Introduced by Mercedes in2002and discontinued after the 2015 model year, the ML350 remains a hugely popular SUV.
It’s not hard to imagine why either, it’s luxurious, practical and very comfortable.
Sadly though, no vehicle is perfect and in this article we will highlight some of the ML’s biggest complaints.
Table of Contents
1.Airbag Problems
On Car Problem Zoo, a site dedicated to owner feedback, the most commonly reported ML350 complaint is due to its airbags.
These complaints are mostly linked to the infamous Takata recalls which affected tens of millions of vehicles, not just the ML.
The Japanese-made airbags weren’t fit for purpose to put it mildly – when exposed to humidity and high heat the airbags were known to explode when deployed causing serious injury and in some cases death.
To make matters worse, many owners were left waiting for an unreasonable amount of time for parts to arrive at their dealership and for the problem to be resolved.
These complaints mostly affect the 2010 and 2011 model years.
Solution
Whether you’re the owner of an ML or looking to buy a used one – always run the VIN on either Mercedes or the NHTSA website to see if the vehicle has been subject to a recall.
Due to the severity of this problem, it is imperative that you leave this to the dealership to fix.
2.Faulty Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid
According to Repair Pal, the most commonly reported ML350 problem is a faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
Model years worst affected include: 2006,2007,2008,2012
The ML350 uses a variable valve timing (VVT) system which is a type of piston engine technology that deliberately delivers inconsistent timing of the intake and exhaust valves.
The camshaft adjuster solenoid is responsible forallowing oil to adequately flow through the VVT system upon its engagement.
Typically the first sign that the camshaft adjuster solenoid has failed, is the check engine light comes on, other symptoms include:
Lowered fuel efficiency
Contaminated engine oil
Rough idling
Rough acceleration
Low engine power
The premature failure of the camshaft adjuster solenoid was common on other Mercedes vehicles and not just the ML.
Here’s what some unhappy ML owners had to say on the matter:
Check Engine Light stays on. First I was told the camshaft adjuster solenoids needed to be replaced – I had all 4 replaced. The Check Engine Light came back on the next time I used the vehicle. Now I’m being told the balance shaft gears are wearing and the balance shaft needs to be replaced – estimate is $5,500. Mercedes is aware of the issues but has not issued a recall. From things I’ve read on the internet, a national class action complaint is being prepared – let’s hope the courts can force Mercedes to “do the right thing”
Solution
If the camshaft adjuster sensor has failed then it will need to be replaced, it’s not entirely clear whether or not there is a recall for this issue, if in doubt run the VIN and/or speak to your dealership.
If you have to pay for this out of your own pocket, using an independent repair shop will be cheaper than using Mercedes.
3.Rough Shifting
A commonly reported complaint of Mercedes ML350s with automatic transmissions is rough shifting.
This has been reported on ML350 model years from 2003 all the way up to 2015.
For ML’s equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission, the rough shifting is most noticeable when:
Going up from first to second gear
Going down from third to second or second to first gear
The vehicle is cold
According to owners, this problem is often accompanied by loud clunking and grinding sounds.
If you’re looking at buying a used ML350, ask the seller to leave the vehicle cold and take it for a test drive paying close attention to how smooth the gear shifts are.
Solution
Rough shifting is a transmission problem.
In some instances, owners have been able to fix this with nothing more than a transmission software update.
Other reports suggest it’s due to an internal component failure of which Mercedes has released updated parts.
In which case the transmission will need to be removed and disassembled to carry out the repairs.
4.EngineStalling
Engine stalling isn’t widespread on the ML350 although there have been enough complaints that it’s worth mentioning.
Stalling is when the engine cuts out.
This has been mostly reported on ML model from 2006 – 2012.
One driver had this to say:
“My ML350 has only 65000 miles and was working fine then the engine stalled and now needs a new engine!! Stalled on the highway suddenly and had to be towed to shop they want to replace engine”
Solution
In some instances, this issue has been linked to the failure of the engine control module pins which is easy enough to remedy and shouldn’t require a new ECM.
In other cases the vehicle has required a new engine, which is one of the most expensive repairs you can get.
According to Repair Pal, the 3 most common causes of stalling on an ML350 are related to:
Fuel system
Air intake system
Ignition system
5.Brake Light Warning Message
Reported numerous times on Repair Pal, ML owners have described seeing the brake light warning message for a burnt-out bulb being displayed.
This problem has been reported on model years from 2003 all the way up to 2015.
This issue has been linked to the tail lamp housing which is prone to melting when it gets hot.
Once the housing has melted the bulb will no longer work due to poor electrical connections.
In other instances, the bulb works fine however the warning message is displayed – some owners describe having to continuously replace the bulb.
The brake light warning message has also been linked to improper grounding of the brake light socket.
Solution
In most instances the lamp housing will need to be replaced, this can cost upwards of $250 to fix.
6.PowerSteering Problems
There have been numerous complaints pertaining to the ML350’s steering, owners have reported that whilst driving at moderate to high speeds, the steering was not controllableand there was a loss of power steering– this is often accompanied by steering fluid leakage.
This problem has been reported 34 times on Car Problem Zoo and 104 times on Repair Pal. It mostly seems to be linked with 2006 – 2008 models although it has been linked with models as early as 2003 and as late as 2013.
Owners have reported that their ML350’s steering rack leaks power steering fluid and they’ve noticed puddles of leakage on their garage floor.
Other owners haven’t been lucky enough to spot the early warning signs and have been unfortunate enough to be out driving when their power steering has failed.
Solution
In many instances the steering rack will need to be replaced which can cost upwards of $2000, although there has been recall campaigns for steering problems too which should be fixed by the dealer for free.
Related: How Long Do Mercedes ML350 Last? (12 Important Facts)
Mercedes ML350 Model Years With the Most Problems
Based on data obtained from Car Problem Zoo, here are the most and least problematic years for the ML350:
The most problematic years are:
2006 – 208 Problems
2011 – 103 Problems
2010 – 101 Problems
And the least problematic years are:
2001 – 3 Problems
2005 – 24 Problems
2015 – 40 Problems
Mercedes ML350 Model Year
Problems
2015
40
2014
51
2013
52
2012
56
2011
103
2010
101
2009
91
2008
81
2007
105
2006
208
2005
24
2004
43
2003
30
2002
–
2001
3
Source: Car Problem Zoo
Mercedes ML350 Pros and Cons
If you’re considering a Mercedes ML350 as your next car you might be wondering what its strengths and weaknesses are…
Pros
Elegant cabin
Ultra-comfortable ride
Classy exterior design
Powerful engine
Cons
Repairs and maintenance are expensive
Suspension is designed more for comfort than handling
Mercedes ML350 Reliability Compared to Similar Cars
Consumer Reports rankings detailed below is based on the model’s newest three years.
Make & Model
Consumer Reports Reliability Score
Lexus RX
94
Acura MDX
83
Buick Enclave
60
Mercedes ML350
51
Lexus GX
49
BMW X3
44
BMW X5
43
Cadillac SRX
42
Source: Consumer Reports
Mercedes ML350 Used Value
We’ve taken a look on Car Gurus to gauge the resale value of a Mercedes ML350, below are typical asking prices for each model year.
Note: Used model prices will vary depending on trim level.
Model Year
Mileage (miles)
Resale Price
2015
109,652
$15,999
2014
129,907
$14,900
2013
85,469
$18,133
2012
153,630
$9,895
2011
108,051
$9,000
2010
106,026
$10,995
2009
150,015
$6,995
2008
117,000
$7,900
2007
118,848
$9,700
2006
124,307
$4,999
2005
119,691
$4,995
Source: Car Gurus
What Do Owners Like and Dislike About the Mercedes ML350?
Based on owner feedback from the Kelley Blue Book site here are what real-life owners love and hate about the Mercedes ML350.
Likes
Great looks
Fuel economy
Smooth and steady on the road
Minimal noise
Lives up to the great reviews
Comfortable
Reliable
Technology
Dislikes
Discontinued production of diesel variants
Expensive maintenance and repair costs
Uncomfortable rear seating
Can only accommodate 5 people
A little heavy
Owners Reviews
“This one is a gem. the power is great – it will jump when you need it to. the gas mileage is wonderful, and it doesn’t bog down in the snow. I may keep this car forever.”
Source: Kelley Blue Book
“Bought this vehicle new in 2013. It still looks new, with its design holding to look great next to our neighbor’s 2020 GLE43. We would buy another one if MB still offered this outstanding 3L turbo/diesel: 24 mpg city; 32 MPG hwy, with more torque than ML550.”
Source: Kelley Blue Book
“115K miles on this car and it’s running great, remains comfortable and continues to get excellent fuel mileage for such a large car – love the diesel.”
Source: Edmunds
How Reliable Are Mercedes Cars?
According to a recent report from Consumer Reports, Mercedes are ranked the 23rd most reliable car manufacturer out of 28 brands.
According to Repair Pal, the most commonly reported ML350 problem is a faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid. The ML350 uses a variable valve timing (VVT) system which is a type of piston engine technology that deliberately delivers inconsistent timing of the intake and exhaust valves.
RepairPal gave the Mercedes ML350 an average reliability rating of 3.0/5.0. Kelley Blue Book's consumer rating index gave the Mercedes ML350 an above-average reliability rating of 4.6/5.0. J.D. Power provided the Mercedes ML350 with an above-average reliability rating of 81/100.
Engine misfires are one of the most common problems we see in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This scenario often happens to cars that haven't undergone any routine maintenance, particularly the replacement of wear parts such as spark plugs.
The regular ML350 is powered by a 3.5-liter, 302-horsepower V-6. While the gasoline engine has the horsepower edge over the diesel, the diesel has 455 pound-feet of torque, compared to 273 pound-feet for the gas engine.
Access to the third-row was deemed problematic and the seats were not suitable for large adults. As the result, the seven seater ML-Class was discontinued after the 2005 model year and replaced by the larger GL-Class.
When shopping for a Mercedes-Benz pre-owned vehicle, you'll have to consider numerous factors, including what is good mileage on a used car. While 100,000 miles used to be regarded as high mileage, hitting six-digits no longer means your vehicle is at the end of its life.
Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Can Drive Over 1,000,000 Miles
And we don't just mean that they have fancy interiors or powerful engines (though they do have both of those things). No, Mercedes-Benz makes vehicles that are built to last.
Typically it's the electronics and suspension parts that tend to fail. Engines and transmissions are usually very durable in German cars outside a few poorly developed components on certain engines.
The Mercedes A-Class comes with a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine which should last at least 250,000 miles if its properly maintained as per the owners manual. The engine could well go on to outlive the vehicle itself however the importance of routine maintenance really cant be stressed enough.
Replacing a timing chain will typically cost anywhere between $1,000 to $2,500 (parts and labor included.) The actual amount will vary on your vehicle's make and model, and your unique location.
Timing Chains available for the following Mercedes ML350 years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 09, 08, 07, 06, 05, 04, 03. This part is also sometimes called Mercedes ML350 Timing Chains.
In general, you'll schedule Mercedes-Benz Service A or Service B once every 10,000 miles, or roughly once per year; this is your Mercedes-Benz oil service interval.
It's an all-wheel drive front-engined 5-door large SUV with 5 seats. With 254 hp, the turbocharged 3 Liter 24v V6 diesel engine accelerates this ML 350 Bluetec 4Matic to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 139 mph.
Power-wise, the ML350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 (hence the name) with 268 horsepower. With this, it's capable of doing zero to 60 mph in under 9 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph, which is quite impressive considering it weighs nearly two tons.
Experts say the diesel engine could last 300,000 miles, and in some cases 500,000 miles. And the mild California climate means the body won't rust. But there is one thing that that will keep this car trouble-free for thirty years. Older models like Oehler's are much simpler.
The ML350 is powered by Mercedes' latest-generation 3.5-liter gasoline V6, generating 302 horsepower. The ML550 includes a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 402-hp and the ML63 AMG has a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with either 518- or 550-hp and ECO stop/start. ... Retail Price.
Prices for a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 350 currently range from $2,900 to $31,998, with vehicle mileage ranging from 25,000 to 235,000. Find used Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 350 inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
2015 marks the final year of the M-Class' production; it was replaced by the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The M-Class saw few major changes after it was redesigned for 2012, and you can probably save some money with an older model.
Every time you use the engine, the timing chain is in use. When does a timing chain need to be replaced? The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.
A broken timing chain will cause an engine to not start or fail while driving. If the belt is already broken, the engine won't have enough compression to start. If it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves. The valves themselves will bend and potentially ruin the engine.
It depends on how the car is handled. It should take over 200,000 miles to maintain your Mercedes Benz properly and without problems. But your car's model is also very important. Some models such as the E-Class of Mercedes-Benz are more durable and reliable.
While not everyone's first choice when considering reliability, owners of this car have reported pushing past the 200,000 mark, and there are even some reports of reaching 300,000 miles.
Although both divisions have their cars tuned to perfection, Mercedes-Benz AMG is still ahead of its competitors in terms of performance. AMG models have more horsepower and torque than M models. An AMG car will give you the performance you need for a drag race.
