Summary
The Mercedes-Benz ML Class has 19 recalls spanning the 1998-2015 production run, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2015 models where axle bolts on the front or rear axle can fracture, destabilizing the vehicle and raising the risk of a crash.
The 2015 model year also has a rear seatbelt anchor that can separate from its attachment point in a crash, leaving an occupant unrestrained. Staying with the final years of production, 2012 models have three separate recalls: water can pool in the spare tire well and short-circuit the fuel pump control module, causing the engine to stall while driving; on vehicles with the Active Curve System, oil in that system's reservoir can foam and spray onto hot exhaust components, creating a fire risk; and Mercedes-Benz accessory all-season floor mats can catch the accelerator pedal and hold it open or slow its return.
On 2011 models with the diesel engine, the fuel filter O-ring can leak diesel fuel onto the road. There is also a recall for 2011 vehicles where a software update applied to the vehicle control unit in late 2016 may have been incorrectly installed, potentially disrupting airbag deployment, seatbelt recognition, and other safety systems in a crash. The 2009 model year has a tailgate seal that admits water into the spare tire compartment, which can disable the power liftgate motor on vehicles equipped with that option.
The 2007 model has an accelerator pedal that may not have been fully secured to its mounting studs, which can cause inconsistent pedal position over time. On 2006 models, the brake booster can corrode and fail, increasing pedal effort and stopping distances, and in severe cases separating entirely and causing complete brake loss. A trailer hitch weld on some 2006 vehicles can fail and allow a towed load to detach.
Going back further, the 2002 model year has a left front upper control arm on ML320, ML500, and ML55 variants that can fail and affect vehicle control. The 2000-model-year cruise control, on ML55 AMG and other ML variants, can fail to disengage due to a seized brake lamp switch plunger, and the rear middle seat's belt anchor may have been assembled with out-of-tolerance hardware. On 1998 models, a power steering fluid cooling hose clamp can lose clamping force, allowing fluid to drain slowly and eventually damage the power steering pump, and a seatbelt buckle cover that was not properly staked during assembly can work loose and cause the buckle to unlatch unexpectedly.
