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 111 of 111 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 36 of 111 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.
Air bags
59 complaint records3 crash reports
"RECALL WAS MADE IN 2016. IT IS DECEMBER OF 2018 AND THE PART OR REMEDY TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS RECALL IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE!..."- 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 air bags parts in the directory →
Brakes
20 complaint records3 crash reports
"The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was brake fluid leaking from the vehicle with the BRAKE warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired...."- 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
16 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"REAR BRAKE LIGHT GROUND OVERHEATED AND CAUSED FIRE DAMAGING WIRE HARNESS AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY DURING DRIVING. ALL TAIL LIGHTS AFFECTED...."- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
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 |
| 16V081000 | Air Bags | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550... | 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 - BlueTEC Update Oct 2021 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC will provide an Extended Modification Warranty for each vehicle that has received the Approved Emission Modification. |
| 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. | |
| LI46.35-P-067339 Aug 2026 | Steering | Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). | |
| 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. | |
| LI33.20-P-078406 Jul 2026 | Suspension | Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. | |
| LI82.85-P-080507 May 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. | |
| LI33.20-P-078406 May 2026 | Suspension | Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. | |
| 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-078301 Mar 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). | |
| LI27.19-P-074985 Jul 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint Commissioning not possible after replacement of TRANSMISSION 722.9 or of electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS) or of repair kit controller unit (VGS). | |
| LI82.85-P-079271 May 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint After a software update of HERMES communication module N112/9 has been performed on a gray import vehicle, the message "SOS - Service not activated" is displayed in the instrument cluster. | |
| 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. | |
| LI72.10-P-069496 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint Windows of the front doors poorly adjusted/sluggish Cause The settings of the front windows may be set incorrectly Remedy Adjustment of the windows or window guides as specified in AR72.10-P-1960GQS . | |
| 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). | |
| LI54.65-P-066284 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel several times during the trip. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. | |
| 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. | |
| LI54.65-P-066284 Nov 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel. This happens several times during the trip. The customer notices the sound of opening and closing. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. | |
| LI27.19-P-072588 Nov 2024 | Power Train | Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. | |
| 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. | |
| LI82.85-P-078473 Oct 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. | |
| 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. | |
| NCU - 2022080005 Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT (204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217, 221, 222, 463, 216, 218, 166, 292, 253, 231,... |
| CL - 2022080005 Aug 2024 | Electrical System | In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT vehicles with 6 and 8 cylinder gasoline... | |
| 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. | |
| NCU-2023060005 Dec 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (âÂÂMYâÂÂ) 2009-2012 GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, and S-Class (164/166, 251, 221 platforms) vehicles, the coding for the engine control unit does not correspond... | |
| 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 | |
| LI82.10-P-064766 Jun 2020 | Exterior Lighting | Lamp unit fogged or droplets forming. Due to the vent openings, the lamp unit is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate it. This can result in deposits on the diffuser and lens. | |
| NCU - HVAC Warra May 2020 | Equipment | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system... | |
| 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. | |
| TakataRecall Feb 2016 | Air Bags | Additional information around the recent recall announcement affecting approximately 705,983 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles involving Takata driver-side airbags containing PSDl-5 type inflators | |
| 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 | Power Train | 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 | Electrical System | Side windows may make noises when closing and opening, or reverse direction when closing. | |
| LI46-35P059241 Jun 2014 | Steering | XENTRY (MERCEDES): AFTER ENGINE HAS STARTED, SEVERAL ISSUES OCCURS, AN ACOUSTIC WARNING SOUNDS IS HEARD, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYS WARNING MESSAGE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION, SERVICE REQUIRED. STEERING SYSTEM IS SLUGGISH. MODEL 117, 156, 176, 242, 246. | |
| LI01.30-P-058630 Mar 2014 | Fuel System | Minor leaks at the oil duct of the left or right cylinder head of engines 157, 276 and 278. 1. Left cylinder head: Oil passage plug hole on left beside mechanical vacuum pump. 2. Right cylinder head: Oil passage plug hole below high-pressure pump housing. | |
| LI54.18-P-058597 Mar 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The engine diagnosis warning lamp - check engine lamp (CEL) is active. One or more of the faults relating to the throttle valve actuator (M16/6) listed under 'Control unit / Fault' is/are stored in the engine control unit (N3/10). |
Showing 60 of 107 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.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- 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 3 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 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 Ml350 →