Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 28 | −56% | 3 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2008 | 21 | −73% | 2 | Headlight | Good |
| 2007 | 16 | −81% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2005 | 5 | −88% | — | Fuel System | Good |
| 2003 | 22 | −68% | — | AC & Heater | Good |
| 2002 | 88 | 2.3× | 1 | Brake | Avoid |
| 2001 | 136 | 2.7× | — | Brake | Avoid |
| 2000 | 166 | 4.3× | — | Steering | Avoid |
| 1999 | 125 | 4.1× | — | Engine | Avoid |
| 1998 | 133 | 4.5× | — | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median ML320 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz ML320 recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic,…
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front upper control arm May not meet the specified strength requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left front upper control arm. Owner notification began September 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz ML320 should you avoid?
1998, 2000, 1999, 2001 and 2002 — these years have the most complaints relative to other ML320 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1998.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz ML320?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other ML320 years at the same age, followed by 2007 and 2008. 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 ML320 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (144), steering (140) and engine & cooling (127). Brake complaints peak in the 2001 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz ML320 had?
4 recalls across 1998–2009. The model year with the most is 2009. See all Mercedes-Benz ML320 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.