Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | −68% | 2 | Steering | Average |
| 2007 | 2 | −58% | 2 | AC & Heater | Average |
| 2006 | 14 | 2.5× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2003 | 10 | 1.8× | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2002 | 5 | −37% | 5 | Brake | Average |
| 2001 | 5 | −22% | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 2000 | 25 | 3.2× | 5 | Steering | Caution |
| 1999 | 18 | 1.8× | 4 | Steering | Average |
| 1998 | 5 | −37% | 4 | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median M Class year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz M Class problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 1999-2002 m-class and model year 2000-2003 m-class amg vehicles. The cruise control system in the affected vehicles allows the driver to disengage the system in a number of ways, including tapping the brake pedal, using the cruise control stalk, or braking the vehicle enough to…
Remedy: Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began during October 2011. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 577 my 2008 gl-class, m-class, and r-class vehicles. A defect May exist in the driving pin used to control the oil pressure of the power steering.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will replace the steering gears. The recall began on January 28, 2009. Owner May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 125,228 my 1998-2004 m-class vehicles. The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler May not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
Remedy: An earlier recall repair performed on these vehicles May not be sufficient to prevent a future leakage or failure of the power steering hose connection (please see 03V121).
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal might not have been fully fastened to its mounting studs.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the mounting nuts of the accelerator pedal. The recall began on January 16, 2007. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz M Class should you avoid?
2000 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other M Class years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz M Class?
2008 has the fewest complaints compared with other M Class years at the same age, followed by 2007 and 1998. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz M Class problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (22), engine & cooling (15) and electrical system (14). Steering complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz M Class had?
14 recalls across 1998–2008. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.