RoadVitals

2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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

  • Engine1117.2%
  • Powertrain (other)710.9%
  • Brakes69.4%
  • Electrical46.3%
  • Steering46.3%
  • Driver assistance46.3%
  • Suspension46.3%
  • Body & structure46.3%
  • Airbags34.7%
  • Visibility23.1%
  • Other / unspecified23.1%
  • Seat belts23.1%
  • Exterior lighting11.6%
  • Tires & wheels11.6%
  • Interior & seats11.6%

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

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 28, 2025

precense of some liquik oil from up motor litle meiby ist because change oil because i buy recently , i need observed ,ore time today i clean this area.

NHTSA ID 11565307 · filed Jan 13, 2024
All 11 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 22, 2026

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 · filed Apr 4, 2025
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11543484 · filed Sep 8, 2023

WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD PLOWING INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSING FOUR CAR COLLISION. VEHICLE ON TWO PRIOR OCCASIONS, HAD SURGED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THIS OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET IN VOHESS, NJ. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11407897 · filed Apr 13, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 6, 2024

2015 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR TIRE SERVICE, BRAKE SYSTEM AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD *CN

NHTSA ID 10838308 · filed Apr 12, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 19, 2026

Front passenger door lock is registering as locked when it is actually insecure which is a safety issue. Thank you. Unknown start date. Recently purchased vehicle. This weekend passenger for the first time and discovered issue.

NHTSA ID 11457105 · filed Mar 17, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering wheel tilt adjustment failed. Without adjustment it is impossible to steer the automobile safely due to hand placement for control. This is apparent especially when there are multiple drivers. There is not a manual over ride since the system is controled electrically

NHTSA ID 11496940 · filed Dec 11, 2022

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED STEERING HORIZONTALLY ON THE RIGHT. CAR WAS AUTO CONTROLLED AND OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND AND STEER. I GOT INTO A MAJOR LIFE THREATENING CAR CRASH.

NHTSA ID 11129683 · filed Sep 15, 2018

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 19, 2026

GOING TO WORK IN THE MORNING AND PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE NOT THE ACCELERATOR IN REVERSE SUDDENLY THE CAR SURGED BY ITSELF WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WENT IN REVERSE VERY FAST HITTING OUR SIDE CONCRETE SIDE WALL. (THE DISTANCE IS ABOUT (28FT) THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD THAT THE PASSENGER WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AND THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE BACK FRAME OF THE MERCEDES WAS SMASHED. IT HAPPENED SO FAST THAT I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. AFTER I HIT THE WALL I WAS JOLTED FORWARD AND I SMASHED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WITH THE GARAGE. THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVEWAY. AGAIN, I DID NOT PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE WHEN I WAS JOLTED FORWARD THE CAR WENT FORWARD FROM THE IMPACT OF THE HIT FROM THE WALL AND I DID NOT PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR.

NHTSA ID 10934530 · filed Dec 11, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

In April 2023, while performing a rear brake service both right and left suspension springs were found with deteriorated suspension spring coating, corrosion and breakage of the coil springs. Suspension spring failure poses a safety hazard and risk of damage to other suspension components. It is unclear when exactly the springs broke but when the vehicle was inspected in Feb of 2022 there was no mention of spring breakage. The date of incident is the date I discovered the spring breaks. I only took a pic of the one spring but both were confirmed broken. MB dealership confirmed breakage. Communication with Mercedes Benz was not successful.

NHTSA ID 11525691 · filed Jun 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, she noticed an unknown fluid leaking from the vehicle. Over time, the contact noticed that an unknown pink fluid had also started to leak form the vehicle. On one occasion while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate with an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that dark blue smoke was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle eventually stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart for almost an hour. The vehicle eventually restarted after multiple attempts and was driven back to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they discovered that water was leaking into the exhaust and had caused the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V272000 (Suspension) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11470207 · filed Jun 21, 2022

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Neither back doors on my 2015 ML350 lock. Even after you try to lock them from the inside anyone can open the doors from the outside. This is a huge safety hazard because someone could easily car jack the car while you are in it. I bought the car new from the local dealer and i have reported this to the dealership and they said it was a known problem and that acutuators on both doors needed to be replaced at a large cost to me. I wrote to Mercedes Corporate to report this and to ask for financial assistance in trying to get it corrected and was told to just report it to you. Thank you for any assistance that you can provide.

