Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle crashed into a wall and the rear window broke. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated up to 19 MPH in reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle then switched gears into drive independently, lunged forward, and crashed into the garage. The contact stated that there was extensive damage to the front and rear of the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact was not offered an explanation for the independent acceleration. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,300. Updated 01/31/17 the consumer stated there was damaged to the right side of the vehicle as well. Updated 03/06/17.
While entering the highway, the vehicle shifted at extremely high revs, then became 'stuck' in fourth gear. The manual shifting paddles would not shift the transmission up or down. Placing the vehicle in neutral, and then back into drive had no impact. Vehicle remained in fourth gear. Because I was on a highway, in high speed traffic, it was a dangerous situation. Eventually, I was able to pull of the highway, turned off the car and once it was restarted, the car shifted normally. The high-rev shifting event had occurred one time before (approximately 3 months ago), but because of the short nature of the trip, I never required speeds above 35 MPH.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the transmission shifted from second to third gear and was slipping. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was water intrusion into the transmission and determined that the transmission coolant line, radiator, transmission, and transmission cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
In May 2017, while driving, check engine light came on. Acceleration was extremely reduced in a very dangerous way. Took vehicle to dealer. Dealer diagnosed problem as an oil leak that has been leaking on the wiring harness, which caused wiring/electrical system for entire vehicle to completely fail. Estimated repair is $13,500. The vehicle has 34K miles, and the original factory warranty expired in late February 2017. Had routine oil change at dealer in February, no oil leak detected. Dealer service tech was very familiar with this issue and has seen ten or so of them. Unprotected wiring harness seems to be a manufacturing defect. Several months prior to warranty expiration, reported small electrical problems to mb dealer, but dealer was unable to replicate/determine cause. All scheduled maintenance completed at mb dealer per mb schedule. …
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.
Hello, ref: ML350 camshaft solenoid leak! I am seeking out for your help wrt to a situation with 2012 ML350. Enclosed herewith is an inspection report from a recent service visit requiring close of $8K in repairs for your reference. Engine harness (oil lled harness and various components have oil in them, all components with oil should be replaced, quick insp found a few components but there May be more that need to be replaced) after reviewing the inspection report, I did some research and came across campaign no. 2012070002, September 2012 (copy enclosed for your reference), wherein Mercedes had identified it as a part of recall and service campaign and agrees to cover the cost and labor damages to any downstream components due to the camshaft solenoid leak. …
With the gear selector in park and the passenger side front seat occupied, the vehicle rolled backwards from a 4.4 percent grade and overturned as it proceeded downhill. Inspection of the transmission parking gear revealed that the parking pawl had been activated but did not engage a parking gear slot. This incident was attributed to excessive angle on the parking gear slot sides, an underpowered pressure spring in the park interlock mechanism, or a combination of both of these conditions. These conditions permitted the parking pawl to be rejected from the parking gear slots at speeds well below the park pawl engagement (target) speed of 6 kph (3.7 MPH), as defined by sae specification j2208. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 GL350 4Matic Blutec, GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic, ML250 Blutec, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic and 2015-2016 GL63 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 29, 2014 through March 27, 2015.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the axle carrier bolts, free of charge. The recall is began February 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz ML350 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (43), 2007 (17), 2011 (7), 2015 (7) and 2012 (6) model years. Transmission complaints make up 25% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz ML350 transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-900 (axle shaft, Dec 14, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz ML350 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (17 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (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.