2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
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Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
ENGINE
9 complaints
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.
Dec 02, 2024
When I start the engine, it makes a sound loud and strange
Feb 12, 2024
CUANDO ENCIENDO MI GUAGUA HACE UN RUIDO MUY FUERTE Y SE SIENTE COMO SI SE VA A APAGAR. EL MOTOR SE PUEDE ROMPER EN CUALQUIER MOMENTO. SI SE HA LLEVADO A DIFERENTES TALLERES PARA CONFIRMAR EL RUIDO Y ME REFIEREN QUE SON MAS DE 80 GUAGUAS QUE HAN VISITADO SU TALLER CON EL MISMO PROBLEMA. NO PRESENTA NINGUNA ADVERTENCIA CUANDO APARECIO POR PRIMERA VEZ. EN EL TALLER ME DICEN QUE SE DEBE CAMBIAR EL MOTOR POR QUE SON LOS MOTOR STROKER Y ESO PUEDE CAUSAR UN FEO ACCIDENTE. WHEN I TURN ON MY BUS IT MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE AND IT FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO TURN OFF. THE ENGINE CAN BREAK AT ANY TIME. IF IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DIFFERENT WORKSHOPS TO CONFIRM THE NOISE AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE ARE MORE THAN 80 BUSES THAT HAVE VISITED THEIR WORKSHOP WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT PRESENT ANY WARNING WHEN IT FIRST APPEARED. IN THE WORKSHOP THEY TELL ME THAT THE ENGINE MUST BE CHANGED BECAUSE THEY ARE THE STROKER ENGINES AND THAT CAN CAUSE AN UGLY ACCIDENT.
Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft. The contact researched online and found a Technical Service Bulletin regarding the camshaft failure. The dealer advised the contact that the warranty had expired for the camshaft repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Aug 25, 2022
2012 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO OIL LEAK. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER WAS OFFERED A 15% DISCOUNT ON THE REPAIR. *JS
May 22, 2018
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaints
Vehicle stalled without warning, and I was advised by a mechanic that the fuel pump control unit was reporting a fault through the onboard diagnostics port and the check engine light on the dashboard. It was necessary to replace the fuel pump control unit as the defect was intermittent and subject to occur at any time the vehicle was being driven. There is no available solution save the replacement. I had the fuel pump control unit replaced at my cost and after replacing it found information concerning the NHTSA recall campaign online. The defective fuel pump control unit was discarded upon replacement and is not available for inspection. I believe the failure of this fuel pump control unit is a direct result of the recall not being complied with. I believe the manufacturer; Mercedes Benz USA is responsible for my costs expended in repairing this defect under the recall campaign because they did not notify me of the recall. I purchased this vehicle from an authorized Mercedes Benz USA dealer, my personal contact information is a matter of record of the sale, and I believe Mercedes Benz USA had a duty to contact me concerning the NHTSA recall campaign #2023010002 concerning this vehicle.
Jan 06, 2025
While driving, vehicle stalled. Mechanic found water in spare wheel Well. And fuel module and fuel pump shorted out. Had vehicle repaired; 07/22. The vehicle stalled again in 12/22. Mechanic found water in spare wheel well. Had to replace fuel pump. In February,2023, Mercedes Benz notified me of a recall, NHTSA Recall I D: 22V955 ; water intrusion in the spare wheel well. And, stated their local dealer would repair vehicle or reimburse me for the cost of repair, if I had the repair done already. I submitted receipts and documents pertaining to the repair. The Mercedes Benz Dealership refused to acknowledge the causal relationship between the repairs and the recall issue. And, refused me reimbursement.
Nov 17, 2023
TOOK OUR 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 BLUETEC TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO AN OVERPOWERING FUEL SMELL AND BURNED PLASTIC IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAD TO STOP SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE WE FELT SICK AS IF WE WERE GOING TO PASS OUT AND/OR THROW UP. BUT, THEN IT STARTED TO AFFECT OUR CHILDREN AND WE DEMANDED THAT THE DEALERSHIP FIND THE ROOT CAUSE. THEY FINALLY DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FUEL INJECTORS THAT COMPLETELY CHARRED COMPONENTS IN THE FUEL INJECTION CAVITY. IT COULD HAVE CREATED A FIRE OR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED THAT THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA WHICH IS WHY I AM ALSO REPORTING THIS NOW ALSO. MY VEHICLE IS ONLY SERVICED BY THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING ME $1900 FOR THE REPAIR OF THE CHARRED COMPONENTS. NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11090864 REPORTED EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY UNTIL THEY FOUND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE SMELL. NOW THAT THERE ARE AT TWO REPORTED CASES OF THIS BOTH IN 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 VEHICLES IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
Mar 08, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINED FOR APPROXIMATELY 21 DAYS FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE, THE FUEL PUMP AND THREE PIN CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE NOISE INSULATION PANEL UNDERNEATH ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY, THE SCREW CONNECTIONS AND THE SUCTION JET PUMP, THE FUEL GAUZE TRANSMITTER, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,383.