NHTSA ID 11479779 · filed Aug 17, 2022

REAR TAILGATE WAS LEFT OPEN. STARTED CAR AND NO WARNING THAT TAILGATE WAS OPEN WAS GIVEN. STARTED TO MOVE CAR INTO GARAGE AND OPEN TAILGATE STRUCK GARAGE OPENING. DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $1000. NO WARNING IS GIVEN UNTIL CAR EXCEEDS 6-7MPH!!! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS SOMETHING IN THE BACK WOULD ALREADY HAVE FALLEN OUT BEFORE ANY WARNING.

NHTSA ID 10817440 · filed Jan 3, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

takata airbags- call Mercedes Benz of Draper says it is not on their list????

NHTSA ID 11486917 · filed Sep 28, 2022

The contact owned a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 mph in the rain, he drove over a puddle of water and hydroplaned on the highway and hit the jersey wall, went across the highway, and crashed into the guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to his shoulder and medical attention was provided. The passenger occupant sustained injuries to the vertebrae and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

NHTSA ID 11463448 · filed May 5, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HI I CURRENTLY OWN 2015 ML 350 BLUETEC, WAS DRIVING THE ML AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE PANORAMIC ROOF SHATTERED WITH GLASS PIECES RAINING LUCKILY MY KIDS WEREN'T IN THE CAR AND I WAS BY MYSELF. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE COME ACROSS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED MODEL. PLEASE ADVISE ME IF THERE IS A RECALL OR IF THE ROOF REPAIR IS COVERED BY MERCEDES. SINCERELY [XXX] THE ABOVE MESSAGE WAS SENT TO MERCEDES AND THEY CONTACTED ME BACK TODAY THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER THE FIX AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I WOULD RECOMMEND IF THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE GLASS SHATTERING THEN THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OUT TO REPLACE THE GLASS WITH LAMINATED ONE, IF IT SHATTERS IT DOESN'T INJURE ANYONE SITTING INSIDE. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY NO RAIN AND I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AT 50 KM PER HOUR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11082024 · filed Mar 29, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STALLED AND BECAME STUCK. THE WIPERS RESTARTED MOMENTARILY AND THEN STOPPED WORKING AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE WIPER TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONSULTED WITH THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.

NHTSA ID 10870568 · filed May 24, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A NOTICEABLE VIBRATION BETWEEN 60 AND 65 MPH. THE VIBRATION WAS NOTICED FROM THE VERY BEGINNING ON THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE. DEALER HAS CHECKED REAMS AND WHEELS BALANCE BUT THIS VIBRATION STILL EXISTS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT IS OUT OF BALANCE??

NHTSA ID 10715884 · filed May 12, 2015

COMMAND SYSTEM OF CAR NOT RESPONDING PROPERLY, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, LOUD NOISES FROM ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10676374 · filed Jan 19, 2015

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to seat the child in the car seat, he noticed that the seat belt was loose. The contact checked the car seat and pushed the seat to one side and the seat belt unwound and retracted to the normal position. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the seat belt latching system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ID 11466404 · filed May 27, 2022

I READ THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 3-4 RECALLS ON MY MERCEDES WHICH WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS.

NHTSA ID 11184466 · filed Mar 5, 2019

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 19, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2015 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR TIRE SERVICE, BRAKE SYSTEM AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD *CN

NHTSA ID 10838308 · filed Apr 12, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door failed to close properly after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact asked the mechanic to inspect the vehicle. The door failed to open after several attempts. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID 11544793 · filed Sep 15, 2023

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

Data on this page last refreshed .