2001 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
- 136
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Service brakes
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 136 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.
Service brakes
35% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Electronic stability control (esc)
24% · 33 reportsSteering
18% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
My cat brake would stop car roll over
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-19
Also filed under Structure and wheels
The vehicle experienced sudden acceleration. The consumer tried to stop the vehicle and the brakes did not work. The consumer shifted and the SUV stopped.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-24
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Electrical system
13% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when it caught on fire. The fire started from under the dashboard on the passenger side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-14
The bas/esp light turns on on the dashboard. Told by the manufacturer to stop a car, turn complete left, and then complete right, switch off the engine for 10 seconds and start the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-09-06
Security system does not lock vehicles doors. *ak the remote keys does not open or close the door due to ignition lock assembly failure, it took dealer three times to correct the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-06-20
Vehicle speed control
12% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
The failed component is the YAW rate sensor, original part number A1635426340 (ATE part number 10.0980-0454.2), manufactured by ATE. I have experienced multiple incidents of sudden, unintended braking at highway speeds.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-06-18
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 3 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
2007-02-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-07-11 Electronic stability control malfunction
-
I
2010-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-05-04 Brake lamp switch failure.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Mercedes Benz ML320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 33 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 25 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 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.