RoadVitals

2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
52
Latest May 22, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Dec 23, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 52 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 116 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1117.2%
  • Powertrain (other)710.9%
  • Brakes69.4%
  • Electrical46.3%
  • Steering46.3%
  • Driver assistance46.3%
  • Suspension46.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Dec 23, 2022
348,183 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
The risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2023010002 & ...0003View on NHTSA.gov

COMMUNICATION

Nov 1, 2019
24,226 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
The risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2019120008View on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Apr 27, 2018
9,725 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
The risk: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2018070015View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed May 22, 2026

The failed/malfunctioning component appears to be the fuel pump controller / fuel pump control unit, and possibly the fuel pump system. The Mercedes-Benz dealer identified water/moisture-related damage and corrosion at the fuel pump controller area. The failed component should be available for inspection if the dealer preserves the part during repair. I have requested that the dealer not discard the damaged component. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the fuel pump controller is related to fuel delivery. If it fails, the vehicle may not start, may lose fuel supply, or may stall while driving. This creates a safety risk, especially if the vehicle stalls in traffic, at an intersection, on a highway, or during normal driving. The problem has been confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. The dealership diagnosed water/moisture damage to the fuel pump controller area and provided an estimate of $768.22 for fuel pump controller replacement, plus $244.88 for the inspection fee. The dealer also indicated that this was the first inspection and that the fuel pump itself may also need further inspection or may have related damage. The vehicle/component has been inspected by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Mercedes-Benz USA / the manufacturer’s representative has also reviewed the case through its goodwill process, but they refused to treat it as recall-related coverage. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Prior to the current failure, the vehicle had starting/no-start related symptoms beginning around the middle of 2023. The engine could not start successfully at times. I do not recall receiving a clear warning lamp or message specifically identifying the fuel pump controller before the failure. However, the symptoms were consistent with a fuel delivery problem, and the dealer later confirmed water/moisture corrosion damage in the fuel pump controller area.

NHTSA ID
11739473
Incident
May 2, 2026
Filed Feb 20, 2026

In July 2025, the sunroof panel had lifes and was flapping at highway speeds. I immediately contacted a Mercedes-Benz dealer to report the hazard. I was told they were unaware of such an issue and that I would have to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. Due to financial hardship, I could not afford the repair at that time. in. In early February, while driving on the highway, the entire sunroof panel catastrophically detached and flew off the vehicle. This created an immediate and severe road hazard for other drivers. This incident matches the 'adhesive bonding failure' described in other Mercedes-Benz sunroof recalls (e.g., Recall 21V-197), but my specific VIN was not included in that list.

NHTSA ID
11719355
Incident
Feb 6, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 19, 2026

In mid-trip as we were going down the highway went to change lanes and the turn signals were no longer functioning. No errors, no alerts, no warnings they just stopped working. After pulling over and turning off the vehicle and turning back on they work for a time then stop working again. After researching with other owners of these and similar model Mercedes Benz vehicles this is a prevalent and highly dangerous safety issue that many many others have experienced.

NHTSA ID
11711956
Incident
Jan 19, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2025

Cam Shaft replacement diagnosed after week and half visit to Mercedes Benz dealership for engine rattling at cold start up. We are left with a $10,000 repair after performing all scheduled maintenance at the Mercedes Benz dealership since owning in 2015.

NHTSA ID
11676806
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Apr 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shook abnormally before the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and take the vehicle to a local dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that two weeks after the recall repair, the failure reoccurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was scanned by a local independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: P035413, A10D, P072102, U016886, V1FBD04, 94C3, V1DAV54, V1DBD31, P030085, and V142E31. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11652759
Incident
Mar 22, 2025
Mileage
88,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 6, 2024

I was in drive mode and was looking to park the car on the open spot on the street. Had engaged the reverse gear and was attempting to get in the parallel parking spot. While i was doing that, suddenly the wheel locked up and car stopped with a jerk/jolt. Then came warning that the parking brake was not working (Remember I had not engaged the parking brake as I was in drive mode). The locked up wheel would not move and I had great difficulty in making the car safe in the cross traffic. The issue here is parking brake cannot engage by itself. That has nothing to do with the age of the car, it is like the wheel cannot come off just because the car is old. This could have easily happened while the car was in motion at a higher speed, in that case with 1 wheel locked, a car would spin out of control in a moving traffic causing major damage to other vehicles and myself. Mercedes's rep claimed it was a maintenance item. Parking brake engaging by itself is a maintenance item?? We should put a notice to all customers and your life is in danger because the parking brake can engage by itself locking the wheel anywhere anytime. I am very apprehensive of this design which allows for auto lock of a wheel. It must be investigated and all the parking brake systems should be replaced as it can happen to anyone. Thank you

NHTSA ID
11592867
Incident
May 31, 2024
Fuel system
Filed May 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who determined that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11589651
Incident
Apr 10, 2024
Mileage
120,000 mi
Filed Mar 14, 2024

The center console box will jot close. I have researched and this is a common problem with this car. You can not just replace the closure part it requires a whole new box. This is at a cost of 400.00plus dollars. This is obviously a defect.

NHTSA ID
11577425
Incident
Apr 2, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

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).

LI33.20-P-078406

SUSPENSION

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

LI82.85-P-080507

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis 03/2026 and add-on 33399 installed or carry out the procedure with a newer version of XENTRY Diagnosis: XENTRY→ "N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" -> "Adaptations" -> "Control unit commissioning" -> "Commissioning of previously installed control unit"

PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/22

POWER TRAIN; STRUCTURE:BODY

Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026. After June 11th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/15

POWER TRAIN; SUSPENSION

The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026. After June 4th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

LI33.20-P-078406

SUSPENSION

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz ML350 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015Viewing525060.9
2014674060.8
2013565060.5
2012654054.3
20111103160.7
20101013155.6
2009933158.4
2008672050.4
2007832162.7
20061712051.3
2005230037.6
2004350039.1
2003250041.8
2001100

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.