Engine
3.5L 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 83 of 83 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 70 of 83 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.
Seats
30 complaint records21 fire reports1 crash report
"THE DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING SEAT HEATER. A WHOLE THE SIZE OF A DIME BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND THE FLAME BURNED A HOLE INTO THE COAT OF THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER. *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 seats parts in the directory →
Electrical system
19 complaint records7 fire reports
"CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON: CODE 0060 = CONTINUOUS CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT ( RIGHT ) : INCORRECT POSITION OF THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ( P000B ). *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 →
Power train
17 complaint records3 crash reports
"The transmission fails to shift into second gear. Gets stuck in limp mode. Won’t accelerate more than 30 miles per hour...."- 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 power train 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE08030 opened Apr 2008 | closed Sep 2008 | Seats | SEAT BACK WARMER OVERHEATS/BURNS THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION INVESTIGATION CONCERNS THE SEAT BACK WARMER INSTALLED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH MAY 2007, EQUIPPED WITH THE CTX' CARBOTEX SEAT WARMER DESIGN.THE DATA DISCLOSE FEW COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY REPORTS CONCERNING THIS... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V298000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. | Normally free |
| 22V315000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. | 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 - Balance Shaft and IG Oct 2015 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the replacement of sintered steel balance shaft sprockets and idle gears... |
| 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. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| LI77.21-P-075806 Apr 2026 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint The sliding sunroof glass panel of the panoramic roof reverses during the closing process, either once or multiple times, without an entrapment (anti‑pinch) event being detected. The concern may occur temporarily or repeatedly during normal closing operation. | |
| 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-078307 Feb 2026 | 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-078896 Feb 2026 | 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 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). | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint 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. | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | 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-078302 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. | |
| 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). | |
| LI68.20-P-070037 Dec 2020 | Equipment | Armrest In Center Console (Front) Only Opens On One Side Or Not At All - Model Series 167 | |
| LI77.21-P-072113 Dec 2020 | Visibility | Creaking noise from fixed glass section of panoramic roof in area of rear passenger compartment grab handles | |
| LI35 30-P-058566 Aug 2019 | Power Train | Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle | |
| LI05 20-P-067123 Oct 2017 | Engine | Oil in engine wiring harness | |
| LI8330P0496447 Nov 2016 | Equipment | No cooling output, fault code 9006 stored in air conditioning control unit. | |
| LI8210P0647661 Aug 2016 | Exterior Lighting | Headlamps fogged. | |
| RecallUpdate Feb 2016 | Air Bags | Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags. | |
| 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" | |
| LI91.10-P-050164 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Noises from the mounting of the rear weight sensing system (WSS) sensors | |
| LI27.19-P-056151 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | With an unfavorable sensor position and high rpms, the sensor may deliver incorrect rpm values and the transmission control unit may detect overspeeding. Owing to the software application, the control unit is not reset in the case of implausible messages. | |
| LI91.25-P-059380 Jul 2014 | Seats | Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky. | |
| LI68.20-P-053607 Jul 2014 | Equipment | Noise in center console area of W166. | |
| LI67.30-P-052837 Jul 2014 | Visibility | Side windows may make noises when closing and opening, or reverse direction when closing. | |
| LI67.30-P-055417 Jul 2014 | Visibility | Side windows may make noises when closing and opening, or reverse direction when closing. | |
| LI46.15-P-058505 Feb 2014 | Steering | Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column | |
| LI49.20-P-056353 Feb 2014 | Electrical System | Engine diagnosis warning lamp active. Fault code 20BE1B and/or 20BD1B (The heating element of the AdBlue tank has a malfunction) is logged in the Blue-Tec control unit. | |
| 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. | |
| LI18.30-P-055434 Feb 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Traces of oil in area of oil cooler (inner V) on engine 642 | |
| LI14.20-P-052079 Feb 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up - Fault code entry (FC) 14A600 or 14A700 | |
| 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. | |
| LI8270P055572 Aug 2013 | Electrical System | Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely. | |
| 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). | |
| P-B-54.10-225d Jul 2013 | Electrical System | If it is necessary to replace an HV battery, the return will only be accepted with the filled-out ?Analysis Sheet for Transportability of High-Voltage Batteries Form? | |
| 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. | |
| LI82.10-P-054588 Jun 2013 | Exterior Lighting | Xenon burner inoperative or flickers | |
| 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 | |
| LI-46-35-P054316 Aug 2012 | Steering | XENTRY (MERCEDES); ELECTRIC STEERING CONTROL UNIT, IN SOME VEHICLES, HAS IMPLAUSIBLE FAULT ENTRY DUE TO SOFTWARE NEEDING UPDATING. MODELS ML 350. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| 40-P-052794 Apr 2012 | Seat Belts | MERCEDES BENZ: FRONT OR REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT ROLL UP CORRECTLY. DIRT DEPOSITS ON THE SEAT BELT GUIDE DUE TO SOILED SEAT BELT. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 169, F CELL, 246, AND 231. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. *JS | |
| 15-P-050245 Apr 2012 | Power Train | XENTRY: MERCEDES BENZ: GRUNTING/CREAKING SOUND FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT AXLE WHEN BRAKING, DRIVING OVER SURFACE UNDULATIONS, NEGOTIATING TIGHT CORNERS, OR WHILE MANEUVERING. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *JS | |
| 16-P-053009 Mar 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | XENTRY: MERCEDES BENZ: VEHICLE STUMBLES AND BUCKS FOR A FEW MINUTES AFTER A COLD START WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS LOW (NO DTCS). ENGINE RUNS ROUGH IN A WARM UP PHASE. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. *JS |
Showing 60 of 94 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- 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.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns 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.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 2 warranty extensions 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 Ml350 →