Jun 03, 2015
MY ML350 IS OVER OVER 71000, NO WARRANTY. I NOTICED THAT IT HAS BEEN STALLED SEVERAL TIMES TILL INCIDENT. LAST TUESDAY, SUDDENLY CAR ENGINE STOPPED IN THE USPS PARKING LOTS, MIDDLE OF DRIVEWAY, NO MOVING. IT WAS AROUND 6PM, I CALLED ROAD SERVICE AND FIRST GUY CAME WHO DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MB, AND 2ND GUY SAID IT MIGHT BE OUT OF GAS. I FILLED UP FULL ONE DAY BEFORE, SO TANK WAS NOT EMPTY. 2ND GUY DIDN'T KNOW EXACT REASON, AND NEEDED TO TOW. MY CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALER LATE NIGHT. NEXT DAY, I CALLED DEALER BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IS A PROBLEM OR NOT CHECKING YET. 2 DAYS LATER. I STOPPED BY DEALER(BECAUSE THEY NEVER CALLED ME BACK), AND SALES PERSON SAID NEEDED TO ORDER A PART AND COST $700, SO SHOULD BE READY ON FRIDAY. (CAR TOWED ON TUESDAY). SALES PERSON NEVER CALLED ME BACK ON FRIDAY AGAIN, SO I STOPPED BY DEALER.SALES PERSON SAID, MY CAR NEEDED TO CHANGE FUEL PUMP AND COST WILL BE $1530. OFF COURSE, I COMPLAINED!! MY CAR IS READY TODAY, 8DAYS AFTER TOWED. I RENT A CAR FOR A WEEK AND PAID $300 BY MYSELF. DEALER GAVE ME A LITTLE DISCOUNT BUT PAID $1200. TOTAL MY COST IS $1500. THEY CHANGED CONTROL UNIT, FUEL DELIVERY MODULE, AND FUEL FILTER UNIT. ALSO ONE IS RECALL #2013110002 FUEL SYS ECU HAS BEEN REPLACED.(SOFTWARE) I THINK THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS LUCKY WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT. *TR
Mar 11, 2015
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
AFTER BEING INTO AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP ONLY FOR AN STRONG DIESEL FUEL SMELL AND OIL LEAK 3 TIMES IN LESS THAN 4 MONTHS ON OUR ML350 BLUETEC ENGINE FUEL SMELL IS STRONG ENOUGH THAT WE HAVE A SEVER HEADACHE ,NAUSEOUS FEELING AND HAVE TO STOP THE CAR AND GET OUT FOR FRESH AIR, OPENING WINDOWS ONLY GETS MORE OF THE SMELL IN OF FUEL AND BURNING PLASTIC. THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ,BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND ON HIGHWAYS, MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN DRIVING.
Apr 29, 2018
DRIVING ALONG AT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, 80 DEGREES, SUNNY AND CLEAR WEATHER THE FUEL LINE CAME LOOSE AND ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. DIESEL FUEL SPILLED ON VEHICLE AND ROADWAY. VEHICLE HAD 86,432 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE IS A 3 LITER MERCEDES DIESEL BLUETEC. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN GAS INSTEAD OF DIESEL I'M SURE IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. WAS TOLD THAT TWO FUEL LINE CLAMPS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACED. THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AND REPAIRED AT MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIPS. TRUE TO FORM, MERCEDES WAS NO HELP TO REIMBURSE THE COST OF REPAIRS. TOTAL REPAIR COSTS WITHOUT TOW WAS $321.88. TOW WAS PAID BY THEIR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
May 22, 2017
OUR 2012 MB HAS 42500 MILES ON THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IT IS RELATED TO THE BLUE ADDITIVE EMISSION APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON OCCURRENCE FROM WHAT I READ ON LINE, MB WILL NOT COVER THIS AND THEY CHARGE $3000.00 TO FIX, AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE MERCEDES ARE AWARE OF THIS BUT DO CARE ABOUT IT AND WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT,1 MECHANIC IMPLIED THEY RAISED THE PART PRICE TO REPAIR THIS KNOWING THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE, PROFITING FROM THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
Jun 24, 2016
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY ML350 ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY 7 YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACK. SHE SAID THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE IN AN UNUSUAL WAY SO SHE DECIDED TO GET OFF AT THE NEAREST EXIT AND WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES ON THE OFF RAMP THE CAR'S ENGINE STOPPED. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DASH READ INOPERABLE YET ALL THE ELECTRICAL WAS STILL ON. SHE TRIED TO TURN THE KEY AND RESTART IT BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START. BEFORE THIS INCIDENT WE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS. THIS IS A 2012 MODEL WITH JUST OVER 21,000 MILES AND WAS JUST SERVICED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT . IT HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE CAR WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE- REAR ENDED WITH BOTH MY WIFE AND SON STILL IN IT. *TR
Mar 02, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
My indicators stopped working a month prior to accident, then they started working again. On March 10th the issue happened again where I turned my signal on and no light appeared and no light on the dash with the indicator sound either. Boom, I had sideswipe someone on a major road causing an accident. NHTSA needs to do something about this because corporate won’t do anything!
