2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60–65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle started sliding. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11751996

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

Mileage

88,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was brake fluid leaking from the vehicle with the BRAKE warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA ID

11732942

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the daughter was driving at an unknown speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The driver heard an abnormal hissing or squeaking sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact’s son then drove the vehicle to a shopping center, and when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle unexpectedly entered SAFE Mode. The contact was unable to shift to drive(D). The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the dealer had inspected the brake booster, but no parts were replaced. The contact related the brake failure to the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11722017

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Mileage

111,000 mi

Corroded brake lines. This is a well known issue for many ML350s built during this time period. This car was built with steel brake lines that easily corrode and present a serious safety issue. While driving a few months ago, the car suddenly lost the ability to brake because a line rusted completely through. The mechanic noted the lines are rusted in many other places as well. Mercedes refuses to correct this under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11688721

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

ABS Pump defective. Dealer refuses to replace this safety item.

NHTSA ID

11675862

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

I believe the electrical system may be defective as ever since I have had it the light bulbs frequently have to be changed. We own three vehicles in my households (the other 2 are non-Mercedes) and none of my other vehicles do this. The latest issue with the electrical system is that the rear tail lamp and power lift gate. I was told there was water that was getting in from somewhere but mechanic could not find where. I need a new SAM module and that is why my power lift gate motor does not work. As I did some research online, the same exact problem was recalled on a the same model but the 2009 model and I have the 2011 model. I believe my car should be part of the same recall which I believe is Mercedes recall number 2009030003. That appears to be a faulty seal around the rear tail lamp assembly. I believe this is a manufacturer's defect that should be covered and would likely explain why I have had to change out light bulbs so many times over the years.

NHTSA ID

11647608

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

I was driving locally and when I put on the brakes for a car exiting a street. Immediately my car sensor went on and my car brakes started to fail. It was a very scary situation. This is a known problem with Mercedes. Mercedes has a recall for the brake booster but will not fix the booster without the brake like being fixed. I have reached out to foreign motor car dealerships and this issue with the brake line is a known problem and a safety issue but Mercedes is not taking responsibility for this issue that can kill someone for their parts that are corroding and rotting. Mercedes too years to take responsibility for the brake booster which can kill people and now they are not taking responsibility for their brake line issues that again can injure and kill people.

NHTSA ID

11613011

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

an Exhaust recycle hose cracked; causing cabin to fill with carbon dioxide. Driver, (me) became disorented.. ran off right shoulder, ran into center divider cement, before rearending truck. Engine light later came on indicating (HVOC?) ERROR Mechanic was able to locate leak and repair. Vehicle now performing properly. A DEFECT THAT ALLOWS CARBON DIOXIDE INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN, IS A SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.

NHTSA ID

11593805

Incident

Apr 10, 2024

My vehicle jerks back and forth at low acceleration, and it often goes into limp mode which makes the vehicle only drive at around 20 mph at most. I was on the highway, when this happened. I have a 722.9 transmission, and this is a common problem. Why is the snapping recalled? I have had a checked with Mercedes-Benz of music City when I had gotten my recall work done, and they said that it just needs a whole new transmission. They said that they had never seen an issue like this. They want $16,000. I have been reading and reading and reading I don't know how they have not seen the issue when it's very very common. Again my question is, why has this not been recalled? There are soldering issues for a speed solenoid sensor, and the TCU it makes it go bad. What is going on, and why has this issue not been addressed? I have two toddlers that I drive in my vehicle every single day. God forbid we're not so lucky next time. The only reason why we did not get hit this time, is because we were on the highway at a slow hour of the day. My son is disabled and we are on the highway and in the car a whole lot. If this happens during rush hour, we will be no doubt smacked into by another vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11585077

Incident

Apr 23, 2024

The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained an injury where the glass scratched her face. The doctors prescribed pain medicine No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed a lot where it was deemed totaled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11548282

Incident

Nov 27, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled while driving in traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The message to remove-the-key was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer notified the contact of a diagnostic test and the cost for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11548031

