1999 Mercedes Benz ML320
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › ML320 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
125 complaints14 involved a crash2 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she refilled the power steering reservoir several times and noted that there was a stain underneath her…
The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she refilled the power steering reservoir several times and noted that there was a stain underneath her vehicle after parking overnight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to a closed NHTSA Action Number: PE3006 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
- Steering
There was a recall on the steering on my 1999 Mercedes Benz . The Manufacturer said its closed . The steering is leaking and hard to drive and I fear the power steering pump will go out while I am driving the Vehicle. I fear for my safety. How can I get this recall opened and my vehicle fixed .
- Air bags
I was in an accident a week ago my airbags did not deploy under serious impacts my car rolled serveral times before comming to a stop on its side not one airbag went off also there was a warning light lit up about the bas system and some other malfunction the two warning lights never went off they…
I was in an accident a week ago my airbags did not deploy under serious impacts my car rolled serveral times before comming to a stop on its side not one airbag went off also there was a warning light lit up about the bas system and some other malfunction the two warning lights never went off they stayed on constant while driving I have serious injuries due to no airbags going off im very dissappointed in the fact this could have been fixed and prevented another friend has the same problem as I do and will file their own compl;aint now I dont have a vehical period what am I susposed to do? If my kids were with me I would sue for sure thank god they were not with me !!! Come on mercedes fix the problem before more people get hurt your well aware of this problem already do something!!
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
The yaw rate sensor IS causing the car to unintended breaking. It started the breaking since I purchased the car in june, however over a week ago the actual car will break while im drive and bring the car to a complete stop and will not go until I cut the car completely off and let it sit for about 10-15 min and turn it back on and then it will drive again.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Driving at highway speed 65mph, the ml320 slammed on the front right side break causing truck to swerve right nearly out of control. when stopping and checking the front right tire, hub and brake pad were smoking and very hot
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
This IS in regard to nhtsa ID #10033607, also mercedes benz service campaign #2009100002 dated jan 2010, for model 163. my vehicle isn't covered by above mercedes service campaign because it's V-6 model, but showing exactly the same safety problem. I've taken and attached a few photos of the…
This IS in regard to nhtsa ID #10033607, also mercedes benz service campaign #2009100002 dated jan 2010, for model 163. my vehicle isn't covered by above mercedes service campaign because it's V-6 model, but showing exactly the same safety problem. I've taken and attached a few photos of the problem area showing severe damage to fuel line and less so to brake line. the photos showing severe chafing between fuel line & brake line just below master cylinder. The service campaign only covers 8 cylinder models, but my 6 cylinder model IS showing exactly the same chafing at the same area. I have not experienced any problem, but just noticed this issue last few days.
- Service brakes
Uncommanded breaking of front wheels resulted in deceleration and severe overheating of front brakes. This occurred within one mile of destination. High engine revs and downshifting of the transmission were required to overcome the uncommanded breaking force and reach the destination. A similar second occurrence effected only the right front brake. *tr
- Steering · Steering › Electric power assist system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. Djr
- Service brakes
99 mercedes ml320 front right brake overheated traveling about 55mph. *tr
- Air bags
My 1999 mercedes ml-320 was traveling on a through highway at about 40 mph when it was broadsided at the intersection by another vehicle, which apparently didn't stop at the stop sign. As a result of the impact, my vehicle rolled over twice. The side airbags didn't deploy. I am concerned that they…
My 1999 mercedes ml-320 was traveling on a through highway at about 40 mph when it was broadsided at the intersection by another vehicle, which apparently didn't stop at the stop sign. As a result of the impact, my vehicle rolled over twice. The side airbags didn't deploy. I am concerned that they were defective; therefore, I am requesting a safety investigation regarding possible defects in the airbags or devices controlling side airbag deployment. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
Went to park the vehicle and it seem to shift into a lower gear an accelerating, causing it to lunge forward into a light pole. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercerdes benz ml320. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 55 mph. The contact depressed the brake pedal continuously but the brakes would not respond. The contact shifted into neutral and applied both feet to the brake pedal in order…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercerdes benz ml320. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 55 mph. The contact depressed the brake pedal continuously but the brakes would not respond. The contact shifted into neutral and applied both feet to the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the entire instrument panel. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated the failure was contributed to the…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the entire instrument panel. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated the failure was contributed to the crank shaft position sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. updated 10/31/11 *bf updated 12/08/11
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes ml320. The contact stated that while turning a corner, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle did not respond to the brakes and did not stop until crashing into a boulder. There were no injuries from the accident. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the cruise control was replaced. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 144,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. While parked, the contact attempted to move the gear shifter from park but the shifter remained stuck in park. The failure recurred intermittently and after waiting a few minutes, the contact would be able to move the gear shifter. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. While parked, the contact attempted to move the gear shifter from park but the shifter remained stuck in park. The failure recurred intermittently and after waiting a few minutes, the contact would be able to move the gear shifter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
- Steering · Structure · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Continuing problems with power steering. Taken to the dealer for inquiry over 3 years ago; no resolution presented. Problems have persisted and gotten progressively worse. Only when researching, was I made aware of the recall. No notification from manufacture or dealer. Substantial costs incurred…
Continuing problems with power steering. Taken to the dealer for inquiry over 3 years ago; no resolution presented. Problems have persisted and gotten progressively worse. Only when researching, was I made aware of the recall. No notification from manufacture or dealer. Substantial costs incurred and vehicle continues to leak after numerous repairs. moonroof unable to close 100% - taken to dealership. Advised the problem was seen routinely with this particular moonroof. Advised to fore-go repair due to cost. Upon extensive research, this problem IS quite customary and unsure as to why the vehicle was not recalled or repairs made by the manufacturer. Would like a written response outlining options and resources to remedy these issues. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Power train › Automatic transmission