Jul 22, 2024
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM. IT'S HARD TO SEE THE CURB IN THE NIGHT WHEN DRIVING FROM A ROAD WITH NO CURB AND ENTERING A ROAD WITH CURB. *JS
Dec 01, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HEAD LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE BEYOND TWENTY FIVE FEET, MAKING NIGHT TIME DRIVING VERY DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO UTILIZE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Jan 24, 2014
STRUCTURE
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost forward propulsion. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle for a short distance and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed of water entering the spare tire wheel well in the trunk of the vehicle. The contact was advised that the spare tire wheel well, was filled with water. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. Per the dealer's records, the work associated with NHTSA campaign #22V955000 and MBUSA recall #2023010002 had been completed in March 2023. However, that recall failed to address the source of the issue where water was improperly entering the spare tire wheel well. The dealer did not maintain any records as to the status of the fuel pump or signs of water entry when the recall was completed. The manufacturer refused to cover this repair under the associated recall. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Jan 24, 2024
I have own this vehicle on July 2023. I have recently noticed the exterior paint is peeling off quickly all over the body.
Dec 25, 2023
WE BOUGHT THIS NEW VEHICLE AND HAS BEEN USED VERY CAREFULLY AS WELL. NO ACCIDENTS ON THIS VEHICLE AT ALL. WE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER CHROME WAS PEELING OFF. IT IS COMING OFF IN FLAKES AS THOUGH THE CHROME DID NOT ADHERE TO THE MATERIAL AT ALL. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND REQUESTED FOR A REPLACEMENT AS IT IS STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT OURS WAS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT AND THIS HAS BEEN ISSUE FOR MANY OTHERS AS WELL. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED REPLACEMENT STATING THAT THIS HAPPENED DUE TO DAMAGE. I LOOK AT THE BUMPER AND CANNOT EVEN SEE A SMALL DENT. THE FRONT BUMPERS ARE NEEDED TO WITHSTAND CRASH OF LOWER MAGNITUDE AND RETAIN THE BUMPER QUALITY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. MERCEDES NEEDS TO HONOR THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AND TAKE OF THIS DEFECT BY RECALLING ALL OF THE VEHICLES. *TR
Jan 05, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaints
The following has been happening over the last 2 - 3 yrs. Also confirmed with other customers on MB world blog site. After traveling in the car for 5-15 minutes, and sooner if connected to cell phone via bluetooth, the indicators stop working. This leads to deactivation of the blind spot assist as well. The problem is temporarily resolved after switching the vehicle off and then on again, only to recur after driving it again for 10-15minutes, and earlier if attached to iPhone via Bluetooth. The blind spot assist is then permanently inactivated. 2 Mercedes dealerships in 2 separate states where I took the vehicle could not even identify a problem, let alone resolve it. When I called MBUSA, they claimed ignorance to the issue and told me to repair or change the vehicle myself. Since this is an issue with multiple vehicles, a recall needs to be issued for this model. It’s unknown how many collisions can be attributed to this since the problem has not been acknowledged by Mercedes’. The problem has occurred almost everyday over the last 3 years. I have narrowly missed being involved in collisions because of the inactivation of blind spot assist and changing lanes. I have almost been rear ended a bunch of times because of the indicators getting inactivated. All this has happened with my family traveling me with. Please lets not wait for loss of life before a recall is initiated. thank you.
Aug 08, 2022
THE TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A FEW MINUTES. TO GET THEM TO WORK AGAIN REQUIRES STOPPING THE CAR, SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING IT WHICH IN TURN RESETS THE COMPUTER. THIS EFFORT DOES NOT PERMANENTLY FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY USUALLY QUIT WORKING AGAIN WITHIN TWO TO TEN MILES. THIS IS THE FIFTH COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA WITH THIS ISSUE AND THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND FIXED FREE OF CHARGE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR THE PAST TWO TO THREE YEARS WITH THIS CAR. TODAY WE WERE ALMOST REAR ENDED WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN OFF OF A TWO LANE ROAD WITHOUT A DESIGNATED TURN LANE.
Mar 13, 2021
ON OCCASION THE BLIND SPOT ASSIST BECOMES INOPERATIVE. FREQUENTLY WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT ALSO DEACTIVATES THE TURN SIGNALS CREATING, IN MY OPINION, A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. EACH TIME IT'S HAPPENED IN MOTION ON AN EXPRESSWAY. I'VE CONTACTED THE LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALER WHO TELLS ME THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM IS TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON TO REACTIVATE THE SYSTEM. NOT ONLY IS THIS INCONVENIENT, IT DOESN'T ALWAYS CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I CAN LIVE WITHOUT THE BLIND SPOT ASSIST; HOWEVER, NOT WITH INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS. THIS IS A 6-YEAR OLD CAR SO I AM NOT WILLING TO INVEST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A PROBLEM THAT I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD RECTIFY AT NO CHARGE. I AM A 72 YEAR OLD AND HAVE OWNED MANY CARS AND NEVER HAD ONE WHERE THE TURN SIGNALS BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Jan 24, 2018
POWER TRAIN
3 complaints
FACTORY DEFAULT IN THE TRANSFER CASE
Dec 19, 2019
THIS CAR'S TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 70,000 MILES (2015), WHICH IS WAY TOO EARLY. DRIVING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO ACT UP WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY AS IT LOST POWER COULD HAVE CAUSED COLLISION. I REPLACED TRANSMISSION FOR $14,000 AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT FOR A SECOND TIME (2019). CAUSING THE SAME SAFETY CONCERNS AS IT LOST POWER. THIS TIME I WAS NOT STUPID ENOUGH TO FIX IT AND WILL NOT BE BUYING A MERCEDES EVER AGAIN.
Apr 16, 2019
OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE WHICH WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY PART THAT MERCEDES HAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED WITH A NEW RE-ENGINEERED PART. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS SYSTEMIC WITH ALL BLUE-TEC M AND G CLASS VEHICLES WHICH MERCEDES WILL NOT COVER THE CHARGE FOR. THE REPAIR REQUIRES THAT THE ENGINE BE REMOVED FROM THE CAR BECAUSE THAT IT IS THE ONLY WAY THE PART ($30) CAN BE REPLACED. THE RESULTING REPAIR COST OVER $1900 IN LABOR. WE NOTICED THE LEAK BECAUSE THERE WAS OIL DRIPS IN OUR GARAGE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP NOTED THAT WE HAD LOST ABOUT A THIRD OF OUR OIL AND THAT THE OIL WAS COVERING THE ENGINE AND IT WAS ALSO NOTED THAT THE OIL COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IF THE PART WAS NOT IMMEDIATELY REPLACED.
Dec 22, 2015
STEERING
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL AND ELECTRICAL MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT A CASE MANAGER WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Aug 31, 2016
WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH THE STEERING SUDDENLY FELT VERY STIFF AND HARD TO MOVE. HAD TO APPLY BRAKES WHEN IT SEEMED I COULDN'T NEGOTIATE A CURVE IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL SHORTLY AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE STEERING PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN IN A LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AT SLOW SPEED. RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER. THEY PERFORMED A SOFTWARE UPDATE AND STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. WITHIN 3 DAYS THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED AT SLOW SPEED WHILE STEERING THROUGH BARRIERS ENTERING A LOCAL AIR FORCE BASE. THE NEXT DAY (4 DAYS AFTER DEALER SERVICE) THE WIFE HAD THE STEERING LOCK UP AT SLOW SPEED IN A LOCAL GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. SHE COULD NOT MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL. SHE SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, RESTARTED THE ENGINE, AND THE STEERING RETURNED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING. SHE IS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. RETURNED THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR SERVICE. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THE ML350 THREE WEEKS. COULD NOT BELIEVE THE PROBLEM HADN'T BEEN DISCOVERED BEFORE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OR THE SALES MANAGER THAT WAS USING IT AS A DEALER VEHICLE. *TR
Sep 09, 2013
I AM GOING TO UHAUL TO RENT TRAILER. UHAUL IS AROUND 8 MILES FROM MY HOUSE.AFTER 7 MILES OF DRIVING ON THE ROAD SUDDENLY SHOWING ERROR MESSAGE " POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION REFER TO OPERATOR'S MANUAL" AT THAT TIME STEERING WAS SUPER SUPER SUPER HARD TO TURN. IMMEDIATELY I TURNED ON THE HAZARDOUS LIGHTS. APPLIED FULL AMOUNT OF POWER WITH MY 2 HANDS TURNED STEERING WHEEL TO RIGHT TO EXIT THE ROAD. SLOWLY IT MOVED AND CHANGED LANES AND TOOK VEHICLE TO OFF THE ROAD IT TOOK AROUND 5 MINUTES TO OFF THE ROAD. I REFERRED, MANUAL NOTHING MENTIONED IN MANUAL. TRY CHANGE MODE FROM POWER MANUAL, BUT NO LUCK. CALLED EMERGENCY ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE. THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO SOLVE AND EVEN PROBLEM, BUT THEY AGREED THAT ITS TOO HARD TO STEER WHEEL WHEN U GET THIS MESSAGE. MY ML350 TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER AND ALSO TOWING GUY ALSO SURPRISED AND HE FELT IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS. AFTER 2 HOURS MERCEDES SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT FOUND ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE, BUT THEY HAVE TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE. AND ALSO THEY ARE OBSERVING MY VEHICLE FOR 2 DAYS. IF IT HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY WITH THE SPEED OF 70-80MPH HOW SHOULD I CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND I WILL BE IN THE ACCIDENT AND IT WILL LEAD TO ANYTHING, MY WIFE IS TOO AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I SPEND 60K ON IT. I AM ALSO TOO SCARE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *TR
