1999 Mercedes Benz ML320
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
- 125
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 125 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 133 |
| 1999 | 125 |
| 2000 | 166 |
| 2001 | 136 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 21 |
| 2009 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
29% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and gasoline.
Steering
26% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
When making a slight turn or just driving straight steering wheel stuck unexpectedly and consumer has hit a wall. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide any further information. Ts.....
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-08
Power train
16% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-17
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Car was stopped put into park position on the transmission. Car lurched forward, crashed thru garage adjoining porch and deck and rolled off dropping 10 feet and turning on it's side.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-06
While vehicle was parked and engine was not running, vehicle rolled backward approximately 40 to 45 feet and crashed into a cherry tree. Upon examination gear shift lever was still in park gear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-12-18
Fuel system, gasoline
10% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.
Service brakes
10% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-07
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2003-02-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-04 Power steering hose assembly leakage
-
I
2003-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-04-22 Engine crankshaft pulley failure
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 33 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1999 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 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 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.