Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 | 8% | 4,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% | 20,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 11% | 18,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 4% | 145,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 2008 | 24 | 36% | 62,000 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 10% | 85,000 miles |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 26% | 79,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 17% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 11 | 44% | 64,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Steering wheel tilt adjustment failed. Without adjustment it is impossible to steer the automobile safely due to hand placement for control. This is apparent especially when there are multiple drivers. There is not a manual over ride since the system is controled electrically
I was driving on the freeway and all of sudden my car started steering horizontally on the right. Car was auto controlled and out of my control. The steering wheel failed to respond and steer. I got into a major life threatening car crash.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while his wife driving 75 MPH, the steering malfunction warning light was illuminated and the steering wheel was difficult to turn at slower speeds. The driver was able to park on the side road for 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle to drive to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and was informed to replace the battery. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the battery replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced the failure for a second time. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
After driving the car, the right/left turn signal switch fails to work (no signal is given both in the panel of the car and the external turn signal lights do not flash). However, the emergency flashers still work. I have searched the issue and found many occurrences on the Internet. Such a common issue should be a manufacturing quality issue and deserves a recall.
I was driving my Mercedes in atlanta, georgia and had only minutes gotten off of an extremely busy 400. Within a few minutes of exiting my power steering completely went out. I was 80 miles from home and had a car full of young women. I shutter to think what could've happened barely 10 minutes sooner. The car was towed to rbm of atlanta where I was given an almost $6000 estimate. The car only had 27,000 miles on it. I bought it with approximately 18,000 miles on it . As I began researching and price shopping I was informed by several mechanics that this particular power steering equipment had been faulty for years. Unfortunately I didn't buy it as a precertified vehicle so there was no warranty. I was really astonished that a car with such low mileage would have such major problems. …
I brought my Mercedes to an independant Mercedes specialist for a lubrication service. They noticed a bolt broken from the steering gear. They gave me the information contained in Mercedes campaign no. 2019080019 and told me I should contact my local Mercedes new car dealer for warranty repairs. Why isn"t this a recall?
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the contact's wife was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the message "Do Not Drive Vehicle" was suddenly displayed. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and the brake fluid reservoir was topped off. The mechanic was unable to find any leaks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The message turned off and was displayed again 4 hours later. The contact was called by his wife, and the vehicle was driven to the residence after the brake fluid reservoir was refilled. The contact stated that a half mile later, the message was displayed again. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Turn signals will not operate, dealership quoted me $1400 3 years ago, had the work performed and now the issue is happening again and I am being quoted the same amount of money. This is a safety concern if I cannot signal to others where I am turning!!!!! This could cause an accident!!!!! This is highly unsafe!!! What if my kids were in the car?! Talking to customers in waiting lounge at dealership other people have had same issue!! The one time they stopped working I had a person hit me going 30 mph, could have been much much worse.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz ML350 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (24), 2006 (16), 2003 (11), 2007 (8) and 2012 (7) model years. Steering complaints make up 36% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz ML350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (4 mentions), followed by the rack and pinion (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.