Jul 07, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
My name is [XXX] My vehicle cut off on me 3 times twice while stationary and once at an intersection. Found oil in engine control module due to failed cam position sensors. Oil has traveled through the engine harness to ECM causing oil to get into module and cause it to shut down but it did start back up. This is very dangerous and could cause serious injury to someone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 23, 2025
Oil leaked thru wiring harness in to ECU and 02 sensors massive damage on car harness
Feb 17, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
My wife was driving home from shopping and noticed an accumulation of dust on the rear window. She used the rear wiper to clean it but it came right back, she repeated twice and gave up. Approx 3-4 miles later she heard a POP and red lights came on the dash, when she pulled over ASAP in a safe spot smoke started coming from under the hood. She shut the engine off and tried to exit the car to find the hood release under the dash but there was fire coming out from under the car. She closed the door, grabbed her purse and cell phone and got out quickly as possible, burning her ankle and singing her long skirt. She got approx 50 feet away, looked back and the entire car was ablaze, centered mid vehicle, as well as 4-5 spot fires along the road she had just traveled. Previous to the POP the car was driving, steering, and braking normally, no warning lights of any kind. Visiting the site the next day revealed sound deadening/insulation material in and along side the roadway for 2-300 yards as well as dripping molten aluminum, corresponding to the area traveled after she first heard the POP. The vehicle had extensive repairs of cascading failing emissions system components only 7-9 months earlier, culminating with 42 days at Mercedes San Rafael where one component after another failed and was replaced. Myself and all knowledgeable persons i talk to assume it was an overheated catalytic converter that caused the problem. So far Mercedes has not been aggressive i trying to determine the cause. I've hired a forensic company and a joint inspection is pending. Cal Fire was able to contain the vegetation fire started by the vehicle at 85 acres, known as the Veteran's Fire-Igo as it occurred near the Veteran's Cemetery, using multiple fire engines, bulldozers, helicopters and a boride bomber. We are thankful she was alone in the car at the time without grandchildren buckled into car seats in the back or the results surely would have been much more tragic.
Nov 15, 2024
DRIVER DROVE 2012 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 TO CONDOMINIUM AND PARKED VEHICLE IN PARKING SPACE, PLACED VEHICLE IN "PARK" AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE USING THE "KEYLESS GO" BUTTON. DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR, EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LOCKED IT. THE AREA WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WAS FLAT WITH ONLY ENOUGH GRADE TO CAUSE WATER TO RUN OFF OF THE PAVERS. A SHORT TIME LATER, I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND SAW THAT THE 2012 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 HAD ROLLED AWAY BACKWARDS APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET INTO BUSHES AND SHRUBS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CIRCULAR DRIVE OF THE CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE ONLY DAMAGE WAS A SCRATCHED BUMPER. UPON SEEING THE RESULTS OF THE ROLLAWAY, I GRABBED MY CAR KEY, CALLED TO THE DRIVER TO LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND WENT TO THE VEHICLE. I UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE DOOR OF THE ML350. I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD AND IT SHOWED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WAS IN THE "PARK" POSITION. I NOTE THAT THE MERCEDES BENZ M-CLASS "OPERATOR'S MANUAL STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AUTOMATICALLY IN THE "PARK" POSITION IF YOU OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. WHETHER THIS WOULD CAUSE A ROLLED AWAY VEHICLE TO "AUTOMATICALLY" SHIFT INTO "PARK" IS A QUESTION FOR MERCEDES BENZ TO ANSWER. THE LOCAL MB DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, MBUSA SENT AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND SEPARATELY AND TOGETHER THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO "FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE" AND THEY PERFORMED NO REPAIRS. FMVSS 114 AT 49 CFR 571.114 REQUIRES THAT VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE MOVE NO MORE THAN 150 MM WHEN PLACE IN "PARK" ON A 10 PERCENT GRADE WITHOUT BENEFIT OF THE VEHICLE'S "PARKING BRAKE" (AKA "EMERGENCY BRAKE"). OUR ML 350 IS EITHER NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 114 DUE TO IT'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION WHILE IN "PARK" OR IT'S INABILITY TO REMAIN IN "PARK" ON A GRADE CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN THE REQUIRED 10 PERCENT GRADE. IS THIS A DESIGN DEFECT?? *TR
Feb 26, 2013
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
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.
