2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags5948.0%
- Brakes1814.6%
- Electrical1613.0%
- Engine75.7%
- Powertrain (other)64.9%
- Driver assistance43.3%
- Exterior lighting32.4%
- Fuel system21.6%
- Body & structure21.6%
- Interior & seats21.6%
- Heating & air conditioning10.8%
- Seat belts10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
- Transmission10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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).
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
REAR BRAKE LIGHT GROUND OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE DAMAGING WIRE HARNESS AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY DURING DRIVING. ALL TAIL LIGHTS AFFECTED.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE ENGINE JERKED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND WAS ABLE TO REGAIN ACCELERATION. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE EXITING TRAFFIC AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN ACCELERATION AND DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS "SLEEPING". THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
WHEN CAR COMES TO A STOP, AND THE DRIVER PUSHES THE BUTTON TO PUT THE CAR IN "PARK", THE CAR DOES NOT GO INTO PARK, BUT STAYS IN "DRIVE" OR "REVERSE". DRIVER LEAVES CAR, AND BECAUSE DRIVER IS UNAWARE THAT THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN "DRIVE", AND DID NOT SWITCH TO "PARK", THE CAR CAN BEGIN TO IDLE FORWARD WHILE DRIVER LEAVES OR HAS LEFT THE VEHICLE, OR IDLES IN REVERSE, AS DRIVER LEAVES OR HAS LEFT THE VEHICLE, AS THE "PARK" POSITION IS NOT ACTIVATED. THIS CAN BE QUITE DANGEROUS TO THE DRIVER, OR TO PASSENGERS OR PEDESTRIANS. AT TIMES, THE CAR DOES GO INTO "PARK", BUT AT OTHER TIMES, IT DOES NOT, IT STAYS IN "DRIVE" OR "REVERSE", MISINFORMING THE DRIVER. THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF BAKERSFIELD, 5600 GASOLINE ALLEY DR, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313, (661) 451-1400) EVERY THIRTY DAYS TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO WHAT WAS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12E028000 (EQUIPMENT). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN NECESSARY; HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT THE FLOOR MAT THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, AS NOTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. WHILE EXITING A CAR WASH TERMINAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RELEASE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST PAINS, PAINS TO THE BREASTS, A BRUISED MOUTH THAT WAS BLEEDING, AND A HEAD INJURY. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR BRAKE LIGHT GROUND OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE DAMAGING WIRE HARNESS AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY DURING DRIVING. ALL TAIL LIGHTS AFFECTED.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
DEF/ADBLUE HEATER FAILURE. IT APPEARS IT IS COMMON FOR THE DEF/ADBLUE HEATER TO FAIL. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MERCEDES SERVICE THAT THEY REDESIGNED THE HEATER BECAUSE OF THE COMMON FAILURE OF THIS PART BUT THEY ARE NOT REPLACING THEM AS A RECALL. (SAME PROBLEM WITH VW WHICH IN NOW COVERED)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THE CAR WAS ON AN INCLINE IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT HAS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ON THE COLUMN, AND I HAD BEEN BACKING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. I STOPPED PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND GOT OUT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING TO MOVE SOMETHING. THE CAR SAT IN PLACE FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS AND THEN SPONTANEOUSLY TOOK OFF AT APPROXIMATELY 5MILES/HOUR. FORTUNATELY MY DAUGHTER WAS STANDING ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR IN FRONT AND SAW THE CAR ROLLING FORWARD, JUMPED IN AND HIT THE BRAKES JUST AS THE CAR STRUCK ONE OF OTHER CARS ON THE DRIVEWAY. THE SHIFT LEVER WAS READING THE DRIVE POSITION, EVEN HAD I NOT PLACED THE CAR IN PARK, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN DRIVE BUT REVERSE AS I HAD BEEN PROCEEDING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I TURNED ON THE HEATED DRIVER SIDE AND IT COUGHT FIRE I GOT BURNED TRYING TO SHUT THE FIRE OFF
PASSANGER SEAT WITH SEAT HEAT ON CAUSED BURNT DAMAGE OF LEATHER UPHOLSTEREY IN LOWER LEFT PART OF THE BACK REST ACCOMPANY WITH SMOKE/FUMES. THE DAMAGED AREA IS ABOUT 2" LONG. 2011 ML350 WITH 27KMILES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE SEAT WARMER FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT AND NOTICED THAT THE BACK OF THE SEAT WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT. WHEN THE WARMER WAS TURNED OFF, THE SMOKE AND BURNING FAILURE CEASED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NEEDED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SLIGHT BURN TO THE LOWER BACK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT CALLED JAMES MOTOR COMPANY (LOCATED AT 2440 RICHMOND RD, LEXINGTON, KY 40502, 877-883-1006) AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO USE THE SEAT WARMER AND HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: ID1/0H0BJ0. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ASKED THE CONTACT TO SIGN A WAIVER TO REPLACE THE PART OF THE SEAT THAT HAD BURNED; HOWEVER, THE MATTER HAD NOT YET BEEN RESOLVED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. *LN*JB CONSUMER STATED DID RECEIVE A TELEPHONE CALL THAT EXPLAINED IF I SIGNED OFF ON ANY FUTURE LAWSUIT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE PORTION OF THE SEAT THAT CAUGHT FIRE. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM SINCE. I HAVE LEFT SEVERAL PHONE CALLS.*JB *LN*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN MARCH 2016 AND IT WAS A FRONT END COLLISION. I ALMOST WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD HOWEVER MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T STOP ME OR LOCK IN PLACE AT ALL. I ALSO CONTACTED MERCEDES IN APRIL 2016 ABOUT MY DRIVER AIRBAG THAT WAS RECALLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS AND I STILL HAVEN'T BEEN CONTACTED FOR A RESOLUTION AS I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THEM MULTIPLE TIMES FOR OPTIONS BECAUSE IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2011 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUN FLAT TIRES ISSUES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED THREE FLAT TIRES WITHIN THE FIRST 13,000 MILES. TWO REQUIRED EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT, ONE WITH A 24 HOUR TRIP DELAY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LITERATURE FROM MERCEDES BENZ STATED THE RUN FLAT TIRES COULD ONLY BE DRIVEN 50 MILES LOADED AND ONLY 18 MILES UNLOADED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE SRS AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, AND THE SIDE VIEW AND BLIND SIDE INDICATORS WERE INOPERABLE. THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO ENGAGE IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FRIEND'S RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .