2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350

THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION INVESTIGATION CONCERNS THE SEAT BACK WARMER INSTALLED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH MAY 2007, EQUIPPED WITH THE CTX' CARBOTEX SEAT WARMER DESIGN.THE DATA DISCLOSE FEW COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY REPORTS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE.NONE OF THE FIRE REPORTS INVOLVED OPEN FLAME, BUT WERE THERMAL INCIDENTS IN WHICH THE SEAT CUSHION SUSTAINED DISCOLORATION OR A HOLE BURNED IN THE SEAT COVER.THE REPORTED INJURY APPEARED TO BE MINOR.THE SUBJECT SEAT WARMER DESIGN WAS ALSO INSTALLED IN MY 2006 M-CLASS VEHICLES AND THOSE DATA ALSO SHOW FEW INCIDENTS.A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

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 ID

11602503

Incident

Jul 16, 2024

The contact owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that his son had to apply pressure and pump the brake pedal multiple times to coast the vehicle to a stop however, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact’s vehicle crashed into a pole. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact then stated that she received NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer nor manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11548670

Incident

Sep 3, 2021

Mileage

110,000 mi

Received recall notice dated August 2022. Phoned local Mercedes Benz of Chicago on 1520 W. North Avenue and Mercedes Benz of Chicago Service Center on 949 N. Elston Ave. Scheduled a mobile inspection multiple times but they never showed. I was instructed to contact Brake Booster Hotline to have them tow the vehicle but Tarek at this company informed me that I needed to coordinate a date/time with MB dealer to accept the vehicle upon towing. Left a couple of messages with Maya at MB dealer to coordinate appointment for towing company to tow the vehicle but have not received a response. I phoned MB dealer again today and spoke with Jenny who informed me that she would notify the manager, Vince. Jenny informed me that the vehicle cannot be serviced even if it is towed to their dealership. Her experience has been that they have been unable to service these vehicles from this particular recall. This recall issue has continued to go unresolved and the recall notice clearly states that owners are advised not to drive the vehicle until inspection is performed. The vehicle has not been driven for many months and we are currently just waiting for any response from Mercedes Benz.

NHTSA ID

11507805

Incident

Feb 17, 2023

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 ID

11489804

Incident

Oct 15, 2022

Mileage

167,000 mi

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where unknown repairs were completed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving, the ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose motive power and stall inadvertently while at a complete stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where unknown repairs were completed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at the traffic light. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was pushed to her friend's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated they could not assist as the vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

NHTSA ID

11471853

Incident

Aug 30, 2020

Mileage

146,000 mi

2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 DEFECTIVE BALANCE SHAFT CAUSING PAUSE & STOP IN TRAFFIC This is a known defect and has been resolved previously in customers favor in class action and private lawsuits against Mercedes Benz USA. Mercedes refuses to take responsibility for a defective and unsafe build THAT PUTS EVERYONE IN THE PATH OF THIS CARS LIFE IN JEOPARDY. PLEASE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC WILL YOU FORCE THEM TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE BALANCE SHAFT before I have to get an attorney! Balance Shaft - UNSAFE!! BALANCE SHAFT has made this a suicide/weapon on wheels. When driving the car will suddenly and with no notice lose power, slow down substantially or stop on its own and sometimes will not moved forward at all. This has happened in traffic and I was almost hit. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE COULD KILL ME OR ANYONE AROUND ME. Each time I have had to turn on emergency flashers, turn off the car and restart. I drove home with Emergency flashers on all the way. 2 mechanics, including dealer advise this is a known problem for my year and model. Mercedes knows this is defective workmanship & they putting lives at risk. Now I have NO TRANSPORTATION AS THIS CAR IS UNSAFE. I have been advised not to drive the car.

NHTSA ID

11467017

Incident

May 11, 2022

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 ID

11447496

Incident

Dec 14, 2021

Mileage

95,000 mi

The transmission fails to shift into second gear. Gets stuck in limp mode. Won’t accelerate more than 30 miles per hour.

NHTSA ID

11444765

Incident

Nov 18, 2021

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint The sliding sunroof glass panel of the panoramic roof reverses during the closing process, either once or multiple times, without an entrapment (anti‑pinch) event being detected. The concern may occur temporarily or repeatedly during normal closing operation. Cause The automatic reversing function of the panoramic roof is overly sensitive due to parameterization in combination with seal counter‑pressure. This condition can cause the roof to reverse even though no obstruction is present. Remedy Retrofit the vehicle to meet Cleanpoint status “Panoramic sliding sunroof glass panel reverses during closing without a pinch event.” The retrofit includes: • Hardware modification (installation of a cover rail / EPDM lip) • Corresponding software update for the panoramic roof control unit The prescribed retrofit steps must be performed in the specified sequence as outlined in this document. 1) Retrofit the EPDM lip onto the rear edge of the panoramic sliding roof panel: • Clean the underside of the rear edge of the sliding sunroof panel (marking, Figure 1) (e.g., isopropanol). • Subsequently install the cover rail on the underside of the sliding sunroof panel (Figure 2). - Distance from the cover rail to the rear edge of the sliding sunroof panel A = 5 mm - Distance from the cover rail to the right and left edges of the sliding sunroof panel B = 9 mm - Apply firm pressure by hand along the entire bonding surface of the COVER RAIL - The wider flange at the ends of the cover rail (see Figure 3) must point in the direction of travel 2) Submit an XSS Ticket with the following requests to add SA code O75 to the Vehicle Data Card • Enter code "O75" (Oscar 75) in Vehicle Documentation System (Vedok): • Add the following AO text to KG 78: AO code O75 added as specified in LI77.21-P-075806 (Version 7). 3) Install new software from the panoramic roof control unit (TSSR296, A98, PSD) and teach in the anti-pinch protection again: • Connect XENTRY Diagnosis. - always use the current XENTRY Diagnosis software release with all available add-ons. - Strict compliance with the operation steps in XENTRY Diagnosis is absolutely essential! - Ensure adequate power supply to the vehicle's on-board electrical system battery (greater than 12.5 V) using a battery charger. • Commission the panoramic roof control unit - To do this, select "A98 – control module 'panoramic sliding sunroof' → adaptation → commissioning → Commission the control unit." - Then follow user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis. • Disconnect XENTRY Diagnosis.

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamp/front fog lamp leaky or fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system • Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. • If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system • Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. • If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (Figure 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. • The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (Figure 3). (Figure 4) • Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Figure 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. • If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is tight and there is natural physical condensation• If a higher pressure drop than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. Observe the following documents for installation of desiccant packs: • LI82.10-P-078302 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system • LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system

Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy Check for external damage: You can identify a damaged headlamp in the following way: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent, then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: External damage to the headlamp does not present a warranty or goodwill case. 1. Clear fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). 7. If the condensation has disappeared, nothing else has to be done. Note: If defrosting has been performed, you can skip the first step. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: • Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) • Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. • All vents have to be sealed with sealing compound and the existing diaphragm with the stamp (picture 3 [3]). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). • Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. • Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). • Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged (picture 6). • If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is tight and there is natural physical condensation. • If a higher pressure drop than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. If the pressure test is not passed, the headlamp is leaky. If the cause cannot be rectified, the headlamp must be replaced. Note: If the headlamp is replaced, no dry packs may be installed on the new replacement headlamp. AR82.10-P-5455WT was created for the pressure test. **NOTE - As of Sept 2025 the pressure testing tool is not finalized and may require modifications to fit properly. This AR can be used as a reference manual for all closed headlamps. In the event of an open headlamp system, the vent ducts must be sealed before the pressure test.

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304