Engine
3.2L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 85 of 88 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 63 of 88 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Steering
24 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO VEER OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND INTO AN EMBANKMENT. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Brakes
24 complaint records
"TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE ON ALL FOUR WHEELS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF APOLLA HIGH SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS. MERCEDES SAYS MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
19 complaint records2 fire reports
"RUN OVER THE ANY PUMP ON THE ROAD THAT CAUSE THE GAS PEDAL PUSH DOWN TO THE BOTTOM, STILL DIDN'T ACCELERATE CAUSE THE CAR SLOWLY DOWN, THIS CAUSE EVERYTIME DRIVER OVER THE PUMP. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10050 opened Dec 2010 | closed May 2011 | Vehicle Speed Control | Brake lamp switch failure. - led to recall 11V208000 ODI opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01V290000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFIED STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| EW - Seat Heaters May 2018 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Seats | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the original equipment seat heaters in model year 2000-2007 M-Class,... |
| LI42.10-P-078779 Sep 2026 | Service Brakes | Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Sep 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 2026 | Power Train | Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. |
Show 50 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 May 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI83.20-P-051802 Apr 2025 | Engine | Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant flow in the heater heat exchanger (see picture). | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Structure | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. | |
| LI82.10-P-078069 Jul 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. | |
| LI91.18-P-077075 Dec 2023 | Seats | Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). | |
| LI27.50-P-071658 Sep 2020 | Power Train | Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R | |
| LI27.50-P-049281 Sep 2020 | Power Train | Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D | |
| LI07.08-P-060993 Mar 2015 | Engine | Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor" | |
| C1A140101 Feb 2014 | Equipment | This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. | |
| GI88.40-P-057430 Feb 2014 | Equipment | Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual" | |
| LI32.20-P-057942 Dec 2013 | Suspension | Thumping noises from front axle when driving over bumps on road. | |
| S-B-67.00-29 Jul 2013 | Visibility | Since 12/2012 (model 166) and since 06/2013 (model 242) the glass breakage loops are no longer in the side windows and rear window. Suitable interior protection ensures that the interior monitoring function continues to operate correctly. | |
| LI82.95-P-056655 Jul 2013 | Electrical System | Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement. | |
| LI82.85-P-055695 Jul 2013 | Electrical System | The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30). | |
| LI47.20-P-054958 Jul 2013 | Fuel System | Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load - Bosch) is stored in the engine control unit. | |
| LI-72-00-P May 2013 | Structure | XENTRY: OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER RETURNS TO END POSITION. DUE TO A BENT PIN IN THE DYNAMIC BALANCER, THE SUPPORT SPRING OF THE BEARING BRACKET CAN SLIDE OUT OF PLACE OR BECOME UNHOOKED. MODELS 164, 251, 166, 204, 212. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED 2/1/12. | |
| LI46-20P-055943 Apr 2013 | Steering | XENTRY (MERCEDES): RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN TUBE SYSTEM, WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROAD AND WHEN ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, THERE WOULD BE CRACKING NOISES. MODELS 164, 251. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| TB-46-30-13-B Feb 2013 | Steering | MERCEDES: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE LOWER POWER STEERING HOSE AND CLAMP SHOULD BE REPLACE, UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAKAGE FROM CONNECTION TO POWER STEERING COOLER. MODELS 1998-2003 163.154, (ML320, 430, 55, 500, 350). *PE | |
| 20-P-053398 Mar 2012 | Steering | XENTRY: RATTLING/THUMPING NOISES FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING ON ROUGH ROADS OR WHEN DRIVING OVER ROAD UNDULATIONS. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 168 AND 172. *JS | |
| LI-68-50 Dec 2010 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | MERCEDES-BENZ: THE LOAD COMPARTMENT ROLLER BLIND HAS CATCH BOLTS LOOSE OR BROKEN FROM IMPROPER FORCE WHEN USING. *RM | |
| P-049567 Jun 2010 | Electrical System | MERCEDES: BATTERY SYMBOL AND SERVICE REQUIRED (IN WHITE). FAULT MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED IF THE CHARGE LEVEL IS TOO LOW OR THE PARK PAWL ADDITIONAL BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE. IN ADDITION FAULT CODE FC 9061 AND/OR FC 9062 IS STORED IN THE FRONT SAM. *PE | |
| LI91-22-P-048771 Feb 2010 | Seats | MERCEDES: THE ELECTRICALLY FOLDING 3RD SEAT ROW MAKES NOISES WHILE FOLDING UP AND DOWN, OR THE FOLDING FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. A WARNING MESSAGE ABOUT LOCKING THE 3RD SEAT ROW MAY ALSO APPEAR IN THE DISPLAY. *PE | |
| RSB-2009100002 Jan 2010 | Service Brakes | MERCEDES BENZ: CHECK FOR INSTALLATION OF SPACER BETWEEN BRAKE AND FUEL LINE, INSTALL IF NECESSARY. THE SPACER BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND FUEL LINE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. CHECK FOR PRESENCE OF A SPACER, AND IF MISSING, INSTALL THE SPACER. | |
| LI-58-40 Dec 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| SB-P-047928 Sep 2009 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | MERCEDES: ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP), STABILITY CONTROL (SR). REFERENCES REVISED AND REFERENCE TO AF DELETED/SUPERSEDES DTB TB 42.45/42. ESP LAMP ON. CONTACT FAULT AT CONNECTION FOR ESP CONTROL UNIT MK25 (N47). NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| TB-P-047927 Sep 2009 | Suspension | MERCEDES: FOLLOWING FAULT CODES ARE ENTERED IN THE CONTROL UNIT AND DISPLAYED-FC5320 DRAIN VALVE:OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODELS SERIES 211, 219; FC5260 DRAIN VALVE OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODEL 221; FC5250 DRAIN OPEN CIRCUIT OR... | |
| SB-47-20-56 Sep 2009 | Fuel System | MERCEDES: ENSURING UNOBSTRUCTED MOVEMENT FOR THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. WHEN INSTALLING THE LEFT OR RIGHT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR IT TO HAVE UNRESTRICTED, UNOBSTRUCTED MOVEMENT. *PE | |
| SB-32-22-78 May 2009 | Electrical System | MERCEDES: AIR MATIC VISIT WORKSHOP DISPLAYED WITHIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MODELS 164, 211, 219, 221 AND 251. INCLUDED 4MATIC, AMG (COMPRESSOR) AMG, BLUETEC AND WAGON. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE UPDATED 9/18/09. *PE | |
| SB-07-16-80D Apr 2009 | Fuel System | MERCEDES BENZ: FUEL LOSS AT PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE AND/OR POOR ENGINE RUNNING CHARACTERISTICS (SHAKES, KNOCKS, SURGES, CHANGES TO LIP HOME MODE, POOR OUTPUT, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, COMBUSTION NOISE, VEHICLE STALLS). | |
| TB-83-10-112B Jan 2009 | Structure | MERCEDES: A NONFUNCTIONAL BLOWER MOTOR (BLOWER MOTOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY) OR WATER DROPS IN FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL AFTER ENGINE WASH. CAUSED BY AN INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF AIR/WATER BOX WHEN WATER IS USED WHEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS CLEANED NEAR RIGHT SIDE OF FIREWALL. | |
| 462046 Dec 2008 | Steering | PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE | |
| TB-46-10-39C Dec 2008 | Steering | MERCEDES: CHROME PLATING PEELING ON DECORATIVE CAPS ON THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES, THIS IS DUE TO LESS THAN OPTIMAL ADHESION BETWEEN CHROME PLATING AND BASE MATERIAL. MODELS 164 AND 251. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE | |
| SB-07-16-08 Jun 2008 | Fuel System | MERCEDES BENZ: WORK ON PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE (AS OF CD13, 1600 BAR SYSTEM). FUEL LOSS AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE AND/OR POOR ENGINE RUNNING CHARACTERISTICS (SHAKES, KNOCKS, SURGES, CHANGES TO LIMP HOME MODE, POOR OUTPUT, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, COMBUSTION NOISE). *PE | |
| 033008 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. *NJ UPDATED 8/28/08. *PE | |
| TB-46-20-61 Apr 2008 | Steering | RATTLING/THUMPING NOISE ON ROUGH ROADS AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE WHEN MOVING STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON ALL MODEL 164 AND 251 VEHICLES. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE | |
| SB-27-00-104 Apr 2008 | Power Train | SLOW ACCELERATION WITH GAS PEDAL HESITATION. MODELS 164.122/8SS (ML 320 AND GL320); 211.022 (E320); 251.122 (4320). YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE | |
| TB 83 10 112 Mar 2008 | Structure | WATER ENTRY INTO VEHICLE INTERIOR FOR ALL MODEL 164 VEHICLES. *PE | |
| 463041 Apr 2006 | Steering | FLOW NOISES FROM AREA OF POWER STEERING PUMP AND/OR FOAMING OF POWER STEERING OIL IN RESERVOIR. ON MERCEDES BENZ ML AND R CLASS MODELS. *AK | |
| TB070029 Feb 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE CONTROL UNIT SOFTWARE UPDATE. (MERCEDES BENZ ML350, 2003 & LATER, MERCEDES BENZ G500, 2002 & LATER) *JB | |
| TB472019 Oct 2001 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING BUZZING NOISE FROM THE FUEL FILTER. (UP TO AND INCLUDING YEARS LISTED) *JG |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 1 warranty extension for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercedes-Benz Ml320 →