Jul 22, 2024
The steering column does not operate properly. The column no longer adjusts positions and more importantly, the turn signals work ad-hoc. When you start the vehicle, the turn signals tend to operate properly; however, after driving for approximately 15 minutes, the turn signals operate sporadically. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN as it's impossible to know when the turn signal will operate correctly or not, thus creating a hazard to me and others on the road. It is my understanding from investigating this online that this is a systemic issue with this model and not unique to my vehicle (just google "2012 Mercedes ml350 turn signal problems"). I discussed this with Mercedes Benz USA and they told me that the only way to resolve this issue is to replace the steering column (part #: 166-460-62-00) at the cost of $3,373.81. I hope that the NHTSA investigates this further as Mercedes-Benz has decided to ignore this safety issue that may cause harm or death. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Mar 09, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
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.
Aug 02, 2021
I HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER AN YEAR AND STARTED TO HAVE RANDOM STALLING PROBLEM WHEN STOPS AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND CALLED THE MB DEALER. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM DUE TO NO ERROR CODE WAS GENERATED. SO THEY DON'T FIX IT. I GOOGLE ON THE WEBSITE AND SAW A LOT OF POSTING REGARDS OF THIS ISSUE ON THE MBWORLD.ORG I STRONGLY FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SUDDEN STALLING CAN CAUSE A CAR ACCIDENTS. *TR
Mar 13, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE TURN SIGNALS RANDOMLY STOP WORKING. VEHICLE MUST BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO GET SIGNALS TO WORK AGAIN WHICH ONLY LASTS FOR AN UNKNOWN NUMBER OF TIMES. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED WITH GRANDCHILD IN CAR WHEN TURN SIGNAL THAT WORKED MOMENTS EARLIER FAILED AND CAR BEHIND ME CONSEQUENTLY ALMOST HIT ME. MERCEDES USA WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNWILLING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN MODULE THAT NEEDE TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE WAS ALMOST $1300. THE CAR HAS ONLY 39,000 MILES ON IT AND BASED ON RESEARCH OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES BASICALLY INDICATED THAT I WAS NOT A LOYAL ENOUGH CUSTOMER TO WARRANT COMPENSATION. I AM FORCED TO VIOLATE TRAFFIC LAWS AT TIMES BECAUSE I TRY TO NOT USE SIGNALS WHEN ABSOLUTELY NEEDED AS I DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WON'T WORK. IN ADDITION I CANNOT LET ANYONE ELSE USE THE VEHICLE FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, SAFETY, LIABILITY, ETC. MERCEDES SHOULD HAVE DONE A RECALL AND I THINK THEY SHOULD BE LIABLE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ANYONE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.
Dec 03, 2019
ON RANDOM OCCASIONS, WHILE IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED, THE MESSAGE "BLIND SPOT ASSIST IS INOPERATIVE" AND INDICATOR LIGHTS STOP WORKING. THE ONLY WAY TO CLEAR IT IS TO STOP THE VEHICLE, TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND START THE VEHICLE BACK UP.
Feb 22, 2019
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
SEAT BELTS WILL NOT EXTEND. WHEN TRYING TO BUCKLE SEAT BELT, THE BELT RETRACTOR LOCKS AS YOU TRY TO EXTEND, PREVENTING YOU FROM BUCKLING YOUR SEAT-BELT. AFFECTS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT-BELTS. INTERMITTENTLY HAPPENS AND SEEMS TO BE TEMPERATURE RELATED. MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN WHEN IT IS WARM.
Sep 29, 2018
SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT PULL OUT TO LATCH, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES OVER THE COARSE OF 2.5 YEARS AND THEY SAY "THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE", MY WIFE HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH NO SEAT BELT. *JS
Jun 13, 2014
AIR BAGS
2 complaints
MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE TAKATA RECALL, ALTHOUGH SIMILAR MODELS I.E ML350 4MATIC 2012 IS. MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A HIGH IMPACT CRASH IN WHICH IT WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND RESULTED IN SERIOUS NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY ON THE HIGHWAY AS TRAFFIC SLOWED. A FAST ONCOMING VEHICLE (70-80 MPH) FAILED TO SEE MY STATIONARY VEHICLE AND REAR ENDED MY VEHICLE WITHOUT BREAKING CAUSING IT TO CRASH IN THE CAR IN FRONT. THE INCIDENT WAS SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO CAUSE MY ENGINE TO DROP AND THE FRONT CRUMBLE ZONE WAS FULLY UTILIZED. A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD "LEFT SRS AIRBAG MALFUNCTION" SEE THE PICTURE ATTACHED. THIS IS POSSIBLY A WIDESPREAD ISSUE AFFECTING MULTIPLE CLASSES OF MERCEDES BENZ CARS.
