed Aug 1, 2020

EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED IN 2017 I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE DAY ONE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS CAR WITH ALL THE WRONG THINGS WITH IT IT JOLTS OUT OF CONTROL IT'S SWERVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN THE POWER STEERING IS JUST A TOTAL MESS. WHEN I'M AT A STOP SIGN IT SUDDENLY STARTS SHAKING OUT OF NOWHERE AND THEN WITH THE CAR BEING IN PARK IS JOLTS BACK AND FORTH. I WENT TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT YESTERDAY I PARK MY CAR LIKE I NORMALLY WOULD NEXT TO YOU NOR I COME OUT THE CAR WON'T START THERE'S FLUID LEAKING AND I BELIEVE IT'S THE POWER STEERING. THIS CAR FEELS TOTALLY UNSAFE WHAT UP WRONG PURCHASE I MADE AND I'M NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO I CALLED MERCEDES AND THEY SAID THERE'S NO RECALL THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR PLEASE HELP I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

NHTSA ID
11342682
Incident
Sep 20, 2017
Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD EXTENDING THE STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THREE UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF BEDFORD LOCATED AT 18122 ROCKSIDE ROAD, BEDFORD, OH 44146, (440) 359-6826, TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND REPAIR WAS STILL PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF *AS

NHTSA ID
11341130
Incident
Jul 22, 2020
Mileage
45,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSuspension
Filed Jun 30, 2020

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 ID
11331696
Incident
Aug 1, 2017

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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