Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and a squealing sound was heard coming from the engine. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high pressure line and the power steering control head failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,745.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed the r&r steering rack needed to be replaced. No repairs where made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,483.
Mileage 80K and a steering rack needs to be replaced due to a broken pin. I see a recall 2008120011 and following the documentation this VIN qualifies for it but the mb dealer is saying that there is no open recall for this car.
The power steering is not working since April 2015. Check by the dealer and said it needs to be replaced and it is not recalled. But when check the consumer report mecerdez Benz 2008 ml 350 has power steering recall.
I had the car serviced by the dealer and asked that they specifically check for any leaks or other abnormalities as I would be out of the 50,000 warranty period. About three weeks later I noticed an oil drop on the floor of my garage. I took the car to the dealer and they said that the seals in the steering were the cause of the leak and needed to be replaced. I argued with them about paying for this repair as the car only had 53000 +_ and this should not fail unless it was a defect design. Eventually they agreed to fix it with mb paying 1/3 and I pay 2/3 some $1200. When I went to pick up the car they told me that in addition to seal failure that the bearing on the firewall that holds the steering column was also defective and had to be replaced. I told them I would not pay for the repair and to go back to mb and tell them this is ludicrous and they will have to pay. …
Less than a year after I bought the car, during month of April 2014, different error messages started to appear on dash including ABS (brake system), SRS (air bags), and steering wheel vibrating, hard to turn wheel, a few tail/parking lights not working. At shop, they said sensors were bad, and due to my extended warranty they replaced the entire power steering system ($272) but said to repair the air bags would cost $800. A different mechanic said under $100 to fix air bag sensors. Now, August 2014, trunk lift motors are konking out and the lock is not latching, pops open while driving, have to pull over to shut before everything falls out. Also other motors for windows and sunroof work intermittently. …
We took the 2008 Mercedes Benz ml 350 in to a local mb dealer for a schedule a service and transmission flush and asked that an oil leak on the front driver's side axel be inspected. We were told that the vehicle needed the steering rack input shaft valve assembly replaced. We called a local shop to get a second quote for the work and were told that they wouldn't quote us or touch it because of a recall on the model and year -- NHTSA campaign id# 08V682000. We called mb back, and they told us our VIN wasn't included in the recall, but we could request to have a post-warranty coverage or partial coverage determination made. This is still up in the air, but I'm anticipating they decline partial or full post-warranty coverage and would just like to know more about how this VIN was excluded from the affected population.
Rack and pinion leaked all the fluid due to a defective part. I replaced the powerstering pump few month ago and paid close to $1200 (possible the back rack damage it then). Now the steering rack needs to be replaced and the dealer wants close to 2,000 to fix it, they are using refurbished parts. According to the dealer mb is not supplying new steering racks anymore, mb only supports repairing kits to refurbish defective ones. This is completely insane, first they put a defective part in the vehicle, that they charge you an arm and leg to replace it with a refurbished one. E recall is a must and mb should be forced to put new parts as the steering system is very crucial to safety.
Steering complaints in other ML350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 36% of the model year's 67 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 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.