2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the parkway, the contact heard a noise and several warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V678000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 148,000.

NHTSA ID

11726683

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Mileage

148,000 mi

Subject: Complaint Regarding Failure to Repair Safety Recall – Brake Booster (STOP DRIVE ORDER) Background In August 2022, I received a “STOP DRIVE ORDER” recall notice from Mercedes-Benz, informing me that my ML350 was unsafe to drive due to a defective brake booster. Despite repeated attempts over nearly three years, the recall repair has not been completed. Attempts to Obtain Recall Repair Initial Attempts: Contacted Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz (Las Vegas) twice; they refused to schedule service citing workload. Henderson Dealership: Scheduled inspection with Mercedes-Benz of Henderson. Technician inspected my ML350 at my home, confirmed the brake booster issue, and arranged for towing. Improper Repair Demands: After holding my vehicle two weeks, Henderson dealership issued an $8,200 estimate for unrelated repairs (tires, control arms, starter). I refused, as these were unnecessary and unrelated to the recall. The service manager demanded I remove the vehicle from the lot immediately or he would have it towed to impound. Recall Parts Unavailable When I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA, I was told parts for the brake booster recall were not available, contradicting the dealership’s prior statements. My vehicle was returned unrepaired. Vehicle Mishandling •Tow company returned the vehicle at the wrong time, left it on the street with a window down, and failed to return the key. •Despite repeated requests, the key has never been returned. •The ML350 sat exposed for months, registration expired, and I had to hire another tow company to move it to my driveway. Lack of Resolution •Vehicle has been unusable for nearly 3 years. •My written correspondence and calls to Mercedes-Benz USA have gone unanswered or been mishandled (frequent transfers/dropped calls). •I have suffered financial costs, inconvenience, and loss of vehicle value. I respectfully request that 1.Immediate replacement of the defective brake booster at no cost. 2.Retrieval of my original vehicle key o

NHTSA ID

11688683

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel locked. The battery warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11686279

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

Mileage

90,000 mi

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy based on the Carfax history report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase in October 2024, the vehicle mileage was 146,743; however, the Carfax history report displayed that the mileage was 196,577 on July 15, 2024, while an Auction company was still in possession of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11680606

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

Mileage

196,577 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH in heavy rain, she observed smoke emanating from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there may have been unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, multiple unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the key pad stopped working, and multiple electrical components stopped working, and that she experienced sinus issues thereafter. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the SAM module got wet and there was an electrical fire because the wires were not covered and the SAM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed, but the SAM module was replaced. The failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where it has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11668575

Incident

Nov 19, 2024

Mileage

140,000 mi

These models were recalled on March 9, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09v076000. my vin number apparently did not fall within the selected vin numbers. However my auto even though it is the same year as the recall has this same exact defect and condition and is deemed to be a fire hazard. what are my options.

NHTSA ID

11654619

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the brake sensor warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause someone to be injured in the event of a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

NHTSA ID

11596276

Incident

Jun 24, 2024

Mileage

230,000 mi

Fuel tank on driver side of vehicle is leaking. Heavy gas smell inside car and leakage around fuel tank. Took the vehicle in to mechanic today (04/13/23).

NHTSA ID

11516886

Incident

Apr 13, 2023

The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and his children in the rear seats, his wife smelled a strong burning odor and saw smoke coming from underneath the front passenger seat. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. Both the contact and his family exited the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle. The contact stated that approximately 30 seconds after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle caught on fire and exploded several times, causing a nearby tree to catch on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was awaiting to be totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11499523

Incident

Dec 29, 2022

Mileage

140,000 mi

2009 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-315.

NHTSA ID

11491093

Incident

Oct 27, 2022

Driver side front door and driver side back door do not unlock or lock. You have to Manually unlock and lock.

NHTSA ID

11483240

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that while attempting to open the door with the key fob, the fob failed to open the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the headlights failed and the gas gauge also failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) board was corroded, and the rear SAM module needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,284.

