Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems
Share of the 136 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 3 possible defects involving the 2001 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…
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 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 owners say
Brakes all 48 →
Same story as I've seen thousands of times on the internet and you claim not enough occurrences! I'm on the interstate, going 70 MPH. Weather is good, traffic is light (thank god!) and my breaks slam on. The ABS system kicks in, so I'm able to get over to the shoulder before being rear ended. The triangle warning lamp is lit and the bas / ESP lamp is lit. I try turning the car off and back on, lights go out, I move forward, get up to about 20 MPH and the breaks slam on again. I shut the car off for about 15 minutes while I got out and was investigating the tires and breaks. Get back in, start the vehicle and drive another 45 minutes. Get into town, driving about 25 MPH and they slam on again. I'm able to limp home with the ABS going on and off. I park it for the night. Next day I do some research and see there are thousands of similar complaints. …
On more than one occasion, my 2001 merc Benz ML320 came to a complete stop and dramatically pulled to the right while I was driving at various speeds. The first time happened as I was making a right turn from a stand still. The second time happened as I was traveling at approximately 35-40 MPH. Finally, the last two times occurred while I was on the highway traveling at approximately 65-70 MPH. In all instances, the front brakes absolutely locked and my vehicle came to an approximately complete stop while pulling the steering to the right. Each event was a very frightening episode. Although I kept trying to accelerate, the brakes would not allow it. I had just enough momentum so that I could veer to the safety of the safety lane. The events all happened within a two (2) week period...far, far too frequent for comfort. …
Stability & traction control all 35 →
My name is [redacted] and I just had a small accident on June 08th, 2010 in phoenix az. It involved my 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. Facts: on June 8th, 2010 I was traveling at approximately 50 MPH on the freeway (hov lane) when the front right wheel locked. The brakes just engaged without warning and or me activating them. Luckily I the person behind me was able to swerve to avoid me but still clipped the left side of my rear bumper. I believe I'm lucky I did not caused or sustained any serious injury. I took the car to a local Mercedes Benz dealer for service and they told me it could be many things wrong. Mb knows about the problem with the mb ML320's year 1998-2001. The gentlemen @ mb told me that but they will not take any responsibility. He instructed me not to drive the vehicle in the current condition. …
Same story as I've seen thousands of times on the internet and you claim not enough occurrences! I'm on the interstate, going 70 MPH. Weather is good, traffic is light (thank god!) and my breaks slam on. The ABS system kicks in, so I'm able to get over to the shoulder before being rear ended. The triangle warning lamp is lit and the bas / ESP lamp is lit. I try turning the car off and back on, lights go out, I move forward, get up to about 20 MPH and the breaks slam on again. I shut the car off for about 15 minutes while I got out and was investigating the tires and breaks. Get back in, start the vehicle and drive another 45 minutes. Get into town, driving about 25 MPH and they slam on again. I'm able to limp home with the ABS going on and off. I park it for the night. Next day I do some research and see there are thousands of similar complaints. …
Steering all 25 →
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering failed and the contact lost control of the vehicle. He crashed into a tree and the vehicle was completely destroyed. The air bags deployed and the chemicals caused severe burns on his right arm. He has supporting documents. After the crash, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 08V465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections), which explicitly referenced the failure that he experienced. He called the manufacturer and is currently waiting for a response. The failure and current mileages were 68,000.
While driving at 40 MPH unintended brake application causing loss of control. This has happened numerous times under different speeds and condition. It has happened on curves and straight road conditions. This has been happening since May 2016 at least 15 to 20 times.
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 a good car?
Based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 ML320 rates avoid: 2.7× 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
The brakes — 48 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the stability & traction control (35) and steering (25).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 91,000 miles; 22% 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.