1998 Mercedes Benz ML320

○ Not enough data
1998 Mercedes Benz ML320
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:53:24.783Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
133
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 133 complaints 1998 133 1999: 125 complaints 2000: 166 complaints 2000 2001: 136 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 22 complaints 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2007: 16 complaints 2007 2008: 21 complaints 2009: 28 complaints 2009
1998: 133 complaints 1998 133 1999: 125 complaints 1999 2000: 166 complaints 2000 2001: 136 complaints 2001 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 22 complaints 2003 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 16 complaints 2007 2008: 21 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2009
1998: 133 complaints 1998 133 1999: 125 complaints 1999 2000: 166 complaints 2000 2001: 136 complaints 2001 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 22 complaints 2003 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 16 complaints 2007 2008: 21 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2009

1998: 133 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
1998133
1999125
2000166
2001136
200288
200322
20055
20061
200716
200821
200928

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

24% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and engine.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mercedes Benz ML320.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-14

Electrical system

17% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Visibility

15% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and sun/moon roof assembly.

INJURY

Service brakes

13% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The braking system failed and worked again after some pumping and coasting to avoid collision. The car then caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-09

Fuel system, gasoline

11% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ML320 fuel pump failed, causing crash into other vehicle. Mbz roadside assistance was called twice and claimed no record of 1ST call 4 hours earlier.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-11

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2003-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-04-22 Engine crankshaft pulley failure

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Mercedes Benz ML320 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 20 reports on file for this year.

FAQ

Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz ML320 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz ML320?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz ML320 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.