Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns across the Mercedes-Benz ML320, 1998–2011. Owners have filed 742 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 12 model years with settled counts, the 2000 drew the most (166) and the 2006 the fewest (1).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Mercedes-Benz ML320 complaints by model year

742 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

199819992000200120022003200520062007200820092011
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2006 · 1 complaints
  • 2011 · 1 complaints
  • 2005 · 5 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2000 · 166 complaints
  • 2001 · 136 complaints
  • 1998 · 133 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2000–2011. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Mercedes-Benz ML320 owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2000200120022003200520062007200820092011
Service brakes 3348244003121
Steering 4525246101300
Electrical system 2016192002430
Electronic stability control 1633102000000
Engine and engine cooling 27350005240
Vehicle speed control 916114000200
Fuel system 14921101070
Air bags 14821101130

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Mercedes-Benz ML320 recalls (4)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one ML320 model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz ML320
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
24V298000Apr 26, 2024Brake Booster Corrosion May Impair Braking2007, 2008, 20092.8%
22V315000May 9, 2022Brake Booster Corrosion May Impair Braking2007, 2008, 200951.4%
16V081000Feb 11, 2016Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture2009, 201092.5%
01V290000Sep 10, 2001MERCEDES-BENZ/UPPER CONTROL ARM2002—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Fuel economy by model year

199817 mpg
199917 mpg
200016 mpg
200117 mpg
200215 mpg
200315 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Mercedes-Benz ML320 FAQ

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz ML320 had?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that cover at least one Mercedes-Benz ML320 model year from 1998 to 2011. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Mercedes-Benz ML320 year has the most complaints?

Among the last 12 model years with settled counts, the 2000 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (166) and the 2006 the fewest (1). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems?

Across the 2000–2011 model years, owners most often name the service brakes, steering, electrical system in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Mercedes-Benz ML320 get?

EPA rates the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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