Most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems
Share of the 35 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 owners say
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz ML350. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the hose clamp needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 08V465000 (steering), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 06/13/17 the consumer requested to be reimbursed for the leaky steering fluid repairs. The vehicle was repaired using the same requirements as the recall, but was not repaired under the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While driving various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned. The steering wheel was difficult to turn and the steering fluid had to be replaced several times. The contact stated that the steering wheel made a loud grinding noise when it was turned and power steering fluid leaked from the column. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated without warning. It was diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, the contact noticed fire coming from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While driving various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned. The steering wheel was difficult to turn and the steering fluid had to be replaced several times. The contact stated that the steering wheel made a loud grinding noise when it was turned and power steering fluid leaked from the column. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated without warning. It was diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Air bags
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 15 MPH when she crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and the driver suffered injuries. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard and the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileages were 55,000. Updated 01/27/12
2004 ml 350 had SRS and airbag lights appear on dash that did not go out during vehicle operation. Owner's manual stated this could result in no airbag deployment during an accident, or unexpected deployment of airbags. I went to the dealership and was told a seat recognition sensor was required for $752. This is a major safety issue and is a failure of a component that should not fail, and place vehicle occupants at risk, after only 3 1/2 years of operation. Manufacturer should be required to recall these vehicles and test and replace the sensors/modules or related parts.
2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 a good car?
Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 ML350 rates better than average: 58% 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350?
The steering — 6 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and air bags (5).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 18% 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.