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Mileage

100,000 mi

Previously submitted to webmaster and recorded under Request # [XXX] I experienced catastrophic brake failure while driving the vehicle. As you see above all recalls have been completed and the vehicle has never been in an accident to my knowledge. I stopped the vehicle without incident or damage and had it towed to a repair shop. They determined that both rear brake lines were corroded and replaced them. I didn't think a catastrophic failure was possible in a vehicle with a dual brake system, but apparently that is not the case in this vehicle. How many similar cases have been reported? Do I have recourse to the manufacturer as it surely seems like a failure of the OEM part The vehicle has 101,000 miles on it and is in excellent condition. I am concerned that this type of catastrophic brake failure will be fatal to someone in the near future. I was lucky and was only traveling at about 5mph and was able to stop the vehicle on the curb. Please advise INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11537590

Incident

Aug 3, 2023

Nearest dealership refused to complete the recall repairs. On March 6, during a moving traffic accident that totaled both cars, the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in injury to the driver (me).

NHTSA ID

11521252

Incident

Mar 6, 2023

Brakes died in may, 2022 and it took the dealer to September to inspect as it was part of recall. They told me they had to order the part so i called every 3 weeks to see if it came in. In december they said they need to inspect to see if it is covered. Again they inspected and said yes it is and we need to order the part (this is Crown Eurocar Mercedes in St Petersburg). At the same time I called Mercedes USA (they gave me a case number 2-37306691522). They picked up the car in December and since then it has been the same run around. THEY ARE NOT ATTEMPTING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I am begging your department to help in this matter.

NHTSA ID

11510751

Incident

Mar 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the message indicating an EVAP leak was displayed. The contact checked and noticed that there was a leak underneath the vehicle coming from the fuel tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ID

11509505

Incident

Feb 6, 2023

Mileage

114,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the dealer performed NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the failure occurred after the recall was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she had to stand up in her seat while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake booster failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,044.

NHTSA ID

11488768

Incident

Oct 11, 2022

Mileage

193,044 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11487856

Incident

Oct 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and contacted the dealer. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle at the residence. In the process of conducting the inspection, the dealer damaged the brake line and informed the contact the vehicle had failed the test. The vehicle was no longer drivable and was towed to the dealer where the brake line was replaced. The dealer then advised the contact that she could pick up the vehicle; however, they could not confirm that the vehicle was safe to drive. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue and inquired about a possible loaner. The manufacturer provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11485668

Incident

Sep 21, 2022

I DO NOT KNOW WHERE IS THE EXACLY PROBLEMS WITH THE RECALL FROM THE NHTSA

NHTSA ID

11469649

Incident

Jun 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by a corroded brake booster. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11466088

Incident

Jan 16, 2022

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11465401

Incident

May 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that roof fabric had begun to detach from the vehicle. Over time, the fabric started to obstruct the contact's vision out of the rear windshield. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and they offered to cover a nominal part of the cost of the repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11437534

Incident

Jan 1, 2018

Mileage

60,000 mi

REAR BRAKE LIGHT GROUND OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE DAMAGING WIRE HARNESS AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY DURING DRIVING. ALL TAIL LIGHTS AFFECTED.

NHTSA ID

11404911

Incident

Mar 2, 2021

Mileage

93,000 mi

I PUT MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD A TOW TRUCK TO COME AND GET MY VEHICLE AND THEY CHARGED THE VEHICLE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. I KNOW THAT I PROBABLY NEED A NEW BATTERY BUT THIS WAS SCARY.

NHTSA ID

11317721

Incident

Mar 12, 2020

THE BACK GATE LIGHTS ON ML350 STOPPED WORKING. ACCORDING TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, THE BACK LIGHT(BRAKE LIGHTS) ASSEMBLIES ARE ALL CORRODED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW AND THAT THERE WAS NO WATER DAMAGE. I HAVE ALSO HAD FRONT LIGHT ISSUES AS WELL, WITH BULBS BURNING OUT FREQUENTLY. THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WIRING IS DEFECTIVE. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP IS HAVING ME PAY TO REPLACE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLIES EVEN THOUGH THIS MUST BE SOME SORT OF DEFECT.

NHTSA ID

11298140

Incident

Jan 6, 2020