2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Owner Complaints

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

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and lost stability. The ABS warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and then drove the vehicle to her residence at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS system and the power steering system had failed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 132,945.

NHTSA ID

11426785

Incident

Jul 26, 2021

Mileage

132,945 mi

Losing power steering pressure while driving the car: safety issue it appears Hard to steer the ML350

NHTSA ID

11418175

Incident

May 20, 2021

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I SMELLED WHAT SMELLED LIKE WIRES BURNING THEN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON BY ITSELF AND WIPED AT A VERY FAST PACE, THEN THE HORN STARTED BLOWING (ON ITS OWN) VERY LOUDLY, I PULLED OVER AT A TIRE SHOP AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. WHEN I SPOKE TO A MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND THAT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11331697

Incident

Jun 25, 2020

Mileage

80,105 mi

TODAY, AND WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, MY CAR AND I ALMOST BURNED WHEN I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER. I STARTED FEELING AN EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE LEFT BACK SIDE. I STOPED ON THE RIGHT OF THE FREEWAY TO DISCOVER THAT THE SEAT LEATHER WAS BURNED WITH HEATING WIRE, WITH SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE SEAT. MY SHIRT WAS DAMAGED WITH THE BURN. SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11281676

Incident

Nov 21, 2019

Mileage

5 mi

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT ENGAGE IN A LOCATION. IT SLIDES FORWARD AND BACKWARD AT WILL WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING. I SEE THIS AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MY DEALER SAYS I'LL NEED TO PAY FOR A COMPLETE NEW SEAT ASSEMBLY. ALL MY PASSENGERS SIT IN THE REAR. THANKFULLY, THEY ARE FEW. OTHERWISE I LOVE THE CAR'

NHTSA ID

11209322

Incident

Jun 1, 2009

Mileage

34,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, SEAT CONTROLS, AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO THE SRS WARNING DISPLAYED MEANING THE AIRBAGS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. SEEMS THAT THE SAM MODULE IS THE CULPRIT BUT NOTHING SHOULD BE ABLE TO STOP SUCH VITAL SAFETY ISSUES FROM HAPPENING ALL AT ONCE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AND A RECALL IS NEEDED IN MY OPINION.

NHTSA ID

11163862

Incident

Dec 28, 2018

Mileage

40,000 mi

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE MOVING IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WILL JUMP FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL; THE ENGINE IS DISENGAGED AND REVS FREELY. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE BACK INTO DRIVE UNTIL THE IGNITION IS COMPLETELY TURNED OFF, WHICH LOCKS THE STEERING WHEEL, SO THE DRIVER MUST EXIT THE TRAFFIC LANES WITH NO POWER BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSE A COLLISION AS THE DRIVER HAS NO CONTROL OF THE CAR BUT MUST EXIT HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC LANES, OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A FREEWAY.

NHTSA ID

11161833

Incident

Dec 15, 2018

Mileage

60,000 mi

CONDUCTOR PLATE TRANSMISSION ISSUE

NHTSA ID

11112294

Incident

Jun 11, 2018

Mileage

127,000 mi

GAS GAUGE DON'T WORK AND INTERIOR STRONG FUEL SMELL NEAR LEFT BACK WHEEL WELL.

NHTSA ID

11099458

Incident

Apr 20, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF THE RESIDENCE WHEN A NEIGHBOR INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE POLICE WAS ALSO PRESENT, BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11092230

Incident

May 5, 2018

Mileage

160,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE PREMATURELY CORRODED AND THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF SACRAMENTO, 1810 HOWE AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825,1810 HOWE AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825) FAILED TO ENSURE THAT THE MODULE CASE WAS COVERING THE AREA WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM A MANUFACTURER RECALL AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11005320

Incident

Jun 27, 2016

ON APRIL 22, 2017 I PRESSED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WARMER BUTTON AND A FEW MINUTES LATER BEGAN TO FEEL BURNING AND SMELLING SMOKE. DETERMINED MY SEAT WAS ON FIRE AND DEPRESSED THE BUTTON AGAIN AND STOPPED THE FIRE. I WAS ON A CITY STREET AND ABLE TO PULL OVER. I HAVE CONTACTED MBUSA.

