1998 Mercedes Benz ML320
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › ML320 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Mercedes Benz ML320. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
133 complaints9 involved a crash5 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
1998 mercedes benz ml-320. consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration. *smd the consumer stated while making a turn and releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated and hit a concrete column. This damaged the main metal frame behind the front bumper. The airbags did not deploy. *Js
- Wheels
Michelin lattitude tour 255/65r16 tires are prematurely coming apart. I have less than 15K miles on these tires and the tread IS ripping away from the side walls. There IS no recall from michelin for this size of tire and it has the same defect as the other sizes in the same make and model tire.…
Michelin lattitude tour 255/65r16 tires are prematurely coming apart. I have less than 15K miles on these tires and the tread IS ripping away from the side walls. There IS no recall from michelin for this size of tire and it has the same defect as the other sizes in the same make and model tire. This IS ridiculous! 164 dollars a tire and I could have died driving on these things. These need a recall now! Peoples lives are at rick driving with these tires!
- Seat belts
Went to start my car seat belt blew up ,smoke coming out now will not work will not retract .how can mercedes make such a dangerous product and not be be sued for such a crappy dangerous product.this not a isolated or freak occurance have read numerous similar on line.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
My battery was low and unknown to me the ml320 for this year loses its transponder codes in the das security module when you try to start the vehicle with a low battery. This IS evidentally the third key that has lost its programming on my vehicle due to low battery voltage. cost so far IS 499 for…
My battery was low and unknown to me the ml320 for this year loses its transponder codes in the das security module when you try to start the vehicle with a low battery. This IS evidentally the third key that has lost its programming on my vehicle due to low battery voltage. cost so far IS 499 for a key, weeks waiting for the key from germany, and 300 to program it once they recieve the key. its a dealership only item so its very very costly. this IS a known problem with mercades and checking the forums it seems that everyone that has 1998-2000 model mercades all lose their transponder codes between 129,000 and 132,000 miles no matter what.this IS an obvious manufacturers defect and a known issue that should be paid for by mercades. I never had these issues with my two 2002 ml500's but I will never purchase another benz in my life. *js
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control · Wheels
Suddenly I could not gain or get any more speed. I was just coasting along, I then arrived at my destination and got out and smelled burning smell from front wheels. I could not get out of the gear I was in. *js
- Service brakes
Message display indicates left brake light not working. replaced bulb and message disappeared for one day and then reappeared. removed bulb and bulb was ok. went online and found where mercedes had a brake light repair kit for this problem but I was not notified. I called the dealer and this…
Message display indicates left brake light not working. replaced bulb and message disappeared for one day and then reappeared. removed bulb and bulb was ok. went online and found where mercedes had a brake light repair kit for this problem but I was not notified. I called the dealer and this repair kit IS not under warranty or recall. I contacted a local european car repair shop who had the repair kit in stock going back to 2010 mercedes has known about this problem but never notified me or fixed the problem when I brought my car in for normal service. very disappointed in mercedes. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the door locks on all four doors independently lock and unlock continuously. The driver side door would not unlock from the outside and the contact had to enter from the passenger side door. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the door locks on all four doors independently lock and unlock continuously. The driver side door would not unlock from the outside and the contact had to enter from the passenger side door. The failure recurred numerous times. The dealer was notified and stated that while there were a lot of complaints there was no recalls at that time. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 157,000.
