Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Brake line rusted and brakes failed completely suddenly when my mechanic was moving auto from his garage after servicing my transmission I probably would have been in a serious accident had I picked up my car without that happening to him never expected a brake line to rust and cause brakes to suddenly be gone I am so worried another car will cause deaths if this defect is not known to owner
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320. While the vehicle was being test driven by an independent mechanic, the brakes failed without warning. It was diagnosed that the brake line was rusted and failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Was driving truck at highway, when brakes activated by itself, ABS, traction light, brake lamp and hazards flashed. Had to immediately move to side of road, while brakes where activating. Felt as if ABS was activating as if I was sliding on and icy road. Had to have vehicle towed as I was not able to move more that 5 feet
Vehicle automatically switches off its anti-lock-brake and electronic-stability-control systems for unknown reason, thereby endangering its driver and passengers, as well as other vehicle's drivers and passengers, every time it's driven.
Hard braking suddenly activated without driver input, smoke coming from front wheels. YAW SENSOR malfunction indicated by OBD scanner (checked after incident)
Vehicle was always being serviced and the air bags failed to deploy in a severe accident. The consumer was struck by another driver and caused damage on both sides of the vehicle. Both sides of the doors were smashed and there was extensive damage in the passenger's cabin. Other problems are as followed: the engine light was on, engine low level oil light had come on, when the right front and left rear windows were erratic when going down, the cigarette lighter was inoperative, the rear cargo accessory plug was inoperative, the trim on the left side of the left front seat cracked, there was a buldge on the right rear tire, lug bolts were missing on the right rear wheel and the rear pads needed to be replaced, there was a noise heard in the rear when going over bumps, the power supply plug in the rear cargo area was inoperative, the light behind the climate control panel was inoperative, …
I own a 2000 ML320 Mercedes Benz. In 4 different events the car applies brakes on tires randomly and the car comes to a stop and pulls and jerks to that side the ESP light blink on instrument cluster and bas/ESP light comes on. My wife taking the kids to school from stockton to lathrop on I-5 had this problem too and it really scared them luckily the right lane was empty and they managed to somehow pull over. This is a major safety issue that can cause death or serious injury. The brakes and electronic stability applies on by itself randomly causing the car to jerk or stop and pushing on the accelerator does not make the car move due to the lack of power and car won't pass 1000rpm restarting the engine resets the problem until it occurs again. …
I have experienced multiple incidents of a situation where the ABS, ESP, and ets lights come on and a noise occurs when depressing the gas pedal at low speeds. The noise stops only when the brake pedal is depressed or at speeds over 40 MPH. There is also a vibration that occurs that can be felt by depressing the brake pedal. The noise continues as soon as the brake pedal is released. The car becomes difficult to drive. Turning the car off and on again does not clear the problem. When the car is turned off, a noise can be heard coming from under the hood that sounds like a motor or a fan that is running. This continues for hours. The hood of the car becomes warm to hot to the touch. At some point the fan or motor stops running. If the car battery has not been drained, the car functions normally--until the next time that the problem occurs. …
Brake complaints in other ML320 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 20% of the model year's 166 complaints. The component named most often is brake fluid low warning › lamp (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 123,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.