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Mercedes-Benz ML-Class VIN Check

NHTSA holds 235 owner complaints on the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class from 110 production runs; the worst run has 9, the typical one 2.1.

NHTSA complaint records · 235 complaints · 110 runs · 2012–2015 · Updated Nov 4, 2026
Quick answer

The most-reported ML-Class run is 4JGDA5HB4CA (2012 builds) with 9 complaints, 4.3× the typical run. Engine problems make up 25% of reports; 2012 is the worst model year at 2.9 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for ML-Class model years 2012–2015.

Which build runs owners report most

A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 110 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 14% of every ML-Class complaint on file.

FIG.01·Mercedes-Benz ML-Class — complaints by production run
Production run (VIN 1–11)YearComplaintsInvolved a crashFire
4JGDA5HB4CA••••••201291—
4JGDA5HB9DA••••••2013711
4JGDA5HB0FA••••••201571—
4JGDA5HB6CA••••••20126——
4JGDA5HB6EA••••••20145——
4JGDA5HB3CA••••••201252—
4JGDA5HB5CA••••••20125——
4JGDA5HB1FA••••••20155——
4JGDA5HB7EA••••••20144——
4JGDA5HB7CA••••••20124——
4JGDA5HB2CA••••••20124——
4JGDA5HB5EA••••••201441—
ROWS 12·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records, grouped by VIN prefix

Each of the other 98 ML-Class runs has 4 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 41 ML-Class VINs so far, most often 2015, 2012, 2014 builds; 7 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.

Which model years to check twice

Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class the gap between build years is 1.5×: a 2012 car draws 2.9 complaints per run, a 2013 one 1.9.

FIG.02·Mercedes-Benz ML-Class — complaint rate by model year
YearPer runComplaintsRunsCrashes
20151.9562911
2014264327
20131.952272
20122.963225
ROWS 4·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records

Heaviest year here is 2012 at 2.9 complaints per run; lightest is 2013 at 1.9.

What to inspect on this car

One system accounts for 25% of everything Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owners report: Engine, 63 of 235 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.

FIG.03·Mercedes-Benz ML-Class — most-reported systems
SystemComplaintsInvolved a crashFire
Engine6311
Electrical System451—
Unknown Or Other4064
Fuel/propulsion System271—
Fuel System22——
Steering195—
Power Train192—
Service Brakes142—
ROWS 8·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records

Recalls to check against your VIN

NHTSA has 8 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2012 to 2015. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.

FIG.04·Mercedes-Benz ML-Class — recall campaigns
CampaignComponentModel years
22V955000Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module2012–2015
18V272000Suspension:front2012–2015
19V787000Communication2013–2015
17V177000Electrical System:software2012–2014
16V900000Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft2015
16V442000Seat Belts:rear/other2015
ROWS 6·SOURCE NHTSA recall campaigns

22V955000 was opened in 2022 on cars built from 2012: 10 years on the road before the recall.

How serious were they

Of the 235 reports on the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, 10.6% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.

FIG.06·Mercedes-Benz ML-Class — complaint severity
OutcomeMercedes-Benz ML-ClassAll vehicles
Complaints filed2351,116,631
Involved a crash25 (10.6%)64,221 (5.8%)
Involved a fire5 (2.1%)26,977 (2.4%)
Injuries reported1758,047
Deaths reported12,728
ROWS 5·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records

Crash-related reports run 83% above the all-vehicle rate.

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How this check works

The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class share of that is 235 complaints over 110 runs, 0.02% of everything on record.

Everything on the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
Recalls18 campaignsReliability4.0/5Common problems269 complaintsUsed prices1,525 listingsWhat yours is worthValue by year & mileageWindow stickerOriginal Monroney labelDecode a VINWhat each character meansAbout this car2012–2015

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class VIN for free?

Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 235 NHTSA complaints from 110 ML-Class runs and 8 recall campaigns. No account, no card.

Which ML-Class production run has the most complaints?

4JGDA5HB4CA, a 2012 build, with 9 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical ML-Class run has 2.1.

Which ML-Class years have the most complaints?

Per production run, 2012 is heaviest at 2.9 complaints per run and 2013 lightest at 1.9.

How many ML-Class complaints involve a crash?

10.6% of 235 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 5 involved a fire.

Complaint and recall records from NHTSA, grouped by VIN production run (characters 1–11). Per-run rates computed by ForCar. Federal data covers safety only — title, odometer and insurance history are not included. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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