Most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems
Share of the 111 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 →
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 recalls (3)
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic,…
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 owners say
Air bags all 59 →
I was in a car accident in March 2016 and it was a front end collision. I almost went through the windshield however my seat belt didn't stop me or lock in place at all. I also contacted Mercedes in April 2016 about my driver airbag that was recalled due to safety concerns and I still haven't been contacted for a resolution as I have reached out to them multiple times for options because it's unsafe to drive my vehicle
Nearest dealership refused to complete the recall repairs. On March 6, during a moving traffic accident that totaled both cars, the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in injury to the driver (me).
Brakes
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the daughter was driving at an unknown speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The driver heard an abnormal hissing or squeaking sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact's son then drove the vehicle to a shopping center, and when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle unexpectedly entered SAFE Mode. The contact was unable to shift to drive(D). The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the dealer had inspected the brake booster, but no parts were replaced. …
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled while driving in traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The message to remove-the-key was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer notified the contact of a diagnostic test and the cost for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system
I believe the electrical system may be defective as ever since I have had it the light bulbs frequently have to be changed. We own three vehicles in my households (the other 2 are non-Mercedes) and none of my other vehicles do this. The latest issue with the electrical system is that the rear tail lamp and power lift gate. I was told there was water that was getting in from somewhere but mechanic could not find where. I need a new SAM module and that is why my power lift gate motor does not work. As I did some research online, the same exact problem was recalled on a the same model but the 2009 model and I have the 2011 model. I believe my car should be part of the same recall which I believe is Mercedes recall number 2009030003. That appears to be a faulty seal around the rear tail lamp assembly. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. The ESP traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle crashed into the rear end of another vehicle and side swiped a second vehicle. The vehicle turned 360 degree and then crashed into an utility pole. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The mechanic was unable to locate the failure. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 a good car?
Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 ML350 rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the ML350 at the same age. It is one of the ML350 years we suggest avoiding. 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350?
The air bags — 59 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (19) and electrical system (16).
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 19% 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.