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As with most cars, you can expect to get 4 to 5 years out of your Mercedes-Benz car battery. While this offers a general guideline, your battery life can be impacted by: Time: Even with regular care, time will cause your battery to wear down and stop holding its charge.
The GLC-class vehicles are the most reliable Mercedes SUVs.
J.D. Power gave the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC a Quality & Reliability score of 78/100. This score measures how many defects, malfunctions, and flaws drivers experience with the car.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has arguably had reliability built-in from the beginning. The first E-Class, the 1986-1995 W124, makes for an excellent affordable classic luxury car. And while the newest models do offer tons of features, buying used doesn't mean you're exactly missing out.
Engine misfires are one of the most common problems we see in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This scenario often happens to cars that haven't undergone any routine maintenance, particularly the replacement of wear parts such as spark plugs.
Let's have a look at Mercedes-Benz's weaknesses. Being a luxury car, Mercedes Benz is very expensive which at times results in the weakness of the Automobiles Companies. There are gaps within the range of the products sold by the corporation.
The most common Mercedes-Benz problems range from engine system failures to problems with the brake system and rough gear shifts to transmission issues and rusty engine mounts. Price doesn't always equal perfection, a harsh fact that even the most luxurious car makers aren't immune to.
By maintaining a stock of high-quality Mercedes Benz core engines, we can provide you the option to either replace or repair your engine. The remanufactured engines provided by our automotive repair shop have been test run in the vehicle before dismantling.
Engine. Mercedes had a unique design that neither Ferrari nor Renault had. They had a split turbo engine design where the compressor and the exhaust outlet were actually in separate parts of the power unit now in essence.
You can expect to get 15-17 years out of your Mercedes, as long as you maintain it properly. Key Takeaway Mercedes offers a high-performance luxury experience, but vehicles may become less dependable in the long run.
My 2004 ML350 Petrol has done 200000 K'ms. Other than normal servicing, brakes, tyres etc the first money I spent on it was at 194000 k's. I have spent ...
Mercedes-Benz produces some of the most reliable vehicles on the market. But like other cars, they also start developing problems after some miles. Since there…
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Access to the third-row was deemed problematic and the seats were not suitable for large adults. As the result, the seven seater ML-Class was discontinued after the 2005 model year and replaced by the larger GL-Class.
The average cost for a Mercedes-Benz ML350 water pump replacement is between $941 and $1,077. Labor costs are estimated between $299 and $377 while parts are priced between $642 and $700.
Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Can Drive Over 1,000,000 Miles
And we don't just mean that they have fancy interiors or powerful engines (though they do have both of those things). No, Mercedes-Benz makes vehicles that are built to last.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a larger vehicle than the ML-Class model it replaces. Composed of four-doors with seating for either five or seven passengers, the new fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle made in Tuscaloosa.
Unless there is a specific fault, the timing chain should be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Chain problems are frequent in automobiles with increasing mileage. If you're driving an older car or one with a lot of miles on it, keep an eye out for signs that the timing chain is failing.
In most cases, the average timing belt will last anywhere between 60k-90k miles. If your vehicle has over 90,000 miles and has not had the timing belt replaced, you may want to schedule an inspection to ensure reliable operation of your vehicle.
Timing Chains available for the following Mercedes ML350 years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 09, 08, 07, 06, 05, 04, 03. This part is also sometimes called Mercedes ML350 Timing Chains.
Coolant leaks from the water pump are common and a clear sign that it's time to replace the pump. The coolant is stored inside the water pump using a series of gaskets and seals. Once these parts wear out, loosen, or crack, you'll end up with radiator fluid leaking out of the front of your car toward the center.
At what mileage do Mercedes start having problems Certain Mercedes-Benz cars start as early as 50,000 miles, while others wait until 100,000 miles before having minor problems. Therefore, when it comes to reliability and performance over a long time, the Mercedes-Benz car model you chose is crucial.
When shopping for a Mercedes-Benz pre-owned vehicle, you'll have to consider numerous factors, including what is good mileage on a used car. While 100,000 miles used to be regarded as high mileage, hitting six-digits no longer means your vehicle is at the end of its life.
Although both divisions have their cars tuned to perfection, Mercedes-Benz AMG is still ahead of its competitors in terms of performance. AMG models have more horsepower and torque than M models. An AMG car will give you the performance you need for a drag race.
The Mercedes-Benz ML350 costs $388 on average to maintain annually. Oil changes may be the most frequent service every car needs, but the following services ...
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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