Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 11 | 21% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 17 | 25% | 18,000 miles |
| 2013 | 12 | 21% | 92,000 miles |
| 2012 | 23 | 35% | 43,000 miles |
| 2011 | 7 | 6% | 88,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 5% | 54,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% | 87,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 14% | 54,000 miles |
| 2006 | 53 | 31% | 75,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 26% | 61,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 14% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 24% | 49,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed there was a possible mechanical break down due to engine sludge, ignition varnish rust, corrosion, dust, cracked rubber, dry rot, road chemicals, alterations or improper oil, coolant, fuel, or lubricants. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,273. The contact stated that they did not submit this complaint and the vehicle actually belongs to another individual.
My viechle is loss of propulsion without warning on the freeway last week on a raining day. After brought the car to West Covina Dealer inspected the car is leaking water that has entered the spare wheel well, the accumulated water could intermittently contact the fuel pump control unit caused loss propulsion. And there are some circuit boards and wires damaged due to a water leak and not drive able. The West Covina MB dealer is refuse to fix until MBusa responsible for the cost. Please help what other option we have about this issue?
I purchased my car used at the Mercedes dealership in Tyler Texas June 2023. I took all my savings and paid cash and was told that the car was impeccable shape and there were no current issues and all the service records were up to date. November 2023 is when everything started happening and my engine light came on. It was revealed to me by a service tech that I was sold the vehicle with an existing major oil leak /seals broke. Etc. SEE Attached invoices. I have endured driving down the road and my car just giving out and losing power steering. The car has been sputtering and there have been misfires, fauled fuel injectors, coils, s and spark plugs, oil leaks, fuel pump leaking gasoline in the engine and smoke coming from the hood. I thought my car was going to start on fire it smelled like a hot electrical wires and gasoline. …
55,000 Miles now Engine shuts off while driving and steering wheel locks engine light comes on, we have had this problem starting at about 30,000 miles. They first said it was sensors which we replaced several times thousands of dollars later still have problem. It is currently at dealer for a month now and they told us we need a whole engine harness replaced for $11,000 but can't be sure this is the problem. Has anyone else had these problems please contact me [redacted]. [redacted] IL
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle lane. The driver was able to push the vehicle safely to the roadside. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The following day, it took two minutes to start the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable, but the vehicle eventually stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando (4301 Millenia Blvd, Orlando, FL 32839), where it was diagnosed with a faulty fuel sensor and control valve. The parts were replaced. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced four times, but the failure persisted. …
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while adding washer fluid to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the upper timing chain covers down onto the alternator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the upper timing chain covers needed to be removed and resealed. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the oil needed to be cleaned off the engine and the alternator. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, the contact became aware that the upper timing chain cover coating material did not allow the cover to seal properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. …
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle to see if the light would disappear however, the vehicle would not restart. The contact called the local dealer who arrived at the scene and connected the vehicle to a diagnostic machine to clear the sensor code for the vehicle to restart however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the crankshaft position sensor. The vehicle was not repaired due the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the abnormal shaking occurred at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz ML350 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (53), 2012 (23), 2014 (17), 2007 (12) and 2013 (12) model years. Engine complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz ML350 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mercedes-Benz ML350 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz ML350 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (9 mentions), followed by the engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (2).
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.