I have 2 complaints against mercedes ml320 SUV. 1) with ignition off and key removed, the transmission shifter can be shifted to neutral and the truck starts to roll. it posts extreme danger to passengers, especially, kids left in a parked vehicle, as well as pedestrians in front or behind the…
I have 2 complaints against mercedes ml320 SUV. 1) with ignition off and key removed, the transmission shifter can be shifted to neutral and the truck starts to roll. it posts extreme danger to passengers, especially, kids left in a parked vehicle, as well as pedestrians in front or behind the vehicle, especially those standing in between this vehicle and another parked vehicle on a slope. 2) the well known power lock failure causes the manually locked doors (including child proof rear door locks) to be unlocked automatically whenever the vehicle starts in motion from full stop. it IS due to the auto-lock feature which attempts to lock all doors when the vehicle starts to move from full stop (e.g stopping for red light). However, due to power lock failure, it cannot lock all the doors after 4-5 times and eventually unlocks all doors. This left children in the rear in danger of opening the doors while the vehicle IS in motion. This problem happened to me twice; one at 9700 miles in 2001 and at 70,000 miles in 2007. I had written a letter to mercedes benz USA to complaint about the power lock and they just denied that it IS a defect. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Gas pedal stuck on the mercedes ml320 and then the brake pedal went to the floor (no brakes) until a second and third try. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving home from work the car's idle went to zero. This happened half-way home. Its a 30+ mile drive from work to home. Essentially the car just quit operating while merging on the interstate. Power steering was lost and this left my 8 month pregnant wife stranded in the middle of the merging lane…
Driving home from work the car's idle went to zero. This happened half-way home. Its a 30+ mile drive from work to home. Essentially the car just quit operating while merging on the interstate. Power steering was lost and this left my 8 month pregnant wife stranded in the middle of the merging lane to the interstate without the capability to restart the car. Successive tries to start the car failed. Only after 5 minutes the car was able to start and be pulled over to a safe place. Tried a 2ND time to drive it home and it left me stranded again without it being able to restart. Had to be towed on a flatbed tow truck home the remainder of the drive home. *Tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. the contact received a recall notice for the steering. the dealer stated that the power steering pump was damaged and they would only replace the power steering hose. the vehicle IS currently at the repair shop to have only the hose repaired. the nhtsa campaign ID number was unknown. the failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 128,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. while the contact's spouse was driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle completely shut off without warning. the vehicle had to be restarted and was driven to a mechanic. the mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 150,000 and failure mileage was 139,000.
- Steering › Column · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections · Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack
Power steering failure - driving this lemon of an SUV, car started to pull and was difficult to steer. thank god, I was not on a freeway and could pull over without killing someone. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. while backing out of the driveway at approximately 5 mph, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated in reverse. the contact placed the gear in drive and the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated again, nearly crashing into his front door. he took…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. while backing out of the driveway at approximately 5 mph, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated in reverse. the contact placed the gear in drive and the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated again, nearly crashing into his front door. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong. the vehicle IS currently at the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 14,800.
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Reference: vehicle complaint - 47046 in september 1999, we purchased a new mercedes-benz, ml-320. In 2003, the vehicle was part of a recall concerning a lower power steering hose and clamp at the radiator fitting. On august 7, 2007, while driving the vehicle, the lower power steering hose blew…
Reference: vehicle complaint - 47046 in september 1999, we purchased a new mercedes-benz, ml-320. In 2003, the vehicle was part of a recall concerning a lower power steering hose and clamp at the radiator fitting. On august 7, 2007, while driving the vehicle, the lower power steering hose blew off losing all hydraulic fluid. We lost the power steering and had extreme difficulty steering the vehicle. The same problem has occurred with a family member's ml-320. In addition, the transmission has frozen four times in first gear. The mercedes dealer was unable to locate the problem. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and they replaced the hose; however, we have not retrieved the vehicle from the dealer because we are fearful about driving the vehicle due to these recurring problems. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
In september 1999, we purchased a new mercedes-benz, ml-320. in 2003, the vehicle was a part of a recall for a lower power steering hose and clamp at the radiator fitting. on august 7, 2007, while driving the vehicle, the lower power steering hose blew off loosing all hydraulic fluid. we lost…
In september 1999, we purchased a new mercedes-benz, ml-320. in 2003, the vehicle was a part of a recall for a lower power steering hose and clamp at the radiator fitting. on august 7, 2007, while driving the vehicle, the lower power steering hose blew off loosing all hydraulic fluid. we lost the power steering and had extreme difficulty steering the vehicle. the same problem has occurred with a family member's ml-320. in addition, the transmission has frozen four times in first gear. the mercedes dealer was unable to locate the problem. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the hose; however, we have not retrieved the vehicle from the dealer because we are fearful about driving the vehicle due to these recurring problems. *tr
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.
- Power steering hose assembly leakage
The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection.the loss of power steering fluid may result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (i.e., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to…
The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection.the loss of power steering fluid may result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (i.e., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to the power steering pump. There have also been a few incidents of hose separation from the fitting, that have resulted in more rapid reductions of power steering.testing conducted by mercedes-benz indicates that the leaked fluid IS not likely to be exposed to hot engine components.there are no known allegations that the defect condition has caused a vehicle fire. Mercedes-benz will conduct a voluntary recall campaign for the subject m-class vehicles.mercedes-benz will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler of the subject vehicles.during clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
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.
- 10033607Mercedes 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. Check the brake line for chafe marks from the fuel line and replace the brake line if necessary. Model 163.
- 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.
- 606282Complaints that the engine light IS on.
Every Mercedes Benz ML320 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.