Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems
Share of the 67 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 →
2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster.
What 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 owners say
Steering all 24 →
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond as designed. The contact drove the vehicle safely off the road. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a power steering rack leak. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V682000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked steering fluid, which made the steering wheel difficult to turn while driving 45 MPH or above. The contact also heard a thumping noise when turning the steering wheel and approaching a stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic contacted an unknown dealer who stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (Mercedes-Benz of jacksonville, 10231 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225), but no repairs or diagnostic tests were performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Electrical system
I purchased a used 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350 VIN: [redacted] today, my power lift gate stopped operating. I can hear the motor running when I press the open/close button the driver's side door, and also on my remote, but the power lift gate doesn't operate. Upon doing some basic research, I understood that recalls were made on the 2009 and newer ML350 due to a faulty seal with the rear lighting assembly unit, which would cause water to leak into the spare tire assembly area and cause the power lift gate to stop working; it May also cause a fire. Upon removing the spare tire to inspect the area, I saw a large pool of water in the area. There was also water near the left brake light assembly. The water appears to have even caused deterioration of wires associated with the left brake light assembly unit. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, a burning odor was emitted into the vehicle cabin. The contact stated that after merging to the side of the road, she noticed flames coming from under the passenger's side seat and in a matter of minutes the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 112,000.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, he was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for 2 months. The contact later received the recall notification. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact that parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 a good car?
Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 ML350 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the ML350 at the same age. 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350?
The steering — 24 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rack and pinion. Next are the electrical system (13) and brakes (8).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350, the most recent from April 26, 2024 (vacuum). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 21% 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.