NHTSA ID

11451820

Incident

Feb 6, 2022

Mileage

104,284 mi

THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11425551*DJR The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 350. The contact stated while at the stop light, the warning message "SRX Malfunction, Service Required" appeared and the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated as she smelled a burning odor, she veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke coming out of the windows of the vehicle. The contact stated fire had started in the trunk of the vehicle and she was able to extinguish it with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V076000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11425563

Incident

Jul 15, 2021

The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she detected a smoke odor inside the vehicle and pulled over. The contact saw that there was smoke coming from the trunk before the vehicle caught on fire. The SRS and battery warning lights were illuminated. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was not filed. No medical attention was received. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer and another dealer Mercedes-Benz of Bedford (18122 Rockside Rd, Bedford, OH 44146) were made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a representative. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V076000 (Exterior Lightning). The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11425551

Incident

Jul 16, 2021

Mileage

85,000 mi

THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT ONCE PULLED OUT. OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL DAYS, THEY SLOWLY WORK THEIR WAY BACK UP. NO VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A SEATBELT FAIL; IT IS EVEN MORE RIDICULOUS THAT THIS PART FAILED IN A CAR THAT IS THIS EXPENSIVE OR THAT HAS HAD SUCH A LONG HISTORY OF SAFETY. IT ISN'T SAFE FOR ANYONE TO SIT IN THE BACK SEATS BECAUSE THE SEAT BELTS ARE OUT-STRETCHED SO FAR THAT A PERSON WOULD BE THROWN FORWARD A WAYS BEFORE THE SEATBELTS STOPPED THEM. THAT IS DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID

11404801

Incident

Jul 5, 2020

Mileage

115,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOW SPEED, THE EXTERIOR LIGHT WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PARK PLACE MOTORCARS MERCEDES-BENZ DALLAS (113 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209; (214) 736-5753) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11375402

Incident

Jan 1, 2013

Mileage

40,000 mi

STRONG GAS ODOR, CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE FIRE. THE WAS IN MOTION, THE ODOR KEPT GETTING STRONGER AS I DROVE THE CAR. ONCE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, THE ORDER STARTED TO GO AWAY. THE ISSUE WAS SPECIALLY STRONG WHEN THE AC WAS TURNED ON. IT WAS HARD TO BREATHE WHEN RIDING IN THE CAR. THE ISSUE WAS WHEN EVER THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN CITY STREET AND IN THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID

11343901

Incident

Jul 29, 2019

Mileage

45,351 mi

FAILING/FAULTY EIS ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE HAS 117,000 MILES AND HAS INTERMITTENT IGNITION ISSUES. I PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION A MESSAGE ON THE DASH, "KEY DOES NOT BELONG TO VEHICLE", CAR WILL NOT TURN TO START, TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE CAR START. THE MERCEDES DEALER IN MY AREA DIAGNOSED THE ISSUES AS NEEDING TO REPLACE EIS, ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM, EST. COST OF $3,700.00. THE ISSUE HAS GONE TO INTERMITTENT TO EVERY TIME I TRY TO START THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS LOW MILES AND HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT

NHTSA ID

11232097

Incident

May 6, 2019

Mileage

116,500 mi

THE LIFTGATE ON MY CAR QUIT WORKING RECENTLY. I DISCOVERED THAT THE LIFTGATE MOTOR WAS IN A POOL OF WATER. THERE IS A RECALL 09V076000 THAT IS ALREADY ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. FOR SOME REASON MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST EVEN THOUGH IT IS THAT MODEL YEAR AND THE EXACT PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA ID

11207940

Incident

May 3, 2019

Mileage

102,000 mi

BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. THEY ARE FULLY EXTENDED.

NHTSA ID

11204361

Incident

Apr 29, 2019

Mileage

70,000 mi

DEALERSHIP ON NORTHERN BLVD IN QUEENS NY UNABLE TO GIVE ME AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE BAG. THEY CLAIM THEY ARE YEARS BEHIND REPLACING MY AIR BAG AND THEY CAN'T CONFIRM WHEN THEY WILL GET A REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ID

11155872

Incident

Sep 24, 2018

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL COMPLETED DUE TO THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR BEING ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE (110 GRAHAM AVE, HEMPSTEAD, NY) WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE DUE TO THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR BEING ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11124694

Incident

Sep 6, 2018

TAKATA RECALL FOR AIR BAG REPLACEMENT

NHTSA ID

11123974

Incident

Sep 1, 2018

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF EL DORADO HILLS (1000 MERCEDES LN, EL DORADO HILLS, CA 95762, (888) 773-3154) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11119851

Incident

Aug 14, 2018

IT DOES NOT RETRACT BACK AT ALL

NHTSA ID

11115070

Incident

Dec 5, 2017

Mileage

78,000 mi