NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
Water can collect in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML400 has 5 recalls, the most serious involving axle bolts on the front and/or rear drive axles that may not be properly secured, and a front suspension component that can leak oil and ignite a fire.
The axle bolt issue means that if the remaining fasteners on the drive axle carrier fracture, the vehicle can become unstable and difficult to control. Related to the suspension system, leaking oil from the front end can contact an ignition source and start a fire. There is also a fuel system concern: water can collect in the spare tire well and damage the fuel pump control module, causing the engine to stall without warning while driving. On the occupant safety side, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt may have been incorrectly installed, meaning the belt could fail to hold a rear passenger in a crash. Finally, a software fault in the emergency call system can cause it to transmit an inaccurate vehicle location, which may delay emergency responders from reaching the scene.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can collect in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
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Dealers will install a water drain plug, check for water damage, and replace the fuel pump control unit if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Oil in the Active Curve System reservoir can foam and leak from the cap's vent holes when the oil level drops below minimum during certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will adjust the oil level as needed and replace the reservoir sealing cap to stop oil foam from leaking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front and/or rear drive axle carrier bolts may have been assembled incorrectly, causing remaining bolts to fracture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the axle carrier bolts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right rear seatbelt anchor bolt may have been incorrectly installed, potentially compromising the seatbelt's ability to secure passengers properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt and correct its installation if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.