Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints by model year
Best ML550 years: 2012, 2009, 2014. Compare all years →
2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 recalls (2)
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.
What 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 owners say
Electrical system
The back computer seat on the top of the was supposed to be draining out of the car instead the water retrain in the cause damage to my the computer I complained about it but never got a solution until the water damage the and saw for the first time where was the water on back of my car this was careless why put computer on the top of water that caused the damage and problem for my car?
My NHTSA #11431874 I have made a complaint about my back computer was damage by water where the is installed on the right side of my car now I found out that the reason my chairs are not moving is because the electrical is also damage this is so unfair the problem is not my car but the ways and place they installed the computer??
Steering
NHTSA 08V682000 defect in power steering oil pressure driving pin. The NHTSA should reevaluate accepting Mercedes Benz underestimating of the amount of vehicles that were effected by this recall. There are still vehicles that are loosing power steering pressure due to the driving pin that is used to control power steering oil pressure being defective and this is a major safety issue that could result in deaths and accidents. The pin breaks during normal vehicle turning so the steering assist will no longer operate effectively it also causes other damage to the vehicle as a result of the hard steering defect as a result of the pin breaking. When driving cold the vehicle has power steering available, when warm vehicle looses power steering, fluid is circulating in power steering pump and pressure checks fine. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and force was applied. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was diagnosed however, not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V682000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 ML550 rates average: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the ML550 at the same age. 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (4) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550, 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 ML550?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2009 and 2014. See the full Mercedes-Benz ML550 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 29% 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.