NHTSA ID

10979970

Incident

Apr 22, 2017

Mileage

86,620 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. AFTER ACTIVATING THE SEAT WARMERS, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BECAME VERY HOT AND THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS BURNED ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SEAT WAS UNPLUGGED, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA ID

10929390

Incident

Nov 18, 2016

Mileage

96,000 mi

REVERSE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AT SLOW SPEED THEN STOPPED. ON DRIVE POSITION, VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AT SAME SITUATION ABOUT SAME TIME.THEN AT THE FREEWAY, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED AND HIT A BIG-RIG TRUCK. NO WARNING LIGHT THAT CAME ON. I PRESSED FOOT PEDAL HARD BUT VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND CONTINUED ROLLING UNTIL IT REAR ENDED THE TRUCK. LUCKILY OUR SPEED WAS 0-5 MPH AND NO INJURY TO MY 2 PASSENGERS. CHP ASSISTED US. VEHICLE WAS NORMAL WHEN PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD IT TOWED TO NEAREST MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP. PER SERVICE MINDER, VEHICLE UNDERGO REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND IS SERVICED BY SAME DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID

10925447

Incident

Nov 10, 2016

Mileage

44,415 mi

SERPENTINE BELT SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD AT THE HIGHWAY SPEED, ONE OF THE IDLER PULLEYS LOCKED UP DUE TO THE FAILED BEARING, LEADING TO DAMAGING/BRAKING SERPENTINE BELT. THAT LED TO LOSS OF STEERING (LOSS OF POWER STEERING) AND OVERHEATING THE ENGINE. CREATED A VERY DANGER SITUATION AND LEFT MY FAMILY STRANDED MANY MILES AWAY FROM HOME. VERY COSTLY TOWING SERVICE AND REPAIR.

NHTSA ID

10924806

Incident

Oct 31, 2016

Mileage

107,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTING HARNESS BURNED THE BULBS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND REQUIRED THE CONTACT TO MANUALLY DISCONNECT THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,502.

NHTSA ID

10920357

Incident

Jun 6, 2016

Mileage

105,502 mi

SAFETY ISSUES BEING OBSERVED ON ML 350 2007 OBSERVATIONS (MY WIFE & I HAVE BOTH EXPERIENCED): AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION , EXPERIENCING LIMP MODE CREATING A SAFETY ISSUES WHICH CANNOT BE FORESEEN, CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT AND UNPREDICTABLE, IT WILL BE DRIVING FINE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL START LOSING POWER IN TRAFFIC & DRAG DOWN. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WILL START SHIFTING BY ITSELF FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER & THE SPEED OF THE CARS STARTS TO CRAWL, LIKE "LIMP MODE" THE IDLE SPEED STARTS TO REV UP, CAR IS NOT INCREASING THE SPEED AS ONE WOULD EXPECT ONCE NORMALLY WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL. ONE HAS TO PULL OVER IF THEY CAN OR STUCK IN THE STREET ONE IS DRIVING WHICH I EXPERIENCED AND TRIED TO PULL OVER & HAD ISSUES. I BASICALLY HAD TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AND HOPED THE CAR WOULD START BACK AGAIN, I HAD TO REPEAT THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS I EXPERIENCED THE DRAG DOWN AND GEARS GOING DOWN. VERY SCARY INCIDENTS WITH CHILDREN & WIFE IN THE CAR WHEN I WAS COMING BACK FROM AN OCCASION (I.E. DRIVING BACK HOME). TOLD BY DEALER ON 10/11/16: CODE 0717 & 0718 & NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY 4 YEARS/50K POTENTIALLY RELATED ISSUE: CODE 064 INCIDENT HAD OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES NOW IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS

NHTSA ID

10915346

Incident

Oct 4, 2016