2008 Mercedes Benz ML320

○ Not enough data
2008 Mercedes Benz ML320
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:53:24.833Z

Only 21 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
21

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1998: 133 complaints 1998 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 2008: 21 complaints 2008 21 2009: 28 complaints
1998: 133 complaints 1998 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 21 2009: 28 complaints 2009
1998: 133 complaints 1998 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 21 2009: 28 complaints 2009

2008: 21 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Exterior lighting

6 of 21 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights.

Show complaint excerpts

Right rear brake light inoperative even with new bulb. Dash warning light shows this light not working .08

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-24

Also filed under Service brakes

Both rear brake light assemblies have failed. These failures increase the likelihood of a rear end collision. When the left assembly failed in 2011, I attributed it to bad luck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-13

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Electrical system

4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

My 2008 is having the same problem as this 2009. Mercedes Benz is recalling 16,130 my 2009 M-Class W164 passenger vehicles equipped with the optional power lift gate.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-06

Steering

4 of 21 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and hydraulic power assist system.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz ML320. While the vehicle was moving through the automated car wash conveyor at approximately 1 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-02

Seat belts

2 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2022-06-30Service brakes, hydraulic22V315000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge.

  2. R
    2024-05-24Service brakes, hydraulic24V298000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge.

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mercedes Benz ML320 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 22V315000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 24V298000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

FAQ

Is the 2008 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 2008 Mercedes Benz ML320?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML320 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

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