Nov 17, 2017
MY VEHICLE CAME WITH ERROR MESSAGE "FRONT LEFT SRS MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED". DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY. LEFT IT FOR SERVICE. EL CABLE, CABLE CONNECTORS AND LOCKING MECHANISM WERE REPLACED. LOOKS LIKE THE ELECTRICAL CABLES WERE DAMAGED/DEFECTIVE IN THE MECHANISM. BEING A CAR WITH NO MORE THAN 4 YEARS AND UNDER 43000 MILES, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE PARTS REPLACED WERE DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. FURTHER THIS PROBLEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH REGULAR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. I DO NOT KNOW THE IMPACT WHICH IT WOULD CAUSE IF NOT SERVICED. PAID $444 FOR THE SERVICE AND I AM REALLY DOUBTFUL ABOUT THE RELIABILITY IN SAVING LIFE USING AIRBAGS ON MERCEDES. ATTACHED BILLS FOR THE SERVICE. APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND FOLLOWUP. THANK YOU
Aug 19, 2016
SEAT BELTS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
The driver's seat belt is locked and the retractor is not working without any reason. The front adaptive cruise control radar is also not working, along with the crucial blind spot sensor. Because of this, the vehicle cruise control (even without adaptive mode) is not working at all. This is a big safety issue and it is illegal to even drive this car without the seat belt working.
Dec 08, 2024
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
Steering column module is intermittently not working as intended, therefore the blinkers will sometimes not work causing it to be a safety concern if I can not signal where I am going. When looking this issue up online I have seen numerous different forums and posts where people have had the same issue. When I took my vehicle to the dealership they had told me that this is very common with the vehicle I have and they do the fix all of the time, just for the issue to happen yet again later down the road.
Jul 16, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and then stalled. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly while driving. The contact's husband coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,372.
Apr 30, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
When reversing the vehicle the brake pedal jumps with your feet on the brake pedal and a nose rattles,when driving and you have a sudden stop motion the vehicle brakes pedal with your feet on it it’s very hard to push the brake Pedal . Reversing the vehicle very strong nose and the vehicle doesn’t stop right away
Nov 11, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
The contact’s husband owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle remained. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
May 25, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Due to water in the spare wheel well, (Recall ID:22V955) our fuel module and fuel pump went out. While driving in traffic on I-5 our car stalled then stopped which put us at risk of a crash.The first time (July 2022) It was repaired by Cooper's Auto Repair), After the 2nd time it failed again in Aug 2022, once again as we were driving, our mechanic at (Boyle's Foreign Car Repair) Aug 2022 & Dec 2022 (replace) decided to do an inspection of the whole car to see why this was happening, upon inspection he found water in the spare wheel well, He pulled out the plug to stop accumulation. 2 months later (Feb 2023 )we received the recall letter. In the letter it states that MBUSA would reimburse repairs performed prior to the recall. MBUSA is now refusing to reimburse for replacement but also refusing to find and fix where the water in entering. We reside in a very wet part of the country and see this as a continuing issue. There also is condensation in the back tail lights, which was not there until this issue started occurring. The car was previously in S Cal so there was no issue with water accumulation until it was moved to the rainy Pacific NW. We are fearful of using this car during very wet times as we do not know if this (failure of pump/module) will occur as well as condensation and water being in the back tail lights possibly resulting in the car stopping during it being driven. Therefore putting our lives in potential danger of an accident.
May 11, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
In the last year, randomly, when starting the vehicle, the yellow check engine light comes on. Turn the vehicle off, it is gone. The side view mirrors have the yellow lights lit up on them when driving down any road, the red warning lights that tell you there's something behind or in front of you start going off for no reason while driving down any road, all the "safety" and lane assist features seem to have a ghost controlling them. The radio will also glitch out from time to time. It will swap through the channels or pull up list of channels when there is Nobody in the vehicle messing with it at all. Yesterday, I received the message that the backup assist was not working and another about lane assist not working. This morning, both messages are gone and things seem to be normal. This is very distracting! I've been on the highway, in the high speed lane and my alert is flashing and loudly sounding. It startled me, caused me to abruptly slow down and start looking all around; I was concerned someone was about to hit me or worse, I was about to hit something I couldn't see; it turns out there was nothing in front of, behind or around me at all. This needs to get resolved, asap. It appears to me to be a computer/electrical issue. It seems that there are many others complaining about very similar issues! Come on Mercedes-Benz, let's put out the recall already! The dealership just says "unless it's doing it while it's here, there's not much I can do". Of course it is never doing it then! Unreal!!!!
Mar 15, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while the vehicle was being inspected, the independent mechanic informed him of a diesel and oil leak. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Mar 01, 2022
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
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. THIS SERVICE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN INITIATED BECAUSE DAIMLER AG (DAG), THE MANUFACTURER OF MERCEDES- BENZ VEHICLES, HAS DETERMINED THAT DUE TO THE SETTLING PROPERTIES OF THE SEAL, OIL MAY LEAK FROM THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT SOLENOID. DEALERS WILL RETROFIT FOUR ADAPTER HARNESSES ONTO THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE AT THE NEXT WORKSHOP VISIT. PLEASE NOTE THAT RECALL AND SERVICE CAMPAIGNS DO NOT EXPIRE AND MAY ALSO BE PERFORMED ON A VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE STATUS INDICATOR. APPROXIMATELY 557,108 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED PLEASE REVIEW AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. MERCEDES IS NOT OWNING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR. APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN THIS REGARD.
