2003 Mercedes Benz ML350
Only 25 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 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 25 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2003 | 25 |
| 2004 | 35 |
| 2005 | 23 |
| 2006 | 172 |
| 2007 | 83 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 93 |
Known problem areas
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
11 of 25 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver when turned to the left.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-26
Bought this car on 01/2008 after a month or two I started to fill reservoir with power steering fluid as needed which is often. I called Mercedes Benz regarding the recall but denied my request.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-21
I was backing out of my garage, when I heard a noise coming from the left front engine. I immediately put the SUV back into the garage and parked it. I saw an oil leak where it had been parked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-05
Seats
7 of 25 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
Show complaint excerpts
Front drivers side seat, burns when heater is turned on. Burn smell, burned skin of driver. Has there been a recall on this. I have read of many instances of this same complaint on the internet. Mercedes needs to replace seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-09
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz ML350. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact smelled a burning odor. He noticed that the driver's seat was burning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-11-25
2003 mercedes ml 350 seat caught on fire. *ts when the consumer turned on the heat seating device that is when the seats caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-01
Electrical system
4 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 25 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Engine
2 of 25 total reports mention: engine.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Mercedes Benz ML350 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML350 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 2003 Mercedes Benz ML350?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML350 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.