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 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
While driving at 50 MPH, vehicle lights started flashing (warning for ESP and ABS) and the vehicle slowed dramatically and pulled to the right... I got to the side of the road and assumed I had a blow out... But all tires were fine and no issues... Turned off vehicle and drove about 13 miles then turned vehicle off for 10 -15 minutes came out and got in vehicle... When I started to go... Orange triangle was still on and if I even touched brakes they all locked up and would even squeal when even touching brake petal. It was 79 degrees, dry on a highway that was a smooth road, in traffic and was almost hit. Updated 05/11/16
Safety system failure, including braking assist, seat belts, air bags and tel-aide due to computer chip failure. Caused two accidents after which customer paid to have vehicle reviewed bumper to bumper and the failing chip was replaced. During this time, the dash warning lights did not illuminate to warn of the failure which the vehicle computer documented 15 times in a six-month period (between the two accidents). Approximately eight months later, the warning light on the dash illuminated again. Do not know how many times system had failed since it was 'fixed.' traded in vehicle for safety purposes.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brakes unexpectedly engaged. The contact was able to successfully coast to a stop, when he smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had since recurred once more. The vehicle was not taken back to be examined. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000. The VIN was unavailable.
While driving today at approx 20-25 MPH brakes suddenly applied on their own and my vehicle swerved and came to a halt. Waited several minutes and restarted the vehicle. Drove on the 101 and 405 freeways without further incident. Drove later on the same day, and the same thing happened again. This is extremely dangerous. What if I had been driving on the freeway? I refuse to drive this vehicle again. Is there a recall on this? I have seen a lot of similar incidents online.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320. On two occasions, while driving approximately 45 MPH and 60 MPH, the vehicle slowed down independently and came to an abrupt stop. There was no crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the yaw rate sensor was defective. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified via email. The dealer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, the brakes failed without warning and caused the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320. While driving 5 MPH, the brakes applied independently and the ABS light illuminated. The failure occurred randomly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Updated 05/11/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes seized and the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000. Updated 04/06/16 updated 04/12/16.
Brake complaints in other ML320 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 35% of the model year's 136 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.