May 03, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE CONROL TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER IS A STALK MOUNTED BUTTON ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. PRESSING THIS BUTTON WILL CORRECTLY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER TO COME ON BRIEFLY, SPRAY THE WINDSHIELD WITH WATER AND FOLLOW UP WITH A FEW STROKES OF THE WIPER TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ARRANGEMENT IS THAT THE SIMILARITY OF THE BUTTON ON THE END OF THE STALK ON THE RIGHT SIDE, WHICH PLACES THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK. THUS IF YOU ARE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE, FOR EXAMPLE, YOU COULD EASILY CONFUSE GOING INTO PARK WITH WASHING THE WINDSHIELD. MY EXPERIENCE IF YOU MAKE THIS MISTAKE IS THAT THE CAR WILL NOT GO INTO PARK WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, BUT WILL GO INTO INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL THE CAR FULLY STOPS. THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS MANEUVER, ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. THIS BUTTON AND ITS PLACEMENT SHOULD BE IMPROVED TO CORRECT THIS CONFUSION.
Nov 19, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS CEASE TO WORK RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON MAKES THE SIGNALS WORK AGAIN, BUT THEY CEASE TO WORK AFTER AWHILE. THE DEALER TOLD ME A FALSE CODE CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN. THE DEALER CLEARED THE CODE, BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION DURING DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
Apr 14, 2019
VISIBILITY,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK (4250 SR 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, PHONE: (954) 406-1167) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED, THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, AND THE RADIATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Dec 06, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS STOP WORKING
Nov 20, 2017
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
FROM THE DAY ONE, DURING THE FIRST 25 MINUTES OF DRIVING, MY NEW 2012 MB ML350 VIBRATES AND MAKE GRINDING NOISE JUST IN BETWEEN 40 TO 45 MILES PER HOUR STEADY DRIVING. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING, THE VIBRATION AND THE NOISE ARE NOT NOTICEABLE. MB AND THE DEALER WERE TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT FAILED TO RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. NOW, THEY HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE VIBRATION IS NORMAL AND IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. ANY PROBLEMS MB CAN'T SOLVE IS NORMAL!! WHAT KIND OF CAR IS IT THAT VIBRATES FOR FIRST 25 MINUTES OF DRIVING AT CERTAIN SPEED IS NORMAL!!
Feb 27, 2016
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
1 complaint
I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE 2012 ML350 ENGINE STALLED. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A ACCIDENT. LUCKILY, THE CAR BEHIND ME DID NOT HIT ME. I HAD TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN. *TR
Oct 20, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,882. *TR
Jul 03, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I ACCELERATED TO ENTER INTERSTATE #81 AND THE THROTTLE PEDAL RETRACTED FROM FOOT AND PRESSED TO FLOOR. FELT AS IF CRUISE CONTROL HAD ENGAGED BUT IT HAD NOT BEEN. I TAPPED BREAK PEDAL REPEATEDLY AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. IF IT WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL THIS SHOULD HAVE DISENGAGED IT. THE THROTTLE WAS FULLY FLOORED AND CAR WAS RACING DOWN INTERSTATE #81 WITH FOUR PASSENGERS OUT OF CONTROL. I APPLIED BREAK PEDAL WITH FULL FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO TO THREE MINUTES AND VEHICLE FINALLY BEGAN SLOWING DOWN AND I PULLED CAR TO SHOULDER OF INTERSTATE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REEVE UNTIL I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE TO HAVE A STUCK THROTTLE. THE DEALER FINDS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I CANNOT AND WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL THEY FIND THE PROBLEM OR GIVE ME A DIFFERENT MODEL. THEY HAVE REFERRED ME TO MERCEDES. I AWAIT THEIR DECISION, HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT DOESN'T LOOK FAVORABLE. I DON'T WANT MY MONEY BACK JUST A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE AS I DO NOT HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THIS ONE. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE, THEY JUST CAN'T FIND IT AND I WON'T RISK MY LIFE DRIVING IT AGAIN. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST THE VEHICLE WAS GOING AS I WAS VERY FOCUSED IN WATCHING THE CARS I WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO IF I HADN'T BEEN ABLE TO STOP IT. THIS IS MY THIRD MERCEDES BUT NEVER AGAIN AS THEY ARE NOT BEING HELPFUL IN THE LEAST. WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! *JS
May 02, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class have?
The 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class currently has 64 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class?
The most common problems reported for the 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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