2001 Mercedes Benz ML320

○ Not enough data

2001 Mercedes Benz ML320
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:40:09.302Z

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.

How is this computed?

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%

35% of complaints: service brakes — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 24%

24% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 33 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

STEERING 18%

18% of complaints: steering — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

MY CAT BRAKE WOULD STOP CAR ROLL OVER

NHTSA ODI report, 20200119

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, 20030324

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20120314

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, 20010906

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. *YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20010620

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20260618

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20030213 — PE (closed 20030404)

POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE

I 20070201 — PE (closed 20070711)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION

I 20101221 — PE (closed 20110504)

Brake lamp switch failure.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Mercedes Benz ML320 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes issues (48 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (33 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.