- Service brakes
The braking system failed and worked again after some pumping and coasting to avoid collision. the car then caught on fire. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that the vehicle was being repaired by an independent mechanic for unrelated issues when she was informed that the ignition key needed to be replaced because it no longer functioned properly. The contact was not informed as to why…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that the vehicle was being repaired by an independent mechanic for unrelated issues when she was informed that the ignition key needed to be replaced because it no longer functioned properly. The contact was not informed as to why the failure occurred. The key was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that in order to remedy the failure, the vehicle would need an entire new ignition system. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000. the consumer discovered during research that merceds benz installed an inadequate computer system in her vehicle. The system would only allow eight keys to be made for the lifetime of the vehicle. the consumer felt it was a scam by mb to force their customers to purchase a new computer, ignition, etc, for the vehicle after the 8TH key had been made. They claimed it was made that way for security reason. the consumer called two dealerships and was given a price of $4,000 to $5,000. The consumer finally had the key, computer and other parts replaced by a locksmith for $1,400. the radiator, air condition and two mirror also had to be replaced. Updated 07/11/12
- Electrical system
Car fails to start. We had this car towed to a dealer 40 miles away from our daughter's school in mi. Needs new key system as chip not recognized and ignition system needs to be re-keyed. 8 keys have been issued to this car,(we bought it used). We only received 1 with our purchase! Everything that…
Car fails to start. We had this car towed to a dealer 40 miles away from our daughter's school in mi. Needs new key system as chip not recognized and ignition system needs to be re-keyed. 8 keys have been issued to this car,(we bought it used). We only received 1 with our purchase! Everything that needs a key has to be changed. Cost estimated at $4000. We see this as a major design flaw, not a security benefit. Especiallly since their keys just quit working. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Headlamps turn off while driving. it occurs on a nightly basis. Other cars cannot see me. almost hit someone crossing the street before I noticed the lights were off. sometimes cycling the lights on an off temporarily fixes the problem. other times I drive with my foglamps on. I've checked the…
Headlamps turn off while driving. it occurs on a nightly basis. Other cars cannot see me. almost hit someone crossing the street before I noticed the lights were off. sometimes cycling the lights on an off temporarily fixes the problem. other times I drive with my foglamps on. I've checked the fuse and will be taking the car into the dealer next week. previously, in 2006 the headlamps wouldn't turn off. the dealer fixed this problem. *Tr
- Electrical system
On my mercedes ml320, 1998 the key refuse to start the engine. I was told at plaza motors in st,. Louis mo. That the car did not recognize the key any more. Upon my research I found that it IS common problem with the ml320 series which IS an engineering problem on the part of the manufacturer…
On my mercedes ml320, 1998 the key refuse to start the engine. I was told at plaza motors in st,. Louis mo. That the car did not recognize the key any more. Upon my research I found that it IS common problem with the ml320 series which IS an engineering problem on the part of the manufacturer especially the earlier once 1998-2000 and it will cause $6700.00 to fix. I will appreciate an investigation, it's so common that a lot of people are selling their cars because of this. *tr
- Power train › Driveline
Failure of transfer case first detected. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Replacement of 10 full sender and fuel gauge related equipment parts on 1998 mb ml320, replacement of transfer case. *tr
- Seat belts
Failure of front driver's seatbelt assembly; a gunshot type noise and smoke occurred coming out of the seatbelt retractor area; seatbelt retractor broke causing the seatbelt to keep retracting tightening on person and the release on the seatbelt would not release causing injury; the event occurred within one minute of turning on car in parked position and as soon as seatbelt was put in the buckle. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Seat belts › Front
I put my seat belt (s/b) on and started the ignition. A loud bang, I was jerked back into my seat by the s/b and was trapped. white smoke escaped where the s/b comes out of the frame. The srs light was illuminated. I turned the car off, unbuckled the s/b, which didn't retract back into the feed…
I put my seat belt (s/b) on and started the ignition. A loud bang, I was jerked back into my seat by the s/b and was trapped. white smoke escaped where the s/b comes out of the frame. The srs light was illuminated. I turned the car off, unbuckled the s/b, which didn't retract back into the feed, got out of the car and waited for the smoke to dissipate. I got back into the car, put my s/b on, which was stuck and would not adjust. I called mb dealership to report incid and make apt for car to be chkd. 8-30-07 I brought car into mb of reno, NV. mb said need to order parts, bring back once parts in. the other service advisor said that the same thing happened to another cust recently, but never heard of another occurrence. I asked my service advisor, joseph castleberry, to invest problem, let me know. He would get back to me. I picked up the car after repairs, joe didn't know why malfunction occurred, but cost was $1079.82. I told him this IS a safety issue and I wanted this investigated. He said it was a fluke incident, and I stressed, I wanted answers. mb of reno inv copy reads as ?inspect for complaint, found the drivers etr has gone off without cause. Prepare and perform dtc quick test, found only code for drivers etr, check mb hist of complaint, as per hist rec they replaced both the srs control modules and the etr, recommend that both the srs control unit and the etr be replaced as per tac history of complaint, r&r left side b pillar paneling, replaced drivers s/b, r&r sensor console, replaced srs control unit, check electrical wires for shorts, wiring IS ok and intact, performed version coding of srs control unit, cleared all codes and retest, retest ok?. On 9-17-07 ben from mb of na said they couldn't do anything to investigate the issue because the car was repaired, an investigation should have been done before the car was repaired. Copy of the invoice avail upon req. Veh: 98 mer ml320 mil:97508 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Harmonic balancer broke apart at 140K , no indication of failure, just lots of smoke and no steering capabilities, was in the middle of the intersection. police pushed me to safety. plastic shattered everywhere in engine compartment.. The defect was the plastic pully, internet research showed other people had same problem and cost them thousands. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
1998, mercedes ml320, 70,000 miles, both catalytic converters need to be replaced. there IS a major campaign for recall on this part for mercedes to replace at no cost to the owner, however, the year of the car IS in question. this incident happened 4 months after the 8 year warranty ran out.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Interior lighting
Instrument lights do not light up. Instruments cannot be seen at night including speedometer and gas gage. Potential consequences are running out of fuel or exceeding the safe speed limits because speedometer IS not visible. The problem has gotten worst with time. this has been a problem since the…
Instrument lights do not light up. Instruments cannot be seen at night including speedometer and gas gage. Potential consequences are running out of fuel or exceeding the safe speed limits because speedometer IS not visible. The problem has gotten worst with time. this has been a problem since the car was new and dealers blame the problem on light bulb problems. Sometime rapping the instrument cluster cause the lights to come back on indicating that this IS a problem with the connection and not the bulbs. This appears to be a defect with the bulb connections as the problem IS recurring and the dealers are not truly fixing the source of the problem. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
While driving in traffic, the vehicle seems to be leaking exhaust directly into the passenger compartment causing me to have severe headaches and feel very tired. it helps somewhat with the odor when the hvac IS switched to recirculate, but I feel that co IS still seeping in the vehicle. *nm
- Steering › Linkages
The vehicle exhibits a clunk in the front suspension and the steering seems to be loose. I think it IS defective steering gear. the car wanders over the road and sometimes starts pulling itself into one lane and then tries to go to the other lane almost causing me on one occasion to run over a KIA rio. mercedes should have to repair defective steering gear for free. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
Car failed to start as key security chip not reconized. Needs new key. Towed to dealer who said 8 keys have already been issued to this car, must replace all locks, engine modules, etc cost $3600.00. consider this major design flaw. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Catalytic converter needs replacing. Engine IS sounding very loud. The check engine light IS on. Part was ordered in september 2005. As of today, 12/30/05, the part IS still not available. The mercedes account manager said over 1200 catalytic converters are on back order for the us and there are 2…
Catalytic converter needs replacing. Engine IS sounding very loud. The check engine light IS on. Part was ordered in september 2005. As of today, 12/30/05, the part IS still not available. The mercedes account manager said over 1200 catalytic converters are on back order for the us and there are 2 people who have been waiting longer than us in austin for the part. He said it may become a recall. Why are so many of these parts all failing at the same time that supply cannot keep up with demand? I feel my vehicle may be unsafe to drive and have no access to a part to correct the defect. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Our 1998 mercedes M320 has been subject to unexpected stalling for some time. More recently this has increased in frequency and we have periods of loss (reduction) of power while driving. The dealer advises that we have deterioration of the catalytic converters and that there has been a recall for…
Our 1998 mercedes M320 has been subject to unexpected stalling for some time. More recently this has increased in frequency and we have periods of loss (reduction) of power while driving. The dealer advises that we have deterioration of the catalytic converters and that there has been a recall for this problem on newer models of the m class - but not our year. We have the car at the dealer waiting for replacement parts. We are told it will be a number of weeks since the parts are in great demand. Repairs will cost over $2,000 - but the car IS clearly unsafe. Most frequent stalls are starting at a light or stop sign. One concern IS knowing this problem with model years just newer than ours are subject to recall while our year isn't. The other issue IS how difficult it was for the dealer to identify the problem until it became very severe (or they learned of the solution due to the recall of other years. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
The right side catalytic converter split at the neck. While the local mercedes benz dealer freely admits that this IS a common problem on this class of car and that there IS a recall on this very problem, they tell me that my vin number IS not covered and if I want to avoid the problems associated…
The right side catalytic converter split at the neck. While the local mercedes benz dealer freely admits that this IS a common problem on this class of car and that there IS a recall on this very problem, they tell me that my vin number IS not covered and if I want to avoid the problems associated with a leaking exhaust system, I must replace it myself. This IS obviously a much wider problem than mercedes benz IS willing to admit to. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10167577Since 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.
- 10167564Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement.
- 10167563The 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).
- 10167553Combination 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.
- 10166990Thumping noises from front axle when driving over bumps on road.
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10135598Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
- 10052151Xentry (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.
- 10051989Mercedes: 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).
- 10044181Xentry: 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.
- 10037985Mercedes-benz: the load compartment roller blind has catch bolts loose or broken from improper force when using.
- 10034608Mercedes: 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.
- 10034152Mercedes: 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.
- 10033074Xentry: 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. Updated 2/1/12. Updated 10/3/12. Updated 10/21/13.
- 10033070Xentry (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.
- 10032725Mercedes: 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.
- 10032707Mercedes: 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.
- 10029105Mercedes 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). May be caused by malfunction at pressure regulator valve (prv) due to improper installation.
- 10028686Mercedes: 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. Updated 9/18/09.
- 10028664Mercedes: 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.
- 10025663Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ML 320 and gl320); 211.022 (E320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
- 10025648Rattling/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.
- 10025647Water entry into vehicle interior for all model 164 vehicles.
- 10022893Check 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. Updated 8/28/08.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10019967Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. On mercedes benz ML and r class models.
Every Mercedes Benz ML320 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.