Most common 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems
Share of the 166 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz ML320 complaints by model year
Best ML320 years: 2005, 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 1998, 2000, 1999, 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320:
Brake lamp switch failure.
ODI opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also reported the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel.The switch contains three sets of…
Electronic stability control malfunction
Odi opened pe07-007 after receiving 4 complaints within a 6 week period alleging incidents of uncommanded brake application in model year (my) 2000 through 2001 Mercedes m class sport utility vehicles.information contained in the reports or gathered in subsequent consumer interviews indicated that the incidents were caused by faults in the electronic stability program (ESP) system which were repaired by replacing…
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures…
Power steering hose assembly leakage
The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler May not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection.the loss of power steering fluid May result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (I.e., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to the power steering pump.
What 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 owners say
Steering all 45 →
As I noticed in other complaints they all focus in the power steering issues, fuel / oil leaks and loss, ESP option , electrical mail functions that relate with the ECU, problem with the shifter. All these are safety concerns since all the above problems can cause an accident . I have the same problems in my car and it is really difficult to operate the vehicle. The power steering is not working as the car is not in speed motion unless you use strength to turn the wheel , the ESP is not working at all , the shifter is not changing to drive unless you override it and that's the only way to start it and the fuel along with the oil is leaking and all the fluids are disappearing in no time . All these are safety hazards and not just a simple problem . …
Re: investigation pe 03-006. 2000 Mercedes ML320.in [redacted] vehicle engine compartment fire. Vehicle was parked in driveway 8 hours before fire was spotted at approx 4:00 a.m. Vehicle was always serviced my schumacher Mercedes of scottsdale arizona. Last service was approx sep 10, 2004. I do not know if repair to power steering hose assembly was ever performed. Had the vehicle been parked in our garage ,there would have been possible injuries or deaths. I am extremely upset. Vehicle was parked nose up on an incline. Insurance company has been notified , but I have not contacted Mercedes pending your advice. Updated 07/25/2012
Brakes all 34 →
I was driving full freeway speed when the brake assist system suddenly engaged which slammed on my brakes immediately and sent me skidding all over the freeway trying to maintain control of the vehicle and not crash into anything. All the while the cars behind me had to veer out of the way. Several accidents were almost caused by this incident. This safety feature is now a safety hazard. This should never ever happen. This I'd comparable to an airbag suddenly deploying while driving. An absolutely terrifying experience. The bas fct light came on which is how I learned of the brake assist system. This problem is repeatable because it happened 2 more times as I had to get my vehicle home but luckily I didn't date take the freeway again. Problem just started 5/7/23 without any warning at all.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320. When the contact attempted to roll down both passenger side windows, they failed to roll down. The headlights and instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. The ABS, brake failure switch, and ESP warning lights illuminated. When using the power steering to attempt to turn the vehicle, the warning light illuminated, indicating a malfunction of the power steering. The vehicle hesitated before completing the turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Engine & cooling all 29 →
I am the owner if a 2000 Mercedes ML320. This morning as I came home on this car and suddenly it sped up and lost control when it came to the driveway. I leg was on the brake when I came to the driveway no way I could have put my leg on the accelerator. I believe there is a defect in its design and cause it to suddenly speed up. Please look into this since it can be a serious matter. My other 2 cars in the garage were badly damaged in addition to the this ML320.
Ongoing issue that is sometimes difficult to replicate. Vehicle will suddenly die while driving or idling, without warning, and take approximately 20 minutes to restart. Ignition will sometimes stick and not start. Vehicle almost crashed into another vehicle in one instance where sudden loss of power occurred while approaching stop light.
2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 a good car?
Based on 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 ML320 rates avoid: 4.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the ML320 at the same age. It is one of the ML320 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
The steering — 45 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections. Next are the brakes (34) and engine & cooling (29).
How many recalls does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz ML320?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 2000, 1999, 2001 and 2002. See the full Mercedes-Benz ML320 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.