Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz ML350 complaints by model year
Best ML350 years: 2003, 2005, 2004. Years to avoid: 2006, 2010, 2011. Compare all years →
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 owners say
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver when turned to the left. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 08V465000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000.
I recently had to replace the power steering pump, reseviour, and hose after loosing control while driving on the highway. Immediately after refilling with fluid all the contents ran right out. I do see that there was a recall for this problem in 2008, but I did not take ownership of this vehicle until 2/15. Is there any way possible for this problem to be fixed under the recall?
Engine & cooling
Within the past 8 months I have taken my car to the dealership four times with the issue relating engine shut off and check engine light comes on. I was told the crankshaft needed to be replaced two times and as of today the problems remains. Mercedes Benz has acknowledged this is problem in this vehicle but has not addressed it. I fear driving this vehicle with my children it shut off in the middle of the highway at one point and they haven't addrssed it. I've spent $4500 to repair and they cannot resolve the problem and I'm not certain they know how.
I own a Mercedes ml 350 2003; while driving the car to work this morning the car stopped accelerating, became disabled and steering, became impossible. The car slowed on its own while I was in traffic on a major road with speed limits up to 40 MPH and I was unable to move the car into the shoulder creating a major safety issue. Eventually the car coasted onto the shoulder and all lights became illuminated on the dashboard. Upon having it towed to Mercedes Benz I was told that it was initially a key failure in which communication between the key and the computer in the car could be lost which would result in a loss of power to the vehicle. After my reaction which was "and you guys are comfortable with that" I was told that instead it was the crank shaft sensor. …
A/C & heater
Heated seat, driver side, burnt through seat on left side of thigh and through clothing. Skirt and jacket damaged. Car is under warranty. Would like to know why a national recall has not been done. I understand others, including mgr at Mercedes of greenwich who experienced the same problem.
2003 Mercedes ml 350 seat caught on fire. When the consumer turned on the heat seating device that is when the seats caught on fire.
2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 ML350 rates better than average: 68% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ML350 at the same age. It is one of the best ML350 years by this measure. 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350?
The steering — 11 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist system. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and a/c & heater (4).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz ML350?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2005 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2010 and 2011. See the full Mercedes-Benz